Shelby's Social Diary

Eight hot chefs create culinary magic amid Kinky entertainment at Theatre Under the Stars dinner

How could the night have been anything but spectacular when eight of the city's top chefs joined forces at Reef to create a multi-course dinner for Theatre Under the Stars. Just ask the 240 guests that filled the restaurant for the TUTS "Vine & Dine" celebration.

Heading the culinary team was Reef's Bryan Caswell, joined by Cordúa Restaurants' Michael Cordúa and David Cordúa, Gatlin's BBQ's Greg Gatlin, former Feast chef Richard Knight, Uchi's Andrew Lewis, Kathleen Mathews and Philippe Schmit. Think foie gras on fresh-grilled brioche, Gulf red snapper, braised pork cheeks with mushroom polenta and dessert including aerated olive ice cream, toasted rice cremeux and chocolate ganache. Yum!

The dishes were paired with wines from Amici, Bravante Vineyards, Decimus, Hensley Family Vineyards and Nice Winery.

Forensic accountant Alan Ratliff chaired the evening that raised $174,000 for TUTS' education and outreach programming. For the diners' entertainment, excerpts from TUTS and TUTS Underground productions of Kinky Boots, Waiting for Johnny Depp and First Date were presented. The TUTS family was represented by president and CEO John Breckenridge and artistic director Bruce Lumpkin.

Satisfied diners included Paulina and Jim McGrath, Sofia Adrogué, Stephen Lewis, Doe and Henry Florsheim, Tony Chase and Dina Alsowayel, Carl Josehart and Sam Jacobson, Lamees and Nabeel Amudi and Sarah and Thad Dameris.

Sam Jacobson, left, and Carl Josehart.

Photo by © Priscilla Dickson

Sam Jacobson, left, and Carl Josehart.

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Paws and Purpose

Lavish brunch party raises nearly $1M for Houston’s homeless animals

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Tena Faust, Major John Whitmire, Tama Lundquist, and Kirby Metocha.

Brunch with a purpose? Count Houston PetSet in.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson

Tena Faust, Major John Whitmire, Tama Lundquist, and Kirby Metocha.

The beloved nonprofit swapped its traditional evening gala for a sunshine-filled fête, and the crowd clearly approved. Held September 28 at chic social hub Le Tesserae, “Le Brunch” shimmered with mimosas, music, and energy, all to support Houston’s fight against animal homelessness.

The inaugural daytime event, co-chaired by Kirby Matocha Edmund alongside PetSet co-presidents Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, drew a who’s who of Houston’s philanthropic set. Special guest Billy Bob Thornton and his band The Boxmasters delivered a rollicking set that had guests trading polite applause for full-on toe-tapping. Emcee Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston, kept spirits bright and the program flowing with her signature warmth and wit.

From classic brunch couture to photo-ready smiles, the scene blended laid-back glam with serious fundraising muscle.

And that muscle made an impact. Nearly $1 million was raised to fund PetSet’s critical grant program, which supports rescue groups and shelters across Texas. Last year, the nonprofit distributed more than $400,000 to nearly 100 local partners.

With its lively new format and near seven-figure success, “Le Brunch” might just become Houston’s next great giving tradition, with a side of croissants and good company.

Among the crowd of animal advocates were Mayor John Whitmire and Senator Joan Huffman, joined by Jan Duncan, Courtney Hopson, Mario Castillo, Alicia Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Devinder and Gina Bhatia, Rachelle and Jeff Ball, Honorable Lyndon and Marilyn Rose, Baily Dalton-Binion, Nancy Mathe, Ellen Weitz, Brittany Shattuck, Mary Doughtie, Kirk Kveton and Daniel Irion, Marge Lundquist, Sandra Smith, Shima Zangeneh, and Sue Smith.

fundraisers