Flirty Dirty Thirty - Hotel ZaZa (Houston, TX)

The Occasion:  Dani D's Dirty Thirty

The Scene:       The Ultimate Ransom Room at Hotel ZaZa Houston

The Theme:      Latin Luxury

The Cuisine:     FANTASTIC

When my sister told me she was going to celebrate her 30th birthday at Hotel ZaZa in Houston a couple things crossed my mind:

1. The party itself will be cool because ZaZa Houston--originally Warwick Hotel--is a pretty chic spot.  
2. Not so sure about the food--let's be honest a lot of hotel banquet food is just so-so.  Drinks will be good but the food, I just don't know.

I had no idea that I was going to enjoy the food just as much as I enjoyed all of the festivities.  Oh, and the professional salsa dancers and salsa lesson was a hit.  Everyone was glad they were able to live out their Dancing with the Stars fantasies--I am mainly talking about myself!  Hats off to you baby sister for putting together an unforgettable super fabulous 30th birthday celebration!  Now on to the food.

Passed Hors d'oeuvres

Honestly D, you could have stopped with the hors d'oeuvres.  I got full off of them alone--I am NOT joking!

Rock Shrimp & Mango Avocado Relish on Plantain Chip

My mother says she ate about 30 of these bad boys!  I guess that means she liked them a little bit.

The Avocado Rock Shrimp

Chipotle Steak Kabobs

These went so fast!

Chipotle Steak Kabobs

Breaded Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

I saved my favorite for last!  I chased our server down for these.  I love mushrooms and I am still thinking about these...often.

Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms -- My faves

Nibbles & Nosh
So if the hors d'oeuvres were not enough for you, there was no need to worry because there is more for you to nosh on.


Vegetable Crudité Shots
For those who were trying to stick to their diets, ZaZa had something for just for you.  I didn't feel bad for eating everything because I am pretty sure I burned 1,000 calories from dancing!

Vegetable Crudité Shots

"Ring a Ding" Salsa

Some of the guests parked in the "Salsa Room" and never left.  I do not blame them at all!

Chips & Dip Anyone

The Meat & Potatoes
I honestly was so full from all the nibbles and nosh I could not even think about eating anything else.  Good thing the Salsa professionals came in to help me build up my second wind!  


Churrascaria Station

Got Meat?

Although my sister is now claiming to be "pescatarian", she did not keep the meat away from her guests!  The Churrascaria Station included:

• Picanah Steak
• Leg of Lamb
• Chicken Legs
• Cheese Bread
• Hot Polenta
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Chili Lime Sauce
• Toasted Garlic Oil
• Chimichurri

"Trio" Potato Bar

This was a first for me--mashed potato martinis.  RI-DIC-U-LOUS!

Mashed Potato Martinis!

Three Potato choices:

• Whipped Red Potatoes
• Mashed Yukon Gold
• Sweet Potatoes

Add the following toppings to create your potato masterpiece:

• Bacon
• Chives
• Sour Cream
• Cheddar Cheese
• Crumbled Goat Cheese
• Blue Cheese
• Homemade Chili
• Wild Mushroom Ragout

Birthday Cupcakes

Strawberry, Pina Colada and Kahlua & Cream Cupcakes oh my!  I really loved how these sweet treats had their own space!

Kahlua & Cream, Strawberry and Pina Colada Cupcakes

I just love the space!

Flirty Dirty Thirty

 I had the best time celebrating Danielle's 30th birthday at Hotel ZaZa and I want to do it all over again!

Dirty Thirty done the right way!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANI D!  I LOVE YOU BABY SIS!