What began a decade ago as an intimate sidewalk get-together aimed at expanding the reach of the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston has expanded into a classy block party that benefited from last week's perfect weather. While it was not exactly barbecue and bubbly at the annual Champagne & Ribs soirée, the crowd of 400 ate up the artful experience that spread across the museum lawn.

In a change of program that saw ticket costs drop and a cash bar arise, the traditional barbecue, from previous sources such as Demeris, was replaced by the Zilla Street Eats food truck that on this night offered a satisfying if calorific concoction of barbecued pulled pork with smoked gouda cheese topped with Cheetos. Even Mayor Annise Parker was swooning over the tasty fare, confessing that Cheetos are her favorite, though seldom indulged, junk food.

John Guess Jr., founder of the event, passed the reins over to benefit chairs Melinda and Felix Chevalier and City Councilman James Rodriguez. They were among guests taking advantage of the museum's open doors and getting a look at Donald Moffett: The Extravagant Vein.

Museum director Bill Arning and board president Bill Goldberg, Leigh Smith and benefit underwriters Jo and Jim Furr were among the CAMH regulars on hand. While the Robert Glasper Trio performed, Goldberg observed, "It's so much fun. It's a street party, a very chic street party. Very typical of the energy we are generating now. It all comes from Bill Arning."

In addition to saluting Guess, the evening honored Chloe Dao, Sydney Dao, Diedra Fontaine and Elwyn Lee.

The smart crowd included City Councilman Steve Costello, Melanie Lawson, Bryce Kennard, Gina Gaston, Miya Shay, Alton LaDay and Jonathan Glus, Sharon and Errol McLaughlin Jr., Shannon Buggs, Heidi and Marcus Smith, Adrian Patterson, Kathryn McNeil, Tiffany and Dennis Hatchett, Katie Bright and Sheila Ellis.