Past Experience Highlights

It was a delightful evening talking with Matt Maust, a band member and creative director for the bands Cold War Kids and French Style Furs. He is a co-owner and designer for the fashion line £UV. He graduated with a BA in Graphic Design and has exhibited his work throughout the United States, and UK with shows in Los Angeles, New York, Miami Beach, and London.

We were thrilled to spend an evening laughing and doing the most & the least with Comedian, Actress, and Host of the Absolutley Not podcast, Heather McMahan. Heather's honest humor -- never skipping a beat to a great pop culture moment -- has led to brand collaborations with Mr. Eatwell and Shop Mumu, co-hosting and guest spots on the Today Show with Hoda & Jenna and Bravo's Watch What Happens Live, and a sold-out tour comedy tour at our very own Paramount Theater. As if Heather wasn't busy enough making us laugh daily, she's currently developing "Good Grief," a half-hour comedy for Peacock based on her own life. As expected, we had an hour of giggles, Aperol Spritzes, real-talk, and an Ina impression.

We partnered with ERTH for the launch of their two newest collections: the Universe Bracelet, a piece of jewelry that embodies female empowerment and was dubbed “the new charm bracelet” by American Vogue, and the launch of Nicole Trunfio's first namesake collection, NICOLE TRUNFIO fine, which features 18k gold, VS diamonds, and is inspired by the art deco era. Accented by a cascading floral installation by Gypsy Floral, the event started with cocktails and shopping, along with a collection of big diamonds on display. Kelly Krause sat down with Nicole Trunfio to talk about inspiration for the new collections and life as an entrepreneur with her businesses ERTH, Bumpsuit and new venture Chef Trunfio.

In addition to a Bar Takeover and punchbowl creation, Death & Co joined us for Chef and Friends. The team taught how to create signature craft cocktails using world-class behind-the-bar secrets. Death & Co has been a Manhattan cocktail institution since its opening in 2006, widely recognized as one of America’s best cocktail bars and leading the revival of craft cocktail bars in NYC. Cocktail Codex, the second book from the Death & Co team and the first beverage book to win the James Beard Book of the Year Award, outlines a simple approach to learning, mastering, and enjoying drinks. The Death & Co leaders cocktail class was rooted in the principles of Cocktail Codex — focused on fundamentals, techniques, and building your own signature drink.

LALO blanco represents the truest spirit on Earth, with no barrels or additives, boldly presenting the taste of the finest agave from the Jalisco highlands. Under the signature green canopy of Lutie’s, we welcomed the co-founder of LALO Tequila himself, Eduardo “Lalo” González, and learned about his story as he continues the legacy of his grandfather, Don Julio González, with a bold new approach to perfecting blanco tequila. From the chili mango and lime scallop to the LALO glazed chicken, this vibrant 4-course menu by Lutie’s Executive Chef Bradley Nicholson and Pastry Chef Susana Querejazu was featured with the fresh seasonal flavors of Lutie’s paired with pours and specialty cocktails.

We enjoyed a Q&A with Evan Voyles. Without Evan Voyles, the city of Austin would be a little less bright, literally. You've seen his neon signs illuminating some of our most iconic, nostalgic, and new venues in town. From the Broken Spoke, to Stubb's, the Paramount Theater, Shady Grove, and yes, even Commodore Perry, Evan's work plays homage to both quirky old Austin and a new era. With over 500 signs under this native Texan's belt, we're thrilled to spend the evening learning about the stories behind the signs, and how he's embracing the changes in the city.

Our first event of our ERTH series, we had a piercing party with Pineapple Tangaroa, where guests were able to put together the perfect ear curation of sustainable and ethical fine jewelry line, ERTH, throughout the afternoon with founder Nic Trunfio. We ended the evening with cocktails and conversation.

We were thrilled to spend an evening with Antoni Porowksi, New York Times Best Selling Author and star of Netflix's hit series Queer Eye. He's impacted millions of households with his curiosity and kindness, unlocking confidence for many in the kitchen, while also being a fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ and human rights. In addition to cookbook #2 launching Sept. 2021, Antoni is currently developing a feature film for Netflix with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris loosely based on his real-life dating experiences as a sexually fluid man called "Girls and Boys." You can most certainly expect an evening of honest and vulnerable conversation around relationships, boundaries, advocacy, and food.

A group gathered at the Estate gardens for a private screening of Austin Film Society supported film, "Without Getting Killed or Caught", the new documentary about the legendary Guy Clark and winner of the Louis Black Lone Star Award at SXSW 2021. The special evening included discussions with co-directors Tamara Saviano and Paul Whitfield and a live musical performance before hand by Gordy Quist from The Band of Heathens.

We gathered under the oak on the Estate lawn with our friends, Executive Chef and Pastry Chef John and Elise Russ, of Clementine in San Antonio to learn how to create a memorable Sunday Supper experience to share with friends and family for years to come. The Chefs shared how to create some of Clementine's favorite dishes, including their famous mushroom salad, and guests will learned how to hand make delicious cavatelli to share at your next gathering.