Lots of laughter and loot

Presidential library enjoys a windfall as raucous comedian plays funny with liberal politics

There were probably few yellow dog Democrats in the ballroom of the Royal Sonesta for the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation dinner Thursday night. And that would be a good thing as conservative comedian Dennis Miller, darling of the Republican set, let loose with a hilarious monologue that included more than a few send-ups of the country's Democratic leadership.

The annual Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction enjoyed a turnout of close to 600 guests including three generations of the Bush family.

Miller's remarks were not without praise for former President George H.W. Bush. "He is a great man, a great president and more important than anything, a great guy." Miller's closing comments led to a standing ovation for the former president.

The annual Vintner Dinner and Wine Auction enjoyed a turnout of close to 600 guests including three generations of the Bush family — the former president, Neil Bush and Pierce Bush. They were joined by Barbara Bush and Neil's wife, Maria Bush.

Among those 600 were ardent admirers of the former president including Shahla and Hushang Ansary, Betty and John Hrncir, Joanne King Herring and Astrid and Gene Van Dyke. That loyalty helped raise a record $650,000 for the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M and for the foundation.

A good portion of the proceeds came from the auction of grand wines and personal Bush memorabilia, which included a set of Barbara Bush's pearls with matching earrings, Bush's leather travel bag from his presidency, a trophy fish and his presidential golf bag.

Among those dining on the beautiful meal paired with six fine wines were Sen. Ted Cruz and wife Heidi, French Consul General Sujiro Seam, Laurie and Wade Phillips, Paige and David Gum, Trish and Buddy Hagner, Jennifer and Joe Van Matre, Tammy and Joel Cowley, Margaret Alkek Williams with Jim Daniel and Richard Flowers of The Events Co., which provided the decor.

Dennis Miller, from left, Barbara Bush, George H.W. Bush and Carolyn Miller.

Photo by © Chandler Arden

Dennis Miller, from left, Barbara Bush, George H.W. Bush and Carolyn Miller.

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Raising the Barre

Chris Shepherd honored as Houston Ballet wows diners at annual dinner

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Rench Soriano, Alyssa Springer, Marianne Geagea, Lenni Burke, Sayako Toku, and Saul Newport.

A dozen diners once gathered around chef Chris Shepherd at Catalan on Washington for what felt like a charming experiment. Fast-forward to April 26, and Houston Ballet’s Raising the Barre arrived at Navy Blue in full bloom, now one of the city’s most coveted culinary tickets.

Photo by Annie Mulligan

Rench Soriano, Alyssa Springer, Marianne Geagea, Lenni Burke, Sayako Toku, and Saul Newport.

The sort of invitation where, once the next date is announced, seasoned regulars simply buy first and ask questions later.

More than 150 guests in cheerful spring attire filled the chic Rice Village eatery for the annual fête benefiting Houston Ballet. Co-chaired by Lenni and Bill Burke and Marianne and Joe Geagea, the evening honored Shepherd for his longstanding partnership with the ballet and years of helping this delicious institution pirouette forward. In a sentimental gesture, Shepherd held a photo from that very first gathering.

Because some of the best traditions begin modestly, then grow legs. Preferably in heels.

The now-signature format paired top chefs with Houston Ballet dancers to create a four-course dinner inspired by heritage, hometowns, and personal taste. Opening the menu, Chef Chris Williams teamed with Demi Soloist Rench Soriano for lumpia with talong-style black-eyed pea relish and house-made sweet and sour sauce, a tribute to Soriano’s Filipino roots and his father.

Chef Seth Siegel-Gardner with Soloist Sayako Toku, serving takoyaki arancini with roasted bone marrow — playful, rich, and rooted in Toku’s Japanese background. Chef Aaron Bludorn and Soloist Alyssa Springer delivered a surf and turf inspired by their shared West Coast ties. Dessert landed with a sweet wink courtesy of pastry chef Jared Adams, representing Rebecca Masson, paired with Corps de Ballet member Saul Newport. Their New Zealand-inspired Hokey Pokey Sundae was vanilla bean ice cream heaven with house-made honeycomb and honey caramel.

The event raised more than $100,000 in support of Houston Ballet’s performances, artistic excellence, and education initiatives. While Shepherd’s wife, Lindsey Brown, one of the original architects of the event’s concept, couldn’t be there in person, a few of us managed to say hello via FaceTime.

CultureMap seen were Sonja Kostich, Julie Kent, Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, Leigh and Reggie Smith, Susan Binney, Michelle Jeffery, C.C. Conner, Jo Furr, Terry Wayne Jones, Jane DiPaolo, Marguerite Swartz, Mary Sage, Mitchell George and Stanley Curtis, Jr., Victoria Gutierrez and Nick Pierce, Beth Muecke, Kristen Cannon, Dannika Simpson, Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, Ileana and Michael Treviño, Allison and Troy Thacker, Christine and David Underwood, Zoe Cadore, Gina Bahr and Anthony Bahr, Sasha Davis and Geoffry Oshman, and Akemi Saitoh.

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