Grand Gatherings have become an annual favorite for spending time with old friends or meeting new ones. Each year, our gracious hosts have offered a diverse selection of events, from casual to elegant and from comfort food to fine cuisine.
There’s a “Baker’s Dozen” waiting for you in this year’s selection of events. Parties for four or over forty; boats, tennis, strolls; hors d’oeuvres or multiple courses; brunch, lunch or dinner. There’s something within that’s sure to please your palate, so don’t delay. It’s yours for the asking.
We are grateful for our friends who have consented to open their homes and offer their hospitality to support The Grand. We invite you to read through these listings and join us for a memorable evening...or two.
We are delighted to present...
Grand Gatherings 2008!
If you or your company would like to buy out an entire event, please call 409-765-1894.
2008 MENU SELECTIONS
1. Italian Family Feast!
Sunday, April 20, 2008 6:00 pm
Hosted by: Andrea and Carroll Sunseri
Carolyn Sunseri
Stephanie and Patrick Doyle
Dress: Comfortably Italian
$75.00 per person Limit: 14 guests
Don’t miss this chance to sit at table with the familia Sunseri, enjoying a feast that starts with the traditional antipasti, mouth-watering meatballs and other Sunseri family recipes, through the signature dessert. Cocktails, wine and after-dinner drinks complete the package that will have you singing “O Sole Mio!” Mangia!
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2. Run for the Roses -A Kentucky Derby Affair
Saturday, May 3, 2008 4:00pm
Hosted by: Frances and Don Powell
Mary Ann and Steve Salch
Karen and Don Sexton
Mary Ann and Jack Stobo
Dress: Derby Attire – Hats encouraged!
$75.00 per person Limit: 30 guests
Celebrate the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. You will almost feel like you are on Millionaire’s Row as you stroll around the grounds and sip your Mint Julep. Enjoy an afternoon’s serenade by a Dixieland Band and sing along to the strains of “My Old Kentucky Home.” Watch the Race and enjoy a delectable buffet created just for the day by Island favorite, UTMB’s own Steve Griffith. Get ready to enjoy an afternoon of fun and surprises. We “bet” you’ll be glad you came!
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3. Sunset on the Bayou
Saturday, May 10, 2008 6:30 pm
Hosted by: Cindy and Jim Earthman
Dress: Spring Casual
$50.00 per person Limit: 50 guests
Some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see can be viewed from the Earthman’s home. Add to that a buffet of seafood hors d’oeuvres including boiled Gulf shrimp, crab-artichoke-cheese dip, and jumbo crab claws, accompanied by refreshing cocktails and chocolate-dipped strawberries. You’ll have the makings of a Grand Gathering, sure to be a memorable one!
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4. Italian Elegance
Saturday, May 17, 2008 6:30pm
Hosted by: Victor Lang
Ably assisted by: Jamie Durham, Robert Evans
Dress: Casual Elegance
$100.00 per person Limit: 8 guests
Dining with Victor is a feast not only for the palate but for the mind. A table, beautifully appointed with the family china, crystal, and silver serves as the backdrop for Pasta Bolognese accompanied by the finest wine. The evening begins, of course, with cocktails and antipasti and closes with an elaborate dessert and after-dinner cognac. Wander through Victor’s political rogues’ gallery and with a little nudge, perhaps hear a story or two. The evening just might close with Victor on the piano leading a sing-along. A time for good friends. Ciao!
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5. Destination Tiki Island!
Sunday, June 1, 2008 10am – 2pm
Hosted by: Erin Toberman
Marilyn Winters
Dee Savoy
Norma Schafstall
Tammy Brindley
Dress: Boating casual – low heels, please
$100.00 per person Limit: 20 guests
Your morning begins when you check in on Tiki Island and embark on an island boat tour. While you sail, you’ll enjoy tales of Tiki Island’s history and delight in the unique architecture of the homes and breathtaking views of West and Jones Bays. Disembark at the Savoy Home to enjoy a Tiki Luau, complete with roast pig, tropical island beverages and party favors! After lunch, guests are invited to take a ride across the bay aboard the beautiful Tiki Queen. You’re destined for some smooth sailing on this Grand Gathering!
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6. Texas Comfort Food - a la Chef Michael
Sunday, June 8, 2008 6:30 pm
Hosted by: Dr. Joan Richardson
Dr. Barbara Thompson
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Prough
Dr. and Mrs. Courtney Townsend
Dress: Comfortable, of course!
$75.00 per person Limit: 60 guests
Back by popular demand! It’s becoming an annual tradition to enjoy a mouthwatering Texas menu prepared by Chef Michael of Galveston’s Artillery Club. The Texas-sized spread will include fried chicken, mashed potatoes with cream gravy, fried okra, and cobbler, plus something fresh from the garden. Get ready to tap your toes to country music, sip a little Texas tea and “come on down” where comfort food never had it so good! Enjoy the fun in beautiful surroundings along Galveston’s waterfront. Y’all come. Doctors’ orders!
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7. Goblets and the Grape!
Thursday, June 12, 2008 6:30pm
Hosted by: Laura Hyatt, Kathy Van Dewalli and Judy Webb
Dress: Painting clothes!
