Shelby About Town
Ashley Judd in $360,000 bling, Tilman Fertitta on the patio & red light camerafoes at Seder
How sweet it was when opposing political protagonists came together over Seder dinner Saturday at Damian's Italian Cucina. It might have been red light camera enthusiast George Hittner versus City Attorney Dave Feldman and Paul Kubosh, whose family organized the successful effort to take the cameras down. But in the name of peace, participants came together to read the Haggadah and savor the passover feast.
This was the 12th annual Seder dinner hosted by George, general counsel for American Traffic Solutions, and his wife, Erica, both of whom came in from their home base in Phoenix. More than 200 Jews, Christians and Muslims filled the restaurant for the traditional meal, including George's dad, U.S. District Judge David Hittner.
The heavy-hitter crowd included Dr. Helen Mintz Hittner, City Councilwoman Ellen Cohen, U.S. Senate candidate Ted Cruz, Texas State Republican Party chairman Steve Munisteri, former City Councilwoman Toni Lawrence and husband Bob, State Representative candidate Gene Wu and fiancee Miya Shay, Mary Benton, Jason Fuller, Cindy Clifford, Carl Davis, Karen Hood and Byron Hood, who was tapped by George to serve as the "voice of God" in the reading.
Jurisprudence honors
Applause, applause for Andrews Kurth of Counsel Jonathon Day, who received the Anti-Defamation League's Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award at the annual award luncheon held at the Hyatt Regency. More than 600 turned out in support of the event that honored Day for his lifelong dedication to diversity, fairness, education and Houston's economy.
The award was presented by ADL board chair Rochelle Jacobson. Karen Dow and Mark Trachtenberg chaired the event that raised $300,000. Among the numerous co-hosts were four past award recipients Scott Atlas, Bill Barnett, David Beck and Neal Manne.
In his remarks, Day urged those attending to support comprehensive, humane immigration reform.
Beautiful bling
You might have noticed the dazzling ruellia flower brooch that Ashley Judd wore as a hair ornament when she spoke last week at the Children's Assessment Center luncheon. Or maybe the earrings and necklace caught your eye. That was $360,000 worth of bling, thank you.
The pieces that totally dressed up her luncheon attire were from the vault of Houston-based Nini Jewels. Luncheon chairs Nancy Golden and Diane Caplan facilitated the arrangement for jewelry designer Nini Hale. Her publicist Tim Moloney then worked with Ashley's agent at William Morris in New York.
Tim personally delivered the pieces to Ashley in her hotel. "She answered the door herself . . . she's really down to earth. I could listen to her voice forever," Tim emailed.
Sight 'ems
Houston Texans running back Arian Foster at Katsuya's Dragon Lounge Saturday evening for a few late-night bites, including the seared tuna with Japanese salsa, rock shrimp and crispy rice . . .
World-ranked professional American tennis playerJames Blake, in town for the River Oaks tennis tournament, dining with Ali Ansari at Katsuya where they feasted on the eatery's signature baked crab hand rolls, spicy tuna with crispy rice, the albacore and crispy onions and more . . .
Karen Johnson celebrating an early birthday dinner with friends at La Griglia where hubby Mark Johnson hosted. Helping blow out the candles — Melinda and Dr. Norman Berkman, Diane and John Connally, Karen and Mike Mayell and Sheridan and John Eddie Williams . . .
Paige and Tilman Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Blayne Fertitta, Todd Fertitta and Tilman's parents Joy and Vic Fertitta having an Easter Sunday dinner on the patio at La Griglia.