Not only was love the theme of the girly soiree, the colors were pink, pink and pink! When presented with this color scheme, we were more than happy to oblige. Pink grapefruit mimosas with hot pink sugar, pink flowers, pink customized cocktail napkins, even pink Ahi Tuna for the salad!

It was a beautiful affair and a great celebration of the life of love to come for Kristin and Corbin. Congratulations you too, and Happy Valentine’s Day to all our special clients!

While on a recent trip, our very own Rebecca Hughes stumbled upon a goldmine of a dining experience, the details of which were just too good not to share…

After running the Chicago Marathon the day before, Rebecca was ready to indulge a little, and Tru provided just that. After being escorted through empty room after room, she finally found her table in a high-ceiling area with windows adorned in heavy black and white drapes. It worried her that you couldn’t see out until it was explained that it’s more importantly, so that you can’t see in. “You have to eat at Tru to understand what it Truly is.”

After ordering off the impressive Prix Fixe menu, Rebecca felt safe her selected first course and entree were on their way, but as an exciting, progressive French restaurant, Tru proved her wrong.  

She received her two planned courses, yes, but it wasn’t until eight surprise courses later, she realized what this restaurant was all about: lasting impressions.

Above, Rebecca’s entree of Maine lobster, saffron tagliatelle, broccoli and tomato.

Cheese Gougeres, Carpaccio, Langoustine, out of this world entrees, Raspberry Rhubarb Foam to start, then a rolling card of bite-sized dessert cards to select by hand (who knows if you’ll draw Macaroons or Rum Cake!). Finally, the evening closed with two perfect truffles that come accompanied by instructions on how to eat them. Yes, instructions on how to savor the chocolate infused water that makes up their succulent interior.

I don’t even have time to break down the wine selections and attentive service this restaurant provides, although it is worth mentioning that over the course of the evening, Rebecca’s table was serviced by at least 7 different staff.

Executive Chef, Anthony Martin, seems to be cooking up an impressive and inspiring new way to dine and entertain. Next time you’re in Chicago, pop over for a meal you can Truly savor!

Tru Image from TheNibble.com and Forbes Travel Guide:

That’s right, New York, Houston is giving your fashion week a run for its money! And as an attendee last night, I say that with all sincerity.

Cesar Galindo blinded us with his navy sparkles and Lyn Devon made us want to go tennis court chic everyday of our lives, but Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, was the true main event!

His edgy frocks made our jaws drop! Literally. There’s Rachael and me in the front, far left corner!

If you ask me, the most spectacular part of his show were the shoes…our display in Laura Mercier even had hot pink high heel cookies as a tribute to these fancy feet!

Look forward to Elaine Turner tonight and Irina Shabayeva tomorrow, and if you can’t make it to the Wortham for the live display, join me in stalking the fabulous galleries of Houston Press, reporting the daily stylings of these up and coming designers.

Photos by Jay Marroquin of Houston Press.

AFE snagged tickets to last night’s dress rehearsal, and it was pretty obvious this group is ready for their October 5-17th run!

The Hobby Center transformed with fantastic builds and lighting, then the actors brought the story to life with their clever quips, understated (and not so understated) innuendos and impressive dance sequences. Not to mention, the powerful story line tugs on your heart strings, reminding you of the true meaning to life.

A big thank you to TUTS for the invitation! I can just about guarantee A Fare Extraordinaire will be singing Hairspray’s praises (and tunes) all over town!

Well, break that dirty habit! We did, and we couldn’t be happier…Those moments of sheer inspiration don’t belong lost in ancient memory land, they belong on an inspiration board:

Our inspiration board lives in our office hallway, giving us a place to stop, browse and discuss trends collectively!

The idea originated as a way to foster creativity, but then it expanded into so much more! It has become a place to share encouraging notes from clients, exciting recipes, beautiful pictures and occasionally little notes to each other! Not to mention, it’s the perfect (and productive) way to break up the work day.

Go ahead, give those scissors a workout!

The happy couple wed on June 26th, then celebrated the occasion with a rockin’ AFE bash at The Gremillion. Luckily Brooke Schwab was there to help capture the moments and memories.

Audra’s color scheme of yellow and gray set the look for the evening (and the tone!) Turns out the color duo translates to a meaning of “genuine optimism.”

The decor made the space pop…and the food wowed.

Already the owners of apparent style, Audra and Paul are now also the proud owners of a lifetime of happiness and “genuine optimism.” Congratulations on your 3-month anniversary Sunday!

That was today for A Fare Extraordinaire.

Once a year we call together our Board of Advisors, compiled of clients, colleagues and experts in the field, for an open and constructive roundtable discussion. Today’s meeting was held at RDG + Bar Annie, as esteemed Chef and Restaurant Owner Robert Del Grande serves as one of our trusted advisors.

The setting was beautiful, the food delicious, the Jonathan Andrew Sage centerpiece breathtaking and the conversation immensely motivating.

Although it takes time and energy to put together occasions such as these, the end result is more than worthwhile. At A Fare, we have built an amazing support group over the last 25 years, and to be able to call upon this group of top Houston professionals is no blessing in disguise. It’s a downright blessing.

Thank you to those who offer us constructive criticism, brilliant ideas, and most of all, your unwavering support, both on and off our Board of Advisors. We value each and every one of those quick glances in the mirror…who else would tell us if our hair was out of place!?

Instead of viewing potential floral cuts as a negative problem, view it as a positive challenge to tackle head-on with your arsenal of creativity!

Saturday I worked a sweltering afternoon event where we embellished outdoor cocktail tables with vases of rocks and weather-resistant cacti. Then Sunday I filled a client’s tables with a meaningful stuffed animal array for their Baby Naming celebration.

A lot of the time, lighting alone will do the trick…candles and votives being the only necessary elements!

And with the savings you incur, you can splurge for a floral encrusted St. Andre to satisfy your craving for petals and posies! 

Although mimosas and bellinis are the fizzy drinks to coin the trick, both are unfortunately reserved for daylight drinking.

At A Fare, we found a one-two-punch addition that transforms our trusty and true champagne into an elegant evening beverage. Just add your favorite liqueur and a sugared rim!

It gives you just a hint of flavoring and a look that is more than sleek…

And oh so subtle… 

We recommend a splash of peach, pear or elderflower. Perfect for these hot days (and nights!)