Even legendary stars need a break from the on-stage, backstage routine. Remember Lady Gaga's late-night off-the-radar feast at Spanish Flowers? No surprise then that both Tony Bennett and French singing/acting sensation Patrick Bruel dined plenteously while in town last week for concerts.
The night before he took the stage at the Hobby Center for his Music With Friends inaugural concert, Bennett tucked into a corner booth at Churrasco's River Oaks for an early dinner. He was joined by his daughter, Antonia, and four friends who made the most of the acclaimed Latin American steakhouse menu.
Bennett had the seafood mixed grill (Opereta de Mariscos) while Antonia ordered Corduas’ signature Churrasco, named by Esquire magazine as one of the “Top 20 Steaks in America.”
Even at age 88, Bennett still enjoys a cocktail, ordering a Unico Margarita, made with hand-selected, barrel-aged Herradura tequila. For dessert, the songmeister ordered the Flaming Tres Leches, prepared tableside.
The night before his concert at House of Blues, Bruel was escorted around town by Jean-Francois Bonneté, COO of Pisco Portón, stopping in at Etoile in Uptown Park for a meet-and-greet with fans who poured in on learning that the star was in the house.
It was a special moment for Etoile owner/chef Philippe Verpiand and his wife, Monica. Verpian and Bruel come from the same region in France, their hometowns only a short drive apart. Lots to talk about.
French singing sensation Patrick Bruel, center, with Nathalie and Jean Francois Bonneté at right.
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Photo by Leonid Furmansky