THIS WEEK IN DINING

These are the 6 best food and drink events in Houston this week

This week’s food and drink events prove that the culinary scene in the Bayou City isn’t taking a break in the shadow of Easter brunches.

For some foodie fun, look for an adults-only brew fest at the Houston Zoo, a block party in Asiatown, and two high-end fundraisers that bring together chef-driven talent and philanthropy.

Wednesday, April 24

Celebrity H-Town Chefs Against Cancer at The Four Seasons
Seventeen of Houston’s most talented chefs gather on the rooftop pool deck from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for an evening of exciting food for a good cause. Proceeds benefit Camp H-Town, a summer sleep-away camp for kids 8 to 15 at Four Seasons Hotel Houston conducted in partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.

Featured chefs and restaurants include Chef Richard Sandoval and Alejandro Di Bello of Bayou and Bottle, James Reedy of Brennan’s of Houston, Rebecca Masson of Fluff Bake Bar, William Wright of Helen Greek, Dominick Lee of Poitín Bar & Kitchen, and Alex Padilla of The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Tickets are $100 each and available here.

Thursday, April 25

Brew at the Zoo at the Houston Zoo
At this brew bash, adults 21 and older can enjoy samples from more than 20 breweries who offer more than 50 beers. The $45 ticket includes zoo admission with some special animal experiences, lives music, a Brew at the Zoo souvenir mug and a host of other entertainment options. VIP admission, available for $60, comes with an early admission at 6:30 pm.

“Herbally Yours” Botanicals Dinner at Radio Milano
Chef Ana Amaya celebrates the flavors of spring with this four-course dinner that begins with seasonal cocktails. Expect undercurrents of herbs in her menu, which includes zucchini with sage cream; quinoa flavored with lemon, parsley, mint and cilantro; an herb-crusted tenderloin and poached pear with star anise sorbet. Dinner starts at 7 pm. The cost is $60 per person. Call 713-827-3545 or email info@radio-milano.com for reservations.

Saturday, April 27

Soundbites Food Truck Fest 2019 at Peggy Park
Black Restaurant Week sponsors this popular, family-friendly event that kicks off at 1 pm. Enjoy music from several Houston DJs and bites from vendors such as Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill, EaDeaux’s Cajun Cuccina, J Harvey’s Grill, Muddy Water Crawfish, Saucy Nosh, and a bunch more. Tickets are $10 and free for kids under 10.

2019 Starry Nite Festival at Southwestern National Bank Plaza
This Asiatown block party features street food, music and art, and an array of entertainment. Available menu items include Bulgogi kimchi fries, Vietnamese spring rolls, Taiwanese sausage skewers, Bubble waffles with whipped cream and toppings, and shaved ice. Those who register by April 26 get free entry and a raffle ticket; otherwise, tickets are $30 and available online.

Sunday, April 28

Taste of the District at River Oaks District
From 11 am to 3 pm, enjoy this open-air, walkable feast, featuring the flavors of popular River Oaks District restaurants, such as Amalfi Ristorante Italiano & Bar, Casetta Cucina, High Brew Coffee, Le Colonial, Little Kitchen HTX, and Toulouse Café. Hope Farms will be there, with fresh produce for purchase, and there will be chef demos and a market with local vendors selling everything from chocolate to home goods. Proceeds benefit Recipe for Success Foundation.

Sip and stroll at Brew at the Zoo.

Houston Zoo/Facebook

Sip and stroll at Brew at the Zoo.

food-trucks news-you-can-eat

there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.