Black Tie & Tales

+ ‘I’m not eating that’
While perusing the savory hors d’oeuvres at Designing Women Boutique’s VIP Reception Nov. 8, at Michael’s Wine Cellar, Chris Voelker chatted about Street Eating House + Cocktails chef Christian Hershman’s hot new special — gator ribs. “Everyone loved them, and they were served with corn pudding, but I couldn’t do it. It’s a gator! I had a salad,” Voelker said.

+ Take a Bow, Gerri!
Designing Women Boutique founding board member and long-time supporter Gerri Aaron personally underwrote the production of a book celebrating the 10th anniversary of the unique charity boutique and estate-services operation that is fast becoming a local legend. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be there for the book’s debut, which took place at the Nov. 8 reception held at and underwritten by Michael’s Wine Cellar. Aaron had not one, not two, but three conflicting engagements. The shop will have to celebrate her remarkable generosity some other time when she can be there — perhaps at the 10th Anniversary “Winter Wonderland” gala, set for Nov. 30.

+ Tidbits
Drop it like it’s hot … The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota served up the cutest little caprese droppers — tomato sandwiches stuffed with mozzarella cheese and pesto — along with lobster bisque in shot glasses, as passed hors d’oeuvres during the Night of Hope Gala cocktail hour Nov. 9 …

The life of a wife ... Paul Bowman, chairman of the YMCA Foundation board, was halfway through his lunch announcements at the organization’s annual luncheon when he said that his wife, Carina, was present at the luncheon. “See, I actually do have a wife!” Bowman told the crowd. Karin Gustafson again organized the luncheon, which she has done every year for the past 23 years …

Lettuce heads … The South Florida Museum held its annual Snooty Gala, celebrating 65 years of memories and dreams Nov. 3. Helen King and Jeanie Kirkpatrick co-chaired the event, during which guests dined right next to the big guy himself. While Snooty enjoyed lettuce heads, everyone else enjoyed Michael’s On East …

Closet doctor to the rescue … The Women’s Rescource Center of Sarasota County brought guest speaker and closetologist Jackie Walker, co-author of “I Don’t Have a Thing to Wear, The Psychology of Your Closet,” to its annual fundraising luncheon, “Life’s Highs and Lows … And How I Wore Them!” Nov. 2, at Plantation Golf and Country Club. Walker addressed age-old questions such as why women say they have nothing to wear when their closet is packed with clothing …

C’mon, bat those lashes … Confession: BT had never even touched an eyelash curler until after she interviewed Jean Allenby-Weidner for Guest Fashion Editor. Allenby-Weidner, who never leaves the house without curling her lashes, suggested BT get on the curling bandwagon. O-M-G! Thanks Jean!

The Quote Box
‘Brunch on the Bay’
“Oh good. They didn’t put ‘Mrs.’ on my nametag this time. It happened at another event” — Kris Heinicka

“If you accidentally call Jeff Benninghoff ‘David Hasselhoff’ in the photo you took, he won’t get mad” — Norman Dempsey

About Lynn Ross’ fashionable ensemble: “Those are killer shoes, and that’s a killer orange blouse. Orange must be the new black. I saw it all over Paris when I was there … maybe it’ll catch on in Sarasota soon” — Denver Stutler

‘Keeping the Dream Alive’

“Am I straight?” — Scott Anderson

“He rules the roost, but I rule the rooster” — Cindy Silverglat

‘Snooty Gala’
“Sally Schule was still rocking her Chanel glitter tattoo from Wine, Women and Shoes at the Snooty Gala Saturday. It looked fab: the new accessory that keeps on giving. Work it!” — Jenn McAlister

‘Starry Night Dinner No. 1 ‘1776’’
“My last name is Markle — m-a-r-k-l-e — spelled just like Sparkle, only with an M instead of an S” — Nancy Markle