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    Shelby's Social Diary

    A stunning, new-age $1.96 million gala rocks the MFAH's sedate traditions: Welcome to India!

    Shelby Hodge
    Oct 6, 2013 | 1:56 pm

    Not in two decades of covering H-Town society have we encountered a more alluringly self-confident gala chair. As she welcomed guests to the south entrance of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Friday night, Windi Grimes was a vision in a turquoise, pearl-beaded gown by Naeem Khan and a Kingfisher longneck in hand. The Indian beer was just a small indication of what was to come in a night that rocked the MFAH Grand Gala Ball's sedate traditions while raising a whopping $1.96 million.

    With "India!" as their gala theme, Windi and David Grimes envisioned a festive, energetic evening, one that would keep guests talking for weeks. And with the help of The Events Co., they succeeded.

    The splendid fun began on the museum lawn where photo ops with a massive elephant had guests standing in line. Young girls on platforms tossed showers of rose petals down on guests as they entered the museum where, just inside, a team of experts wrapped turbans on male guests who were game.

    More than 30,000 marigolds were employed in the decor that included flower garlands.

    In fact, various interpretations of India's national dress — some authentic, some modified for American sensibilities — seemed to be the fashion inspiration of the night. Even MFAH director Gary Tinterow gamely complimented his tuxedo with a billowing majestic turban, a gift from the maharaja of Rajasthan.

    While guests such as Nidhika and Pershant Mehta, Sultana Mangalji and Kathy and Marty Goossen wore authentic costumes, high fashion minded femmes including Phoebe Tudor, Diane Lokey Farb and Diana Hawkins opted for gowns by Naeem Khan, the famed Indian designer.

    Inside the museum's Cullinan Hall, the 530 guests found their places at oblong tables magically dressed in cloths in shades of orange and red shot with gold threads, lavish bouquets of marigolds running the table length. More than 30,000 marigolds were employed in the decor that included flower garlands and brightly-colored ribbons descending from the ceiling.

    The theme continued with contempo Bollywood dance entertainment by Ishaara, out of Los Angeles, and a flavorful dinner by City Kitchen that presented the best of Indian cuisine without the fiery spices.

    The night concluded with the sounds of the David Caceres Orchestra which had the dance floor packed with guests including Renu and Suresh Khator (both in their national dress), Nancy and Rich Kinder, Sara Dodd and Gregory Fourticq, Laurie and Reed Morian, Janet and Paul Hobby, Elena and Greg Davis, Melissa and Michael Mithoff and Roseann Rogers and Dr. Aashish Shah and Lisa and Paul Clemenceau.

    Kelly Somoza, from left, Ralph Burch, Beth Madison and Christopher Gardner at the MFAH Grand Gala Ball.

      
    Photo by © Michelle Watson CatchLightGroup.com
    Kelly Somoza, from left, Ralph Burch, Beth Madison and Christopher Gardner at the MFAH Grand Gala Ball.
    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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