fashion for a cause

rgv has been jam-packed with awesome events over the last week or so, and we had the pleasure of attending the fashion for a cause event on april 6th, hosted by the junior league of mcallen on the rooftop of niu urban living. 

the event started with a champagne reception at niu, which gave everyone the chance to peruse the store (for those of us who had never been!), followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the rooftop, which preceded the fashion show for girls and women featuring styles from uniques, sylvia's and zoodles. 

the fashion show was interspersed with performances by some of the talented young models (including a cover of elle king's "exes and ohs")  as well as the guys from wildfox films, who danced to zz top's "sharp dressed man", along with some good-natured participants from the audience. 

not only was this event a blast, but it showcased local boutiques, businesses, caterers, models, beauty and hair styling; all provided or donated by rgv businesses, which we love to see! the show was a win-win partnership of local companies participating in an event to benefit a non profit dedicated to improving our local community: the junior league of mcallen. 

if you missed the show this year, be on the look out for more events hosted by the junior league of mcallen, and for this annual event again next spring!

taste mcallen

we had the pleasure of attending taste mcallen back on march 31st. held at oval park, (next to the palms crossing plaza in front of the mcallen convention center) and hosted by the mcallen chamber of commerce, this annual event featured over 25 local and chain restaurants, live music, beer/wine tent and a cooking pit manned by the rgv texas chef's association. 

it should be no surprise that my usual rgv favorites topped our list of must-trys at this event as well: cc's sweets and tweets (for the last 2 years i thought it was "cc's sweets and treats" whoops. you learn something new every day!) dished up brownies, mini red velvet cupcakes, caramel corn, refreshing lemonade and my personal favorite: a cookies and cream macaron ice cream sandwich! definitely keep that one in mind come summertime.

newly-minted-culinary-powerhouse bodega showed up with pork tenderloin and a killer mac and cheese, while house wine and bistro offered a tasty "mcallen cheesesteak."

as for chains, corner bakery, dairy queen, delia's tamales, el pollo loco and kumori were all serving up some of their favorites. before sundown, dairy queen was particularly popular - what better way to cool down than with a little dq ice cream?

overall the event was a really laid back way to enjoy this beautiful spot and sample some new restaurants you may not have had the opportunity to try yet.