Celebration and appreciation was the vibe of the night at the launch party for the fourth issue of Sugar & Rice, an independent magazine dedicated to portraying the Gulf Coast culture through food. A group of around 150 Houstonians gathered at the new Heights bar, Johnny’s Gold Brick, to celebrate the diverse group of people who made the issue happen.
In remarks to the crowd, editor David Leftwich and publisher Chris Cusack, who also owns the Heights-based restaurant group Treadsack, thanked contributors and subscribers, highlighting the effort it takes to keep a print publications alive. Leftwich also appeared behind the bar and served up his signature drink "Tops Drop,"named after the song by Houston rapper Fat Pat.
The magazine's current issue came to life when Jermaine Berotte appeared with his slab ("slow low and bangin'") customized car.
The magazine's current issue came to life when Jermaine Berotte appeared with his slab ("slow low and bangin'") customized car. Berotte's slab, dubbed "ICEBURRG", is featured in a story on Houston slab culture. The slab proved popular among guests throughout the night as they hovered around the car, taking photos.
Magazine subscribers who RSVPed to the event were treated with a complimentary cocktail called “En Vino Veritas,” which won second place at the 2015 Sugar Land Wine and Food Affair. The wine-inspired drink with floral flavors and fresh fruit was the work of Johnny’s Gold Brick’s bartender Justin Ware.
Guests also enjoyed libations served up from the bar’s classic-filled menu including Old Fashioned, Moscow mule, and a margarita that packs a punch. For party goers who were hungry, the Pi Pizza Truck kept the delicious slices coming all night.
The latest issue of Sugar & Rice is available at various local business and subscriptions are available online.
Seen in the crowd were cookbook author Robb Walsh, CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler, Hunky Dory chef Richard Knight, Houston Barbecue Festival organizer Michael Fulmer, freelance food writer Nick Hall, Plant It Forward's Colleen O'Donnell, Houston Magazine's Lindsey George and Urban Harvest Farmers market manager Tyler Horne.
Chris Cusack, Treadsack owner and Sugar & Rice magazine publisher, poses next to Jermaine Berotte's ICEBURRG.
