Shelby's Social Diary

Dining in the dark something new for gala-goers at Hotel ZaZa

Ernie Manouse, left, and Joanne King Herring.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Donna Teichman, from left, Judi McGee, Carolyn Mann and Sidney Faust.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Close to 400 guests donned blindfolds for the Taping for the Blind dinner atHotel ZaZa.
Photo by Kim Coffman
Dinning in the Dark Chair Janet Waker, left, and Diane Lokey Farb.
Photo by Kim Coffman

For the third year in a row, supporters of Taping for the Blind donned blindfolds for the "Dining in the Dark" fundraiser, held Tuesday at Hotel ZaZa. Despite the unusual nature of the event, it was Taping for the Blind's most successful fundraiser in the non-profit's 43-year-history.

A few key elements all but guaranteed the success — honoree Mary Farish Johnston of the revered Farish family and entertainment by two-time Grammy Award-winner Diane Schuur, blind from birth.

ZaZa's executive chef Todd Ruiz prepared a special menu that emphasized aroma, texture and flavor in order to stimulate the senses, other than sight, of the blindfolded guests. Spec's and Terlato Wines International provided wines by M. Chapoutier, which has taken the initiative since 1996 to print wine labels in braille.

Close to 400 joined in support of the organization that provides a reading radio broadcast description of upcoming cultural events and custom recording services for print-handicapped individuals. Among the guests were Dennis Johnston, Jan Duncan, Lilly and Thurman Andress, Karen and Mury Penner, Darlene and Cappy Bisso, Carolyn and Henry Broesche, Vito Ponzio Jr. and Richard Branch, Joanne King Herring, Diane Lokey Farb and Merele Yarborough.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction