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    KHOU CultureMap Moment

    Creative chefs work magic at first-ever SPAM cookoff that Monty Python would love

    Whitney Radley
    May 4, 2013 | 2:59 pm

    An indefinite shelf life, a dubious ingredient list and a suspiciously square shape has given SPAM a bad name for decades, but Theatre Under The Stars and the Saint Arnold Brewing Company recently teamed up to elevate the canned meat at Houston's first-ever "Saint Arnold's Spam Off."

    The event benefited TUTS and highlighted the upcoming production of Spamalot - The Musical, at the Hobby Center May 14-26.

    Chefs from Beaver's Icehouse, food trucks Craft Infusion and Phamily Bites, Hollister on Washington, Fat Bao, Reef, Underbelly and Saint Arnold's showed off their skill at the throw-down on Wednesday.

    "There was everything from SPAM sushi to smoked SPAM potato salad. I also remember some SPAM tacos and some SPAM cuts that were covered in a coffee-based rub," Sam Byrd, public relations manager for TUTS, explained to CultureMap.

    Guests each received a ticket upon entry and voted for their favorite SPAM dish by dropping it into a coconut shell placed on the table of the chef whose dish they liked best.

    Craft Infusion won for....well, let's let their culinary masters explain in their own Monty Pythonesque way:

    Bridgekeeper: Hee hee heh. Stop. What... is your name?
    King Arthur: It is 'Arthur', King of the Britons.
    Bridgekeeper: What... is your quest?
    King Arthur: To seek the Holy Grail.
    Bridgekeeper: What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
    King Arthur: What do you mean? An African or European swallow?
    Bridgekeeper: Huh? I... I don't know that.
    [he is thrown over]
    Bridgekeeper: Auuuuuuuugh.
    Sir Bedevere: How do know so much about swallows?
    King Arthur: Well, you have to know these things when you're a king, you know.

    Were you king you would also know that, Wednesday Evening the 1st of May year of our lord 2013, Chefs Joe Apa of Rudyards and Troy Witherspoon of Craft Infusion collaborated on a Spam and cheese biscuit sandwich so sublime as to be voted the favorite among those in attendance at this royal gathering.

    Said biscuit was comprised of sweet potato dough baked to flaky perfection and filled with whipped cream cheese, Spam seared with Saint Arnold root beer BBQ sauce and crowned with a cucumber, carrot and Serrano pepper summer pils slaw.

    No shrubberies or Llamas were harmed during the preparation of this sandwich.

    CultureMap editor-in-chief Clifford Pugh took KHOU Channel 11 News behind the scenes at the Saint Arnold brewery to see what dish newly-installed chef Ryan Savoie entered in the contest for this week's CultureMap Moment. Take a look at the video below — we think you'll be righteously shocked by the transformation.

    The brewery and TUTS are pairing up again on May 16 for a Saint Arnold Night at Spamalot - The Musical. Tickets start at $44 and include a pre-party at the Saint Arnold Brewery and a school bus ride to and from the Hobby Center.

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    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

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