What: MAD and BBVA USA’s exclusive Rothko Chapel event

Where: MAD Houston

The scoop: MAD, Houston’s undisputed hottest restaurant, recently closed its doors (shocking!) to host a special event with BBVA USA, benefiting the Rothko Chapel and its $30 million site development master plan for restoration of the chapel and campus expansion.

Rothko Chapel’s cultural ambassador and honorary co-chair Lynn Wyatt; MAD founder Ignacio Torras and co-owner, chef Luis Roger; and BBVA CEO Javier Rodríguez Soler invited an exclusive selection of arts-minded guests to mix, mingle, and dine at MAD.

The evening raised funds for the Rothko Chapel’s capital campaign, titled “Opening Spaces,” which has raised nearly $15 million toward the ultimate goal. Prior to the dinner, the evening commenced with a cocktail hour, light bites, and cava, followed by speeches from Wyatt, Torras, Rodríguez Soler, and Rothko Chapel Board Chair Michael Piana.

Guests sampled new seasonal menu items that MAD will debut in late September. Highlights included gazpacho de remolacha (fresh beet gazpacho) with Manzanilla olives and kefir cheese, as well as a surprise MAD apple pie, which paid tribute to the late Mark Rothko and his favorite dessert.

Who: Rice University President David Leebron and wife, Ping Sun; Spanish consul general Julia Olmo and Juan Ignacio Avello; Mike Loya; German Newall; Anne and Albert Chao; Steven Wyatt and Joyce Echols; Kate Wyatt; Nancy and Erik Littlejohn; Duyen and Marc Nguyen; Tatiana and Craig Massey; Aliyya Stude; Melanie Lawson and John Guess, Jr.; Maritere and Ricardo Perusquia; and Conchita and Jaime Muguiro.