Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1500319
I t was not your regular Sunday- night supper in Round Top, when The Halles looked East — Far East in fact — for its inaugural Benjamin Moore Designer Dinner. The guests of honor were two AD 100 talents, architect Bobby McAlpine and designer Suzanne Kasler, both in from Atlanta in advance of their talks and book signings the next day. The evening also saluted the Colors of Round Top, a concept created in 2021 by Houston designer Mary Lambrakos, who was in the design-focused crowd. A Fare Extraordinaire returned to curate its signature showtime dinner, this time manifesting a French- Vietnamese culinary outlook. Cocktail hour, fueled by Grey Goose Vodka, flowed into the three-course seated dinner designed by A Fare Extraordinaire executive chef Ryan Bouillet, with a tablescape of blossoms from Houston's Maxit Flower Design. In from Nashville, singer/ songwriter Kristina Murray performed for the crowd, fresh off the release of her Southern Ambrosia album. An unexpected touch was Houston dance troupe Lee's Golden Dragon, which performed a traditional Chinese lion dance. Meanwhile, ELLIO Fine Art curated a show with works from its stable of Texas, U.S., and European talents. Houston sculptor Tara Conley was in the crowd to converse with collectors about her lyrical permutations in steel. This night's final flourish was a good one: A portion of ticket proceeds went to the nonprofit Fayette Community Foundation, which supports local arts, culture, social and welfare in the Round Top area and surrounding communities. Stepping up as Texas Proud sponsors were Linda Plant Realtor, ELLIO Fine Art, Elegant Additions, and Thorntree. By Catherine D. Anspon. Photography Jordan Geibel. Design The Benjamin Moore Designer Dinner Emily Carrere Catherine Giuffre Suzanne Kasler Bobby McAlpine Melissa Roberts Linda Plant, Carren Wayland Abigale Rigamonti makes a new friend Kasey Massey & Mayor Mark Massey Amy Martin Raven Labatt Mary Patton Sal Montes (Continued) 48