More than 100 of the city’s movers and shakers packed the poolside, atrium-like “salon” of the Hotel Granduca to toast the inaugural class of Houston CityBook's Leaders & Legends, as seen in a dynamic portrait portfolio in the magazine's April issue. The intimate cocktail party was held in the very space where the 14 Leaders & Legends were photographed by Steve Visneau.
In the middle of the room, a gourmet spread greeted guests — the caviar was to-die-for — who mixed and mingled over cocktails and heavy pours of vino and sparkling rosé. Nearby, teen prodigies of the Virtousi of Houston chamber orchestra performed.
After grabbing some passed bites like the sweet miniature waffle cones filled with savory ahi tuna, guests took their posts at cocktail tables and CityBook’s executive publisher Lisa Holthouse took to the mic. She praised each honoree for his or her contributions to their respective disciplines and presented them with a special gift, courtesy of Events. BBVA Compass, CultureMap, and Lamborghini Houston were among the hosts and sponsors of the photographic portfolio and party.
Leaders & Legends in attendance included iconic prima ballerina Lauren Anderson; Houston Ballet principal Conor Walsh; commercial developer Jonathan Brinsden of Midway Companies; businesswomen and wellness execs Janet Gurwitch and Tiffany Masterson; developer and visionary Gerald Hines; UH Hines College of Architecture dean Patricia Oliver; restaurateurs Ben Berg and Tony Vallone; philanthropist Phoebe Tudor; and the ever-iconic Lynn Wyatt, Houston CityBook’s April covergirl.
The 2018 Houston Leaders & Legends.
