KHOU Channel 11 news ace Courtney Zubowskiput aside her microphone, donned a party dress and kicked up her heels at a rocking birthday bash hosted by her steady squeeze Dr. Eric Haas.

The good doctor opened his Bellaire home to almost 100 pals, many from the TV news world, who grooved to the sounds of DJ K-Rock at Eric's backyard lounge where a light show added to the entertainment. Guests feasted on dim sum and sea bass served by Houston fave Gigi Huang, who tapped the chefs at Gigi's Asian Bistro to deliver the good eats. For dessert, the party crowd grazed through a field of Sprinkles cupcakes and the candy bar designed by stylist Stevie Bingham.

Party animals, some of whom ditched their shoes for a late night dance fest, included Channel 11's Jeff McShan, Chita Johnson and Sherry Williams along with KTRK Channel 13 news personalities Miya Shay, Casey Curry and Katie McCall. Joining in toasts to the birthday girl were Drs. Valerie and John Bauer, Stuart Rosenberg, Edward Sanchez, Dr. Roland Maldonado, Segev and Amy Zadok, Kim Padgett and Drs. Nadia and Ali Mahmood.

No kilts necessary

You might not have heard of The Eden Club, based in St. Andrews, Scotland, but John Daugherty Jr., founder of John Daugherty Realtors, and Eden Club founder and chairman Tom Lawrence did their best last week to spread the word on the private members club that gives members access to Pittormie Castle, a private retreat in St. Andrews.

The round of events introducing the baronial castle with eight luxurious apartments included a cocktail reception at River Oaks Country Club, where Lawrence regaled guests with tales of the golfing, shooting and fly fishing that are part of the Eden Club experience. He also revealed upcoming plans for The Eden Residence Club, offering second home experiences not only in St. Andrews but also Pebble Beach, London, New York, Aspen, Tuscany and more.

Among those with visions of international luxury in their eyes were Harris Pappas, Blake Tartt III, Alice and Keith Mosing, Wick and Rob Rowland, Robert Sakowitz, Marijo and Denman Moody and Dana and Charles Hartwell.

70 never looked so good

We can't think of anyone wearing the decades any better than former Texas first lady Linda Gale White, who celebrated that milestone at Ninfa's on Navigation. Hosts included the birthday girl's husband former Gov. Mark White plus Suzie and Larry Johnson, Fredelle and Bobby Deutser, Barbara and Charles Hurwitz (out of the country and missed the party) and Shara Fryer and Barry Silverman.

Sipping 'ritas and putting away the signature fajitas and enchiladas were more than 60 guests that included Linda Schmuck and Todd Zucker, Frann Lichtenstein, Regina Rogers, Tish and George Bolin, Janet Gurwitch and Ron Franklin and the White's three grown children — Mark, Andrew and Elizabeth — and their spouses.

A rosé by any other name

Lillet introduced its newest product in 50 years, Lillet Rosé, at a swank cocktail fete at Philippe Restaurant + Lounge for which Lillet brand ambassador Amanda Boccata flew in from New York.

Among those on hand for introduction of the new aperitif were Chris Lowder, Chip Hight, Karen and Byron Hood, Mike Raymond, Joe Nelson and Jerry Reimondo, Karen and Walter Krey and Irwin Sivin.

Steve Tyrell and Boston Pops

Our hometown crooner/music producer was front and center along with Patti Austin at the Boston Pops Visions of America concert last weekend. The duo was invited to perform with the orchestra as it presented music coordinated to photo images taken across the country by photo-historianJoseph Sohm.

The works, taken over a 30-year period, depict American democracy in its various incarnations. The photo show, displayed on a huge screen behind the orchestra, was narrated by Clint Eastwood.

After the performance, Tyrell e-mailed, "I am proud to have been asked to be the male musical voice!!"