While BFFs Lara Bell and Roseann Rogers typically celebrate their birthdays in June (Lara's is May 30th and Roseann's July 25th), the media divas decided to delay their annual celebration this summer until the opening of Ruth's Chris Steak House.
With more than 100 friends wishing many happy returns, the gals blew out the candles in August at the newly relocated steak house. It was a feast with the eatery putting on a spread of beef sliders, sides of smoked salmon, shrimp cocktails, ahi tuna canapes and more. To wash it down Ruth's Chris signature summer drink Cucumber Collins and specialty wines.
For dessert, Nadine Moon of Who Made the Cake provided the three-tiered, multi-flavored extravaganza complete with sparkling sugar stilettos decorating the base.
In a turn on traditional gift-giving, the birthday girls gifted their guests with swag bags brimming with goodies from Therapy Hair Studio, the Upper Hand, nail polish from Jentry Kelly and a variety of gift certificates.
Joining the party were Jessica Rossman and Gordon Bethune, Roz and Alan Pactor, Channel 11’s Courtney Zubowski-Hass and husband Dr. Eric Haas, Joann Crassas, Channel 2’s Frank Billingsley, Tess and Jack Chaney, Dr. Angela Sturm, Kim Padgett, Channel 13’s Miya Shay, Laurette Veres and Gabriela and Daniel Dror.
Wendy Davis in Aspen
The formidable State Sen. Wendy Davis was a major hit in Aspen earlier this month when she rallied supporters as guest speaker at the Pitkin County Democratic Party dinner held at the T Lazy 7 Ranch Lodge, where Aspen residents were joined by a number of Houstonians.
Earlier in the day, transplanted Houstonians Blanca and Cavanaugh O'Leary hosted a fundraiser for Davis in their Rocky Mountain aerie. Houston-based political consultant Kathryn McNiel was the conduit for getting Davis to Aspen. Among those applauding the senator's efforts were Ellen Randall, Kitty Rabinow, Phyllis and Steven Seger and Sherry Merfish.
When asked if she would run for governor, Davis responded that she was seriously considering it — that while autographing the pink sneakers that won attention during her filibuster.
Federal Grill b'day bash
There were loads of birthday candles to be blown out at the Federal Grill recently when owner Matt Brice hosted a triple birthday celebration for Houston Ballet’s Patsy Chapman, Modern Luxury publisher Peter Remington and businesswoman Regina Garcia.
More than 50 of their closest pals sipped on cocktails and munched on yummy beef sliders, goose fat popcorn, fried oysters and mini pastrami Rueben sandwiches.
Those well-wishers include Denise and Sam Malone, Kenny Hand, Carolyn Farb, Brenda Cheney, Rhonda Schroeder, Mary Jane Zummo, Lilli Braniff, Howard Covens, Amber Willis, Linda and Mike Riehl, Judy Nichols, Brent Eidson and Dianna and David Voll.
Sight 'ems
Catastrophic Theatre board members and fans toasting the successful run of "Tamarie Cooper's Old as Hell!" at Hotel Icon's Line & Lariat before heading to a final performance of the show. In the mix were board members Mark Johnson, Mark Yzaguirre, Marty Hricik, Jennifer Elkins and Caroline Starry LeBlanc with guests Jenny Johnson, Jared LeBlanc, David and Sarah Keck and Susanna Kise among others.
Blanca O'Leary, from left, Wendy Davis and Kathryn McNiel at Davis' fundraiser in Aspen.
