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    Party Watch

    Houston's top chefs cook up a fab feast and much-needed funds for local food workers

    Eric Sandler
    Jun 18, 2019 | 5:15 pm

    What: I'll Have What She's Having Father's Day Cookout

    Where: Last Concert Cafe

    What: A little rain couldn't dampen the spirits of attendees at this second annual event, which raised over $10,000 to fund preventive medical care for uninsured restaurant workers. The event honored Liz Fenton, a food writer and passionate culinary enthusiast who volunteered for numerous charitable causes.

    Chef E.J. Miller (International Smoke) fulfilled the backyard barbecue theme by smoking a decadent wagyu brisket from Strube Ranch. Mallory Buford (Tacos a Go Go, Fajitas a Go Go) prepared fire-roasted chicken matched with sauces created by Alvin Schultz (Eat. Drink. Experience!). Justin Yu (Theodore Rex) stewed summer vegetables with Alubia Blanca beans and a cucumber-cabbage slaw with mushroom vinaigrette utilized produce from local farms Loam Agronomics and Johnson’s Backyard Garden. For dessert, Otto Sanchez and Matt Cabon (Magnol French Baking) created key lime pie and toasted baguette ice creams.

    "Women's health is extremely important to me," Miller said in a statement. "I have had the opportunity to work with some very influential women of our industry, and they have truly shaped who I am today. Women ought to have access to the health care that they need, as well as the right to choose what is best for their bodies and wellbeing."

    A volunteer team assembled by Chris Poldoian (Camerata), Lisa Seger (Blue Heron Farms), Elaine Dillard (Rockin Star Ranch), and Valerie Trasatti helped serve up tasty beverages from a host of sponsors, including Saint Arnold, GinMare, Tequila Patrón, Drink Ramona, and Hoxie.

    Credit for the impressive fundraising total belongs to the bidders who snapped up a range of highly-coveted silent auction items. They included dinner for 10 prepared by Schultz with wine pairings by sommelier Cat Nguyen, dinner for four at Theodore Rex, a grab bag of swag and gift certifications from several barbecue joints, and a combination of classes taught by Bobby Heugel (martini making), Morgan Weber (butchery), and French baking (Sanchez).

    Who: IHWSH co-founder Dr. Lori Choi, Jonathan Beitler, Hal Brock, Racheal Buie, Matt Harris and Leigh McBurnett, Angela Shah and James Brock, Linda Salinas, Ben Quasius, Kate McLean, Dawn Burrell, Gin Braverman and Bret Whitacre.

    Mary Ellen Angel, Dr. Damla Karsan, Ersen Erdemir.

    IHWSH father's day cookout Mary Ellen Angel. Dr. Damla Karsan. Ersen Erdemir
      
    Photo by Emily Jaschke
    Mary Ellen Angel, Dr. Damla Karsan, Ersen Erdemir.
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    Creative Mayhem

    Houston art museum's gala mixes auction buzz and Spinderella beats

    Joel Luks
    Jun 12, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Contemporary Arts Museum Houston gala 2025
    Photo by Emily Jaschke
    Alecia Harris, Grace Zamiga, Michele Leal, Bailey Dalton, and Charlotta Hill.

    Art lovers, collectors, and creative provocateurs turned up and turned it out for CAMH Party, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s signature benefit and art auction. Never ones for beige galas or sleepy sit-downs, CAMH once again threw a night that shimmered with style, swagger, and the museum’s trademark adventurous, creative edge.

    The Brown Foundation Gallery became the canvas for the night, dressed up with artful flourish by Events Co., complete with dramatic lighting and immersive décor that played off the evening’s sassy energy. More than 200 guests made their entrance on a vibrant green carpet, decked in bold colors, high-concept fashion, and a clear understanding of the assignment: Serve lewks, not leftovers.

    Guests sipped cocktails from Lalo Tequila while previewing the silent auction, featuring coveted works by the likes of Robert Pruitt, Alexis Pye, and Roxy Paine, with bidding powered by Qtego Fundraising Services. But this was no quiet affair — the room buzzed with excited chatter and sneaky competitive glances from across the gallery walls.

    Then partygoers shifted to dinner mode with a refined menu from Swift and Co. Hors d’oeuvres included caviar tacos and steak tartare, followed by elegant entrées like scallopini of chicken and herb-crusted salmon. Dessert? A floral-forward strawberry sorbet kissed with mascarpone, meringue, and actual rose petals—because why not eat like you’re in a painting?

    CAMH co-directors Ryan Dennis and Melissa McDonnell Luján toasted to the museum’s legacy and shared what’s ahead, including a solo show by Houston-born artist Tomashi Jackson and the Teen Council’s 25th anniversary this summer. A buzzy live auction led by Sotheby’s Charlie Caulkins followed, with works by CAMH-exhibited artists like Garrett Bradley, Cindy Sherman, and Vincent Valdez sparking energetic bids and side-eyes alike.

    Then came the inevitable vibe shift: the After Party.

    The gallery morphed into a nocturnal lounge where grilled cheese met churros, and the legendary DJ Spinderella spun hits that got the art crowd dancing like nobody was watching or judging. Guests sipped more Lalo, bounced to the beat, and stayed well past midnight.

    Soaking in the creative mayhem were Elisa and Chris Pye, Poppi Massey, Phoebe Cholnoky, Josh Pazda and Chris Goins, Sissy and Denny Kempner, Joe and Johanne Gatto, Kristin and Drew Perring, Danielle O’Bannon and Jon Redwine, Unique James, and Darryl Sharpton, with support from a powerhouse host committee featuring names like Paola Creixell, Jamal Cyrus, Mary and Marcel Barone, and Jessica Phifer.

    Contemporary Arts Museum Houston gala 2025
      

    Photo by Emily Jaschke

    Alecia Harris, Grace Zamiga, Michele Leal, Bailey Dalton, and Charlotta Hill.

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