Houston Restaurant King Turns His Montrose Hotspot Into the Ultimate Beach Scene

When Benjamin Berg rolled out the red carpet last month for the opening of his B.B. Lemon Montrose, we thought that was a party. But then there was this past Sunday funday when the maestro of successful restaurants jumped full force into the Montrose tenor with a beach-themed brunch bash featuring hipsters, fashionistas and three drag queens, two in bathing suits and beards.

Guests supporting the Montrose Center with their $75 admission fee dressed for the occasion with beach togs reigning as the attire of choice. Think Hawaiian shirts, shorts, colorful leis and the occasional Panama hat. And we have to mention Whitney Sharman in mermaid bottoms. Saluting the theme, the casual restaurant and bar was dressed in faux pineapples and inflatable pink flamingos.

Fueling the action were make-your-own Mimosa and Bloody Mary bars and brunch fare from the kitchen of B.B. Lemon executive chef Emily Trusler. Who could resist the waffle bites with pulled pork, the pancakes, pigs in a blanket, watermelon salad and custard beignets?

DJ Ramalama‘s tunes inspired a little midday dancing and then there were the drag queens — Blackberri, Barbara Coa and Porter Bella Graves providing their own brand of entertainment.

Sunday’s clutch was prelude to the official opening of B.B. Lemon Montrose on Monday, serving those yummy Waygu beef burgers, lobster rolls, steak frites and more. In August, look for the launch of brunch and Lemon Hour/happy hour

PC Seen: Sanford Steinberg, Michaela Stanwood, Alicia Nissel, Grace Gibson and Nick Scurfield, Nick Postolos, Monique Hernandez, Tom Clancy, Jasmine Young, Star Bailey, Debbie and Mike McLaughlin, Laura Stein, Mary Bowman, Kenneth Finch, and Marcus Hooks.