Stone throwing in the Glassell house

Royal battle emerges over philanthropist's ninth will

Houston's legal elite are preparing for what is sure to be a courtroom circus over the estate of the late oil tycoon and philanthropist Alfred C. Glassell, Jr.

Chronicle legal eagle Mary Flood sets the stage for the battle scheduled to begin next week. In one corner are Glassell's widow, Claire Atwell Glassell; his son, Alfred Glassell III; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (where the Glassell Collection of African Gold resides); and the Glassell Family Foundation, a charity run by Alfred Glassell III.

In the other corner is Curry Glassell, the daughter who believes she was disinherited by the influence of Vinson & Elkins lawyers who coerced her father into giving her share of the estate to the family charity.

The disagreement centers over which of Glassell's nine wills should be followed. Glassell's widow and son advocate the most recent will, signed in 2003, while Curry Glassell is arguing in favor of a will signed in 1998.

Hanging in the balance are hundreds of millions from the half-billion-dollar estate, thousands of acres of land, priceless art treasures and any chance at a cordial family Thanksgiving.

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Tasting Table Recap

Foodies feast at CultureMap Houston's first Tasting Table dinner

CultureMap Tasting Table B.B. Italia Land Rover Southwest

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

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A select group of food-obsessed Houstonians had a very special Monday night meal at the first CultureMap Tasting Table. Held at B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar in Sugar Land Town Square, the sold-out affair celebrated good food, refreshing drinks, and the special twists that make every CultureMap event a night to remember.

The evening began with a cocktail hour that featured sips from event sponsor Weber Ranch Vodka. Under the watchful eyes of Berg Hospitality Senior Vice President of Operations Arthur Mooradian and B.B. Italia general manager Jason Fletcher, the restaurant’s staff glided through the crowd offering filet skewers and the fan favorite meatballs. Guests also had the opportunity to admire a well-appointed Land Rover Defender, courtesy of presenting sponsor Land Rover Southwest Houston.

Once inside, guests had the opportunity to pose for a caricature from NXTLVL Events — yes, the same Bob Ross-inspired robot that was such a hit at the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. Prior to the meal, Gow Media CRO Lindsey Harvel welcomed everyone and gave a little special recognition to CultureMap Houston editor Eric Sandler (a.k.a, this author).

B.B. Italia served a three-course meal that highlighted their most popular dishes. Diners could opt for either a classic Caesar or Burrata Citrus Salad to start. From there, they chose either Shrimp Scampi over linguini, a classic Chicken Parmigiana, or the Grandma’s Ravoli — a brisket-filled take on the classic that was served with an appealing cream parmesan sauce. The meal finished with a sample tray of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, cheesecake, cannoli, and tiramisu.

Happy and full, everyone returned to the Land Rover Defender for gift bags and swag from the night’s sponsors.

Seen in the crowd were Houston influencer Nicole Kestenbaum, Gow Media CEO Jacob Swain, a team from the PR mavens at Public Content, Brynn Lehman from Weber Ranch Vodka, and the night’s very special guests Land Rover Southwest general manager Chris Parker and his wife, Brand Strategy Director at Sonic Automotive Ashley Parker. We also extend a hearty congratulations to Dulles High School principal Corey Stewart and his wife Megnon, who celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary at the meal.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

The team from Land Rover Southwest showed off this new Defender.

For those who missed all the fun, fear not. We'll be announcing more Tasting Table events in the very near future.