On a vibrant Wednesday evening, the crème de la crème of Houston’s society stepped into the world of the stylish new Hotel Saint Augustine. Nestled at 4110 Loretto Drive, directly across from the iconic Menil Collection, this venue isn’t just about luxury accommodations; it’s a cultural immersion, boasting 71 exquisite rooms and suites, a buzzing all-day lobby lounge, an intimate event space, and the enchanting circular courtyard pool.
The night unfolded with an exclusive invitation-only gala that saw over 400 of the city’s most distinguished guests, from fashion mavens to cultural titans and every art lover in between. They all gathered under the soft glow of the Menil Gray carpet, celebrating the grand opening of this chic hotspot and the debut of Perseid – Aaron Bludorn and team’s latest culinary venture, which is quickly becoming the quintessential neighborhood bistro. Here, the menu celebrates Houston’s global influences through a Gulf Coast lens, offering a tantalizing mix of local and international flavors.
As guests mingled in the Augustine Lounge and Listening Room, which channels the eclectic feel of a curator’s private residence rather than a typical hotel bar, they were treated to an artisan charcuterie spread that was as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate. The offerings included rich duck and foie gras terrine with fig jam and house-made biscuits, while nearby, the debut of the French-inspired Perseid restaurant featured delightful bites like Jambalaya Arancini, Smoked Salmon Dip with crispy house-made chips, and a standout Tuna Tartine.
Chef Bludorn, accompanied by his charismatic partners, Victoria Pappas Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji, played the perfect hosts, ensuring everyone had a taste of the new menu, which also featured a Potato Gnocchi Bar, a dazzling Champagne Tower, and desserts like Pistachio and Raspberry Profiteroles and Salted Caramel Chocolate Entremet.
The atmosphere was further elevated by the smooth melodies of Houston’s beloved pianist, Thomas Cokinos, as he serenaded the crowd with classic tunes, creating a backdrop as memorable as the art-inspired environs of the hotel itself.
Later in the evening, the Montrose Ballroom was the scene of more fabulous decadence with caviar and chilled vodka served from an impressive sculpted ice luge. Adding to the evening’s artistic flair, local artist Floyd Mendoza painted a 36 x 36 acrylic masterpiece aptly titled “Spirit of Montrose.”
Hotel Saint Augustine isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a landmark of cultural and culinary innovation, mirroring the vibrant spirit of Houston and the artistic legacy of the Menil Collection. This is where old-world charm meets contemporary sophistication, making it the new jewel in the crown of Houston’s Museum District
The bustling atmosphere became increasingly boisterous as the stylish and sophisticated crowd representing the worlds of business, art, culture, food, film, fashion, and fun took over the hotel’s 2.2- acre campus of five small two-story buildings intersected by a series of lushly landscaped courtyards and winding outdoor pathways amidst mature heritage oaks.
400+ Distinguished Guests Featuring Fashion, Art and Food lovers …….
Jennifer LeGrand Howard and Crystin Pactor
Just some of the Who’s Who of Houston seen hobnobbing their way through the packed party included Hotel Saint Augustine developer, The Marchbanks Company’s Greg Marchbanks, with wife Mari and daughter Natalie; the hotel’s globally recognized architect, Lake|Flato partner David Lake; Gulf Coast Entertainment founder Susie Criner with husband Sanford; The Fields Companies CEO Jay Fields with wife Allie; Baker Botts Managing Director Danny David with his glamorous philanthropist wife Isabel; hip hop legend Bun B and wife Queenie; The Suffers lead singer Kam Franklin; House of Ho star Washington Ho; “it” photographer Julie Soefer; Menil Collection Board Chair Emerita Janet Hobby with husband Paul; Orange Show Center for Visionary Art Executive Director Jack Massing and wife Star; Rothko Chapel’s Thuy Tran; Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star CEO Pierce Bush; celebrity chef Chris Shepherd and wife Lindsey; Houston Texans minority owner Javier Loya with his interior designer wife Lucinda; fashion icon Ursaline Hamilton; CEO of Center for Houston’s Future David Gow; Houston arts leader and Buffalo Bayou Partnership SVP Karen Farber; KPRC weatherman-turned-Houston Public Media podcast host Frank Billingsley, and on and on like that.
Victoria and Aaron Bludorn
Photos courtesy of Daniel Ortiz Phography
Terrific story Roz. Glad to catch up on some cool buzz happening in Houston. Hard to keep up while spend time bt New Orleans and H town. So glad to catch your coverage of this new venue.