Shelby's Social Diary
Dinner on a grand stage: Maestro Hans Graf shows off his knowledge of wines as the music plays
It is traditionally one of the Houston Symphony's most popular fundraisers and Sunday night's Maestro Wine Dinner & Collector's Auction proved once again that this is an evening not to be missed.
With Lindy and John Rydman of Spec's, joined by their daughter Lisa Rydman Key, selecting the dinner wines and with Jackson & Co. providing a scrumptious multi-course menu, the stage was set at Jones Hall for a grand soirée.
The evening began with cocktails in the performance hall foyer, where guests perused the wine auction, the notable vintages gathered by wine auction chairs Dr. Tom Nichols and Robert Sakowitz. Then it was on to the Encore Cafe on the mezzanine level, where the first two courses were served and entertainment was provided by violinist Chloé Trevor, 2008 Silver Medalist in the Ima Hogg Competition.
The well-heeled group of 200 then moved on to Jones Hall stage where dinner continued as did Houston Symphony maestro Hans Graf's commentary on the wines that were served with each course. Bordeaux Blanc, Pomerol, Meursault and Pinot Noir were among the wines carefully paired with the Jackson & Co. menu.
Judy and Scott Nyquist chaired this the most successful Maestro Wine Dinner to date. No doubt part of the success was due to generous honorees Phoebe and Bobby Tudor.
Among those savoring all delicious aspects of this evening were Houston Symphony CEO Mark Hanson and wife Christina, Rita Graf, Marie Bosarge, Darlene and Cappy Bisso, Nancy and Bob Peiser, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Greggory and Pat Burk, Renu and Suresh Khator, Audrey and Brandon Cochran and Linda and Gene Dewhurst.