We thought Houston was rocking in 2003 when the city hosted Super Bowl XXXVIII. But no. Sunday night's rollicking gridiron celebrations topped it all, belying any tanking oil prices.
MetroNational started the party early with a buffet feast at Vallone's that began mid-afternoon. And with the political clout that the major westside development company enjoys, the turnout was impressive.
Liberty Kitchen's Lee Ellis was there revealing secrets of the team's new outpost in MetroNational's Treehouse.
Mayor Annise Parker, mayoral contenders State Rep. Sylvester Turnerand City Councilman Stephen Costelloalong with City Councilwoman Brenda Stardig were among the heavy-hitters savoring the bountiful buffet.
MetroNational president Loc McNew, MetroNational's senior vice president Jason Johnson and MetroNational honcho Jim Jard welcomed more than 100 high-profile guests to the second floor special events room of the popular Memorial area steakhouse.
Four mega flat-screen TVs, two full bars and delish buffet stations tempted guests such as KPRC Channel 2 GM Jerry Martin, political player Billy Burge, Channel 13 KTRK reporter Deborah Wrigleyand former Texas Governor Mark White.
Liberty Kitchen's Lee Ellis was there revealing secrets of the team's new outpost in MetroNational's Treehouse.
"Every Liberty Kitchen is imagined to be a little different," Ellis said. "A different menu. The whole thing is designed for the neighborhood."
The new restaurant will feature a full open kitchen and oyster bar, according to Ellis. Every seat will have a view to the open kitchen. The restaurant is expected to open in November.
VIP Central
Across town at another location the best Super Bowl party ever was taking place with 600 or so VIPs. Think top CEOs, trust fund babies, self-made multi-millionaires. In short, Houston's creme de la creme.
This party was so fantastic that many among the 600 guests were clamoring for a repeat in 2017 when Houston hosts the Super Bowl.
I was invited as a friend and asked not to write about the party. But I figure as long as no names and no location are revealed, no penalty flags will fall.
This party was so fantastic that many among the 600 guests were clamoring for a repeat in 2017 when Houston hosts the Super Bowl. Indeed, with two dozen flat-screen TVs, two practically as large as those in NRG Stadium, and killer service and food, thank you Reef and Bryan Caswell and Bill Floyd, and a football environ created by Richard Flowers and The Events Co., we have seldom seen a more incredible party.
An ice sculpture tempted guests to the cold seafood station that included caviar, shrimp, lobster, raw oysters and sushi seafood. Barbecue and Tex-Mex stations, offered endless supplies of sustenance while service was over the top.
Suffice it to say that despite the tanking price of oil, the Houston economy and the bank accounts of big players remain robust enough to handle extraordinary celebrations.
Best Super Bowl party ever. Better than Vegas. Guests clamor for a repeat in 2017. Better than Reliant Stadium!!
