Houstonian’s “Dinner and a Movie” Creates Another Evening that is Out of this World!
If you have not read my previous column about this very creative four-star cuisine and cinema-themed evening, please refer to it by clicking on this link.
I was proud to be a guest this past Friday at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa as they hosted their second “Dinner and a Movie” night. The brainchild of hotel General Manager Steve Fronterhouse, the “Dinner and a Movie” nights offer hotel guests and Club Members a safe and fun night out at the posh level of Houstonian-style wine dinners for which they are known. If “adapt” is the watchword of the pandemic climate, Mr. Fronterhouse and team are leading the way for the hospitality industry with creativity and go-all-out gusto! Every precaution is taken to ensure safety, including the wearing of masks, social distancing in the ballroom during dinner and temperatures are taken as you check in.
The hotel’s cinematic offering was “Apollo 13,” the Ron Howard directed film, starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris and the late Bill Paxton. Nothing was left to chance in making this an evening to remember.
NASA and Space Center Houston themed-props were brought in for guests to peruse and enjoy. To make it even more special, former astronaut Walt Cunningham with his wife Dot, were on-hand to watch the movie and afterwards talk to everyone who greeted them. Assistant Front Office Manager Sutaek Im was introduced on stage by Steve Fronterhouse and he received a standing ovation due to finally receiving his U.S. citizenship papers that day! It was memorable and poignant.
Guests enjoyed Executive Chef Neal Cox’s four-course dinner themed to the movie, with Sommelier Dat Le’s wine & cocktail pairings. Chef Cox’s themed cuisine included Greek Salad, Shrimp Creole (Jim Lovell’s favorite food), a Bacon, Tomato and Avocado Tart, and a Lindy’s New York Style Cheesecake (a Tom Hanks always-requested dessert, baked to perfection from Lindy’s timeless recipe). All of these courses were perfectly paired with wines and champagne.
Plans currently include two movies a month through the end of the year. My hope is they continue this very forward-thinking creation as long as they can. Tickets are $95 per person to include everything. The fall/winter movie lineup and tickets are available at https://www.houstonian.com/events/dinner-and-a-movie-date-night
