Fave fetes: Hilarious Houston matriarch upstages elegant models in chic Italian luncheon-runway show
Editor’s be aware: Here is a look back at some of Houston’s most loved modern society situations.
When the inestimable Rose “Rosie” Carrabba took the phase at the Italian Cultural & Community Heart Annual Style Show & Luncheon, it was very clear that the stage — and the day — would belong to her.
In fact, not even stunning in models in swoon-deserving, Italian appears to be like from Neiman Marcus could upstage the intelligent (and, as customers know, hysterical) wife, mother, grandmother, and matriarch of the Carrabba family restaurant empire, the small and mighty honoree of the party dubbed “Celebrating the Jewels of Italy.”
Standing following to her always-interesting son Johnny Carrabba, Rosie right away charmed the additional than 300 guests at the River Oaks Country Club with a signature opening line, “Johnny instructed me not to inform any jokes now … but I do not give a damn.”
That icebreaker established the tone for Rosie’s mini standup comedy established. Joke 1 riffed on the old indicating inquiring “why obtain the cow when you can get cost-free milk?” Rosie citing that “80 p.c of gals you should not want to get married nowadays,” current the previous adage: “They say, ‘Why buy the entire pig … just to get a little sausage?'”
With that, the entire ROCC ballroom erupted in laughter. Rosie’s established riffed on marriage and colourful gags about adult men and ladies, a red-faced Johnny typically wiping away tears of laughter — a lot like the viewers.
Alpha male/restaurant godfather Johnny wasn’t as well proud to get rid of some tears though introducing his beloved mother, proudly noting that guaranteeing Rosie is a fixture at his Carrabba’s Voss place is the best business conclusion he at any time made. (Longtime diners acknowledge her as a gracious jokester who visits each individual desk and as the namesake for the famed Rosie’s Italian Product Cake.)
Rosie, then, was the perfect honoree for the usually glamorous, really predicted ICCC fashion show and luncheon, presenting a distinctly heat, honest, authentically Houston vibe and noting that her family’s “Italian Way” was all about “God, household…oh, and meals.”
Up coming came a putting, NYC Style Week-worthy show from Neiman Marcus, starring leading-tier designs and clothing from Italian designers, all styled by community preferred Jeanne Ruberti. An Italian aria performed by soprano Bailey Bower also set the tone, although guests sipped prosecco, bid on silent auction products. A lucky winner scored glittering baubles from Tenenbaum Jewelers.
Jovial emcee Owen Conflenti, morning anchor at KPRC, held the afternoon relocating and gave a nod to luncheon chairs Sandra Porter and Gina Gusemano Leck for their flawless display. Esteemed cultural centre executive director Erika Myers, on thanking the crowd, questioned aloud how ICCC would prime this display upcoming year.
Introducing to the star electricity, place singer Steve Tyrell shocked Rosie with a online video greeting. A fitting tribute to Rosie, the very clear and bonafide gem of a bellissimo day celebrating foods, style, faith, and relatives — the jewels of Italy.
Spotted in the fashionable crowd: Cherri Carbonara, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Donna Vallone, Patti Murphy, Lesha Elsenbrook, Franelle Rogers, Marilu Garza, Philamena Baird, Cynthia Wolff, Mary Fusillo, Roz Pactor, Nicole Graham, Mary Bea Wickman, Elizabeth Smith, Molly Evans, Elizabeth Borski, Renee Jongebloed, Missa Sutton, Heather Almond, and numerous extra.