A Netflix Movie and an Evening of Italian Elegance Inspired Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction to a $900,000 Evening

A Netflix Movie and an Evening of Italian Elegance Inspired Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction to a $900,000 Evening

What could be more exciting than dining on the stage of Houston’s legendary Jones Hall for the Performing Arts? Such was the case at the exciting Houston Symphony Wine Dinner and Collector’s Auction, a feast for the senses! A Bacchanal Feast at that! As with most things, seating is prized and limited to 365 guests, so it was no surprise that excited partygoers filled all the seats. Even though the stage was full, it didn’t feel that way. Guests were able to mingle and enjoy the surroundings easily.

Upon arrival, attendees were given champagne and wine to prepare them for the upcoming dining experience on stage. While they mingled, fantastic auction items, set in place by Collector’s Auction Chair Jack Matzer, were everywhere on the upper three levels of the hall. They included a seven-night stay in Tuscany, six very special bottles of vintage Red Bordeaux, two bottles of Château Margaux from the extraordinary 1982 vintage, and an unprecedented evening of music, wine, and dining at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Downtown.

Chairs Elia and Michael Gabbanelli had a hand in every detail of this Italian-themed extravaganza. She glowed in her flowing summer-pink Valentino gown. Her choice of florals, colors and Italian décor was inspired by the Netflix movie “Damsel.” The Events Company was the perfect partner. They flawlessly executed her vision of the Eternal City’s ancient best. Florals in varying shades of coral, orange, and pink were placed in silver candelabras mixed with pomegranates, apples, pears, and stems of grapes. Linens in rich ruby hues and four Roman statues draped in greenery graced the stage.

This 24-year fan-favorite event was originally the brainchild of Robert Sakowitz, who chaired the gala for its first ten years. One of our city’s fine caterers consistently handled the cuisine. Beginning last year, the exquisite food service was handled by Bludorn. This year, Chef Danny Trace, whose popular restaurant Potente, was the perfect accompaniment to the Italian evening. His five-course meal was a masterpiece. It began with a vibrant heirloom tomato dish complemented by whipped Puglia burrata, cucumber ribbons, avocado, and drizzled with Texas 1836 olive oil and balsamic. It was followed by 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 perigeux veal served with goat cheese polenta, chanterelle mushroom, and café royale. The evening ended on a sweet note with a decadent double chocolate cake topped with caramel crunch pearls and Chambord.

As always, each course is paired with wine expertly chosen by John & Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman Lindsey of Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. Michelin Star Master Sommelier Stephen McDonald presented the evening’s Italian wine pairings.

I have always felt that the front of house (presentation) is just as important as the back of house (preparation). This was never more evident than at this dinner. The service team was led by Tony Gutierrez and Crew Staffing, whose professionalism and attention to detail were as close to five-star as you could get. Diners were pampered and never waited for anything.

Bravissima, Elia and Michael, Houston Symphony, the Wine Dinner Team, and its supporters for a dinner not to be outdone anytime soon and for the amazing $900,000 raised to continue its efforts!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned):  Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Margaret Alkek Williams, Barbara Burger, Betty and Jesse Tutor, Janet Clark, Hallie Vanderhider and Bobby Dees, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, Gary Ginstling and Margaret Lederer, Jack and Michelle Matzer, Joan and Robert Duff, John and Lindy Rydman, Mary Lynn Marks, Maria Moncada-Alaoui, David and Tara Wuthrich, Lydia Gold, Quentin and Aerin Smith, Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Jennifer and Scott Allison, Nini Hale, Sylvia Forsythe, Aaron Matthews, Daniel Irion and Kirk Kveton, Karen Payne, Stacey and Al Lindseth, Bob Weiner, Robert Sakowitz, David Peavy and Stephen McCauley, Aggie Foster and Steve Simon, Virginia Clark, Carey Kirkpatrick, Ken and Mady Kades, April Lykos, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Kirby and David Lodholz