A monumental public outing

Gabrielle Giffords front and center at Tilman Fertitta's Mardi Gras gala, wowsin burgundy gown

Gabrielle Giffords beams at the Mardi Gras event as her husband Mark Kelly lookson.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Gabrielle Giffords swayed to the music during the party and was very muchengaged in the action.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Mark Kelly and Gabrielle Giffords are flanked by the Fertittas. The couplealways makes Tilman Fertitta's San Luis Salute — and this year, througheverything, they'd make it again.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Gabrielle Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly enjoy a quiet moment during thefestivities.
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Gabrielle Giffords and husband Mark Kelly stand to sway in tune with the band atthe Galveston San Luis Mardi Gras saltue.
Shelby Hodge
Michael Fertitta, from left, Mark Kelly, Gabrielle Giffords, Tilman and PatrickFertitta at the Galveson Mardi Gras.
Shelby Hodge

GALVESTON —The rumors had been swirling for two days — former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, would attend Tilman Fertitta's San Luis Salute Mardi Gras gala as they had in years past. And they did Friday night, sitting down for dinner and staying for most of the entertainment amid a raucous crowd of 1,200.

The difference in 2012 from previous years was that Giffords no longer had the attractive blonde locks that had defined her looks before the assassination attempt a year ago. Rather she wore her hair in the familiar short cut, now brown, and wore glasses that were new to her look since the shooting. For the black-tie occasion, she wore a fetching spaghetti-strapped burgundy gown topped with a white silk shawl.

She had two armed law officers within shouting distance. And there was a caregiver only feet away from Giffords' prime seat next to gala chair Tilman Fertitta.

She had two armed law officers within shouting distance. And there was a caregiver only feet away from Giffords' prime seat next to gala chair Tilman Fertitta at the head table at the San Luis Convention Center. When the couple was introduced after the grand entry of notables, they received a standing ovation to which they warmly responded, standing and waving to the crowd of 1,200 Mardi Gras revelers.

Giffords, who resigned her congressional post last month to focus on her recovery from a gunshot wound to the head, was all smiles as she greeted numerous admirers, posed for photos and swayed to the tunes of the various bands. She was gracious beyond expectations though she said little, expressing her sentiment with smiles and nods.

In a private photo opp with singer Belinda Carlisle, lead singer of the now disbanded Go Go's, Giffords was genial and warm, depending on Kelly to help her walk the considerable distance from the ballroom to the lobby to meet the singer.

Following the singer's performance, Giffords departed with security and caregiver in tow.

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Michelin Stars

Superstar Spanish chefs return to Houston for dinners with a purpose

Hope and Opportunity Dinner Texas Children's Hospital

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

Leave it to Houston to blend avant-garde gastronomy with generosity, stirring up a one-two punch of flavor and philanthropy.

Over two intimate evenings, Isabel and Ignacio “Nacho” Torras opened their private home for the Hope and Opportunity Dinners,an affair that embraced the neurodiverse community with epicurean delight.

The dinners, limited to 100 guests per night, were a collaborative recipe honoring the missions of Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute and The Genuine Cup, the nonprofit arm of The Genuine Foundation. With a thematic throughline of “Hope” and “Opportunity,” guests were treated to a nine-course menu..

The culinary talent? Flying in from their famed El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, Michelin-starred brothers Joan Roca (head chef) and Jordi Roca (pastry chef), along with sommelier Marta Cortizas, teamed up with chef Luis Roger of Houston’s Michelin-starred BCN Taste & Tradition. The menu, a poetic composition of bold Spanish flavors and delicate textures, was elevated further by thoughtful wine pairings.

Far from a solo act, the Roca brothers worked in sync with some of Houston’s culinary luminaries: Felipe Riccio (March), Mayank Istwal (Mussafer), David Skinner (Eculent), Felipe Botero (Le Jardinier), Mary Cuclis (Kriti Kitchen), and Emmanuel Chavez (Tatemó). Service each evening was led by 27 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported by 10 coaches.

One dinner honored Whitney and Jim Crane, whose Astros Foundation has become a pillar of Houston philanthropy, and Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, whose groundbreaking neuroscience work continues to shape the future of medicine. The second dinner spotlight fell on Laura Arnold, co-founder of Arnold Ventures LLC, and Dr. Debra F. Sukin, president and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, both champions for equity and innovation in their fields.

The evenings ended with cookbook signings by the Roca brothers, a fitting souvenir from two nights where food was both an experience and a vehicle for change. The events raised more than $400,000.

Showing up for science and inclusion were Monica and Yordon Alvarez, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Carlos Correa, Molly and Crownover, Paula and Reginald DesRoches, Pam and Keith Fullenweider, Adrienne and Jared Crane, Cynthia and Tony Petrello, Phoebe Tudor and Tudor, Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught, and Penny and Paul Layne.

Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital

Jordi Roca, Ignacio Torras, and Joan Roca.

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