Real Royalty is Headed to Houston for Dinner

The annual Virtuosi of Houston gala turns into a royal affair this spring with attendance confirmed by the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson and by prince of perfume Clive Christian OBE and his daughter, the glamorous Victoria Christian. Applause, applause for advisory chairs Zarine and Meherwan Boyce, who orchestrated the rare Houston visit by these high-profile Brits.

With restaurateur extraordinaire Tony Vallone sharing duties as gala chair with his wife, Donna, and with Staci and Dr. Quan Henderson, we can add another royal (king of fine cuisine, perhaps) to the eclectic mix of headliners. Margaret Alkek Williams and Monzer Hourani serve as honorary chairs of the black-tie, musical evening.

The gala takes place May 13 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel where the Chef Robert Graham has already created a menu saluting British culinary traditions. Think mini fish & chips, Welsh rarebit and Scottish salmon for hors d’oeuvres, a main course of Beef Wellington with peas and mashed potatoes, and a chocolate crown dessert (bread pudding with brandy).

As is tradition, Andrzej Grabiec and Franz Anton Krager will conduct the premier young artists chamber orchestra in an always impressive pre-dinner concert.

Information on the gala is available via email at events@virtuosiofhouston.org.