Tasting Table Recap

Foodies feast at CultureMap Houston's first Tasting Table dinner

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.

CultureMap Tasting Table B.B. Italia Land Rover Southwest

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Michelle Levine and Jordan Argamany.

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

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Shopping Fantasia

Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker preview party sets new donation record

Houston Nutcracker Market Preview Party 2025

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Houston Ballet Academy Dancers.

The Houston holiday season doesn’t officially begin until the Nutcracker Market throws open its doors, and this year’s Wells Fargo Preview Party felt like stepping into a snow globe set on extra. Like more is more.

Somewhere between the cheeky stocking stuffers and the Dior-kissed repurposed couture, guests needed an actual map to conquer the sprawling shopping fantasia.

Held November 12 at NRG Center, the 45th anniversary celebration of the Houston Ballet shopping fête welcomed more than 5,000 eager shoppers, all ready to sprint through aisles lined with more than 280 merchants. Helmed by chairs Susan Binney and Jennifer Kushner, along with preview party chairs Leslie Alston, Kaylon Phillips, and Casey Rowe, the evening shimmered with nostalgia. Guests showed up in themed attire ranging from glittery holiday chic to coordinated squads that looked like flash mobs armed with credit cards and a mission.

Houston Ballet’s new executive director Sonja Kostich arrived for her very first Nutcracker Market, greeting supporters and soaking in the community’s devotion to a beloved tradition that fuels the Ballet’s mission and scholarship programs. Houston Ballet Academy students glided through the party in costumes from Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, creating photo ops. Principal dancer Harper Watters and Houston Ballet icon Lauren Anderson also made appearances.

Festive cocktails, champagne flutes, and a parade of hors d’oeuvre and desserts satisfied while the David Caceres Band kept the energy high. By the end of the night, the Preview Party had raised nearly $1.5 million in ticket sales and commissions — a record for the Market.

Moreover, more than 104,000 shoppers showed up during the November 13-16 festivities. All in, ticket sales surpassed $24 million and raised more than $6 million to directly support Houston Ballet, its Academy and scholarship program.

Showing their holiday spirit were Kristy Bradshaw, Ann Bean, Wendy Burks, Anne Chao, Gay Currie, Tom DeBesse, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Sharon Erskine, Ann Graham, Twana Griffith Faykus, Michelle Iversen Jeffery, Jay Jones, Julie Kent, Deborah and Edward Koehler, Chad Libertus, Desrye Morgan, Beth Muecke, Patti Murphy, Jennifer Sommers, S. Shawn Stephens, Allison Thacker, Cynthia Wolff, Deborah Duncan, Ghada Ali, Carolina Oliveira, Catarina R. Gonzales, and Miya Shay.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Houston Ballet Academy Dancers.

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