$45.00 per person Limit: 20 guests
“Fire” up your creative juices at this fun-filled event that includes painting, sipping, and tasting. The women of Firefly Pottery will teach you the “how-to” as you design and paint your own personal wine goblet. While painting, you’ll enjoy tasting a variety of fine wines, presented by Robyn Ruehrwein of Republic Beverage. Everybody’s “baby” -- Paco Vargas, of Rudy & Paco’s -- will provide the delicious “munchies”. You won’t go away empty-handed at the end of the evening. Your party favor is a wine stopper created by the Firefly crew. Once fired, your goblet will be ready for you to pick up, show off, and use. Salut!
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8. Another Day at Wimbledon - Tennis Anyone?
Saturday, June 21, 2008 4:00 – 9:00 pm
Hosted by: Barbara and Dominick Sasser
Dress: Tennis whites
$100.00 per person Limit: 12 guests
Back by popular demand! Enjoy tennis on the grass, including a tennis clinic with a guest professional and some friendly competition. Playing days over? Bring a player and cheer from the Royal Box. After tennis, enjoy barbeque shrimp and smoked ribs by the pool. This one’s sure to be a grand slam!
For a photo preview, go to http://web.mac.com/bdemz/iWeb/Site%202/Wimbledon.html.
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9. The Happiest Happy Hour
Saturday, June 28, 2008 5:00pm
Hosted by: Lee Doherty and Ken Anthony
Tom Schwenk and Jack Bell
Angie and Brad Brown
Dress: Light and summery
$25.00 per person Limit: 75 guests
Galveston Island is filled with historic homes and lovely gardens and what better time to see them than during a progressive Happy Hour? Enjoy a laid-back, relaxed evening with beer, wine, and a “signature” cocktail; sample delicious hors d’oeuvres and listen to live music while strolling along the 15th Street Corridor. Your evening begins at The Market, located at 1528 Avenue L; the stroll includes three neighboring homes on the corner of 15th and L.
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10. Brunch with Benno
Sunday, July 13, 2008 12:30pm
Hosted by: Benno Deltz
Dress: Comfortably Cajun
$50.00 per person Limit: 24 guests
Who better than Chef Benno can provide the ultimate New Orleans-style brunch. One of our own Island favorites, Benno will serve his guests indoors or al fresco. Eggs Benno, French Toast with a twist, artichoke strudel and of course, Bananas Foster will have you cheering. Don’t forget the Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and Screwdrivers. Benno’s newly designed kitchen rivals those at the Food Network! Don’t miss this chance to watch a master at work!
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11. The Little Ol’ Wine Makers
Sunday, August 10, 2008 1:30pm
Hosted by: Susan and Robert Lynch
Patricia and Stephen Rennick
Maureen and Larry Patton
Dress: Something red, something white!
$45.00 per person Limit: 10 guests
Ever wanted to bottle your own wine? Here’s your chance as you settle in at D’Vine Wine for the time of your life. Featured wines will be Rojo Grande and Campeche Blanc. The Mosquito Cafe will provide tasty dishes that will add to your enjoyment of your first foray into the art of bottling. At the end of your “work,” you will take home two bottles of your finest effort, complete with a label designed to commemorate your experience. Want more? D’Vine Wine will take you on a tour of the premises, accompanied by a tasting of their stellar varieties.
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12. Dinner on the High Seas
Date TBD – May we suggest a full moon?
Hosted by: Tony and Lori Pizzuti
Dress: Boating Casual
(non-marking rubber-soled shoes, please)
$125.00 per person Limit: 4 guests
Join Tony and Lori aboard the “Blanca Luna”, their 38’ Pearson sailboat, for an evening on Galveston Bay. Cocktails and dinner with an Italian flair will be served aboard the vessel, either in the slip at the Kemah Boardwalk Marina or on the Bay, depending on the state of the seas. After dinner, sail Galveston and Trinity Bays under the full moon, either relaxing or taking an active role in sailing “Blanca Luna.” Ahoy! And welcome aboard!
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13. Aunt Pearl’s Cooking Class!
Thursday, August 14, 2008 11:30am
Hosted by: Pearl Burras, Tuna, Texas
Dress: Comfortably Southern $50.00 per person
Limit: 50 guests, no pets, please
Yes, it’s true. Aunt Pearl, direct from Tuna and Central Market in Austin, will share her wit and wisdom as well as her culinary skills. Home cookin’ comfort food is what she’s all about, with a lot of laughter served up as a side dish. You’ll learn the art of cooking Southern style and then enjoy the fixins’ with the chef herself. It’s guaranteed that no one will leave hungry and there’s not a single dish of “road kill” on the menu! Aunt Pearl appears courtesy of Tuna Does Vegas, where she works nights and matinees at The Grand during the month of August.
Click here to place your reservations
Space for each event is limited. Reservations will be honored in order of receipt.
You will be notified of all event details immediately upon receipt of your reservation.
All donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
If you or your company would like to buy out an entire event, please call 409-765-1894.
GRAND GATHERINGS