Jennifer Roosth
Gala At Jones Hall Raises $900,000 For Education & Community Engagement Initiatives
By Jennifer Roosth Photography by Priscilla Dickson
THE SCENE: Wine enthusiasts and passionate collectors, decked in their finest spring black tie attire, flocked to the Jones Hall for the Performing Arts to celebrate the Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction. Upon arrival, the 365 guests mingled while sipping champagne and admiring an array of outstanding wines, spirits, and experiences featured in the silent auction. The number of 365 guests was determined by how many patrons could be seated on the stage of the Jones Hall for this special evening celebrating wine and food pairings in honor of the Houston Symphony.
and Gary Ginstling
Dinner chimes signaled guests to enter the elegantly transformed Jones Hall stage, designed by Richard Flowers of The Events Company. The décor featured stunning florals, rich ruby hues, and subtle nods to an ancient Roman Castle inspired by the evening’s theme, A Bacchanal Feast. Candelabras crowned with intricate arrangements of hydrangeas, red roses, and blooms in varying shades of coral, orange, and pink stood atop lace-red linens, accented with grapes, votives, and pomegranates. Four Roman statues draped in lush greenery completed the scene, transporting guests to a picturesque Italian setting.
THE VIBE: A new twist to the fan-favorite event, a special five-course culinary delight, was prepared by Chef Danny Trace of the popular Houston restaurant Potente, paired with wine expertly chosen by John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. Michelin-starred Master Sommelier Stephen McDonald of Pappas Steakhouse presented the evening’s wine pairings.
Ken and Mady Kades
The first course of the feast was a vibrant heirloom tomato dish complemented by whipped Puglia burrata, cucumber ribbons, avocado, and drizzled with Texas 1836 olive oil and balsamic. Next, attendees basked in Potente’s signature pasta consisting of Italian black truffle, Parmigiano Reggiano, and softshell crab bisque. Before the evening’s main course, Chef Trace treated guests to diver scallops accented by sweet corn risotto, purple radish, and melted leek brood. The entree featured a delicate Perigueux veal served with goat cheese polenta, chanterelle mushroom, and café royale. The evening ended sweetly with a decadent double chocolate cake topped with caramel crunch pearls and Chambord.
THE NON-PROFIT: The sold-out event, chaired by Elia and Michael Gabbanelli, raised over $900,000 for the Houston Symphony’s education and community engagement initiatives that serve community members in schools, hospitals, and other venues throughout the city. The Wine Auction chair was Jack Matzer. Highly anticipated auction items included a seven-night stay in Tuscany, six very special bottles of vintage red Bourdeaux, two bottles of Château Margaux from the extraordinary 1982 vintage, and an unprecedented evening of music, wine, and dining at the downtown Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.
