Not even the rain could dampen the mood at the cocktail gathering to celebrate the opening of Blu in Town Square. Although open for a few months, the internationally inspired restaurant has been hosting a bevy of small gatherings to familiarize Sugar Land-ites as well as inner-loopers to the fabulous “street fare” style cuisine. The beautiful restaurant boasts huge glass doors leading to the front patio, opening up the space to the outdoors. Thursday-Saturday, the restaurant turns into the perfect place to dance post-dinner when they clear out tables. Porsche was on hand with their new 911 for guests to gawk at from the perfect patio view.

Elizabeth Miranda for lastnightpics.com

More than 700 of Houston’s tastemakers, influencers, pro athletes and society mavens gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Katsuya by S+ARCK. The grand affair included a special performance by Japanese Taiko Drummers leading into a traditional Japanese sake cask ritual. Guests sipped on free-flowing Katsuya signature cocktails and enjoyed taste sensations by world-renowned master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. Celebrity DJ Connor Cruise (son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman) set the tone for the night spinning from the DJ booth in the ultra-glam Dragon Room.

Photography by Phyllis Hand and Eric Hester

Fashionistas and philanthropists descended upon the chic art gallery not only to celebrate Houston photographer Omar Mejia’s birthday but to also spread a little love to two amazing organizations. The illustrious Deborah Colton Gallery opened its doors for this fantastic event in tandem with displaying some of the top picks from FotoFest. Models strutted down the runway wearing fab finds from 5 Stack Vintage. Guests munched on light bites by Bombay Brasserie and Mi Luna, along with cocktails by Red Bull and Stoli Vodka. For those with a sweet tooth, Icing Cupcakes was on hand to ease the cravings.

Photography by Claire Learned for lastnightpics.com

Celebrating the grand opening of their new location in the First Ward Arts District, Lewis and Maese Antiques & Auction held a Fat Tuesday bash & mini-auction. The soiree’s proceeds benefited the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, producers of the 25th Annual Houston Art Car Parade. Among the fabulous pieces up for auction were two large-scale metal sculptures by Houston-based artist and art car aficionado Mark “Scrapdaddy” Bradford. Guests dressed for the occasion with beads and masks, while the booze flowed and they noshed on King Cakes courtesy of Whole Foods.

Photography by Jeremy Kaeas

WHY To unite Houston’s International

WHERE Mercer Lounge

WHEN March 3

More than 300 of Houston’s International crowd attended the White Carnaval Soiree- a night of Rio inspired fun. Attendees were surprised with a traditional carnaval themed show. The Dancers looked amazing dressed in original costumes by designer Flavia Dos Santos. Guests noshed on Latin treats courtesy of Theo’s Restaurant and sipped on refreshing Riazul Tequila signature cocktails. Adding to the festivities was face painter Christian Navarrete and DJ Gary who blasted some international party tunes with enough punch to keep everyone dancing the night away. Rendez-Vous International, organized by Katia Condette, consists of one soiree and one International networking cocktail every month. Next event will be a Swedish Night held on April 5th at Avenue on Washington. For more information, visit www.the-rendez-vous.com.

Photography by Omar Mejia for lastnightpics.com