This week in dining
These are the 11 best food and drink events in Houston this week
From an anniversary deal to a free "sneak eat" to a couple of Texas-sized parties marking the release of France's traditional harvest wine, this week's list is an eclectic mix.
Tuesday, November 19
Four-Year Anniversary Celebration at the Burger Joint
The ultra-popular Montrose burger spot will celebrate its birthday with a celebratory discount. Guests who come in and say "Happy Birthday" will receive a Birthday Cake Shake for $1 when ordering a meal.
Wednesday, November 20
Sneak Eat at Uberito
From 11:30 am to 7:30 pm, guest can check out the new restaurant in Memorial. Sign up for a 15-minute window, and receive a free burrito, bowl, salad, or nachos, drink, and a cookie. Those who want to take part in the sneak peak must RSVP online.
Wines of Sicily and Umbria Tasting at Vinology
From 4 to 7 pm, come in for this walk-around wine tasting featuring reds and whites from both Umbria and Sicily. The event is organized by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce.
Thursday, November 21
Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrivé!
Beaujolais Nouveau, the traditional French harvest wine made from the Gamay grape, makes it annual debut today, and several Houston spots are getting in on the celebration. Camerata at Paulie's hosts an all-out Beaujolais bash from 4 pm to 2 am called Beaujoworld. Sommelier Chris Poldoian has created a fun recipe for freaujolais (frozen nouveau), cult bottlings by the Gang of Four (all rarely available by the glass), an ice luge, great music, and more.
Bistro Provence has its annual Nouveau Beaujolais Dinner starting at 7 pm. The Beaujolais Nouveau will be poured with the amuse bouche; the rest of the multi-course meal features other wines from Beaujolais winery Domaine de la Ronze. Call 713-827-8008 for reservations. A $30 deposit via PayPal is required to secure a seat. And the French-American Chamber of Commerce marks the traditional feast day with Beaujolais 2019: A French Wine and Food Festival at Minute Maid Park. More than 30 Houston restaurants are serving bites; there's also a fashion show, music, and, of course, Beaujolais. Tickets are $50 per person. Festivities start at 6:30 pm.
The Perfect 10 Gala at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Houston
Houston Food Finder hosts this event that unites 10 of the city's top chefs with 10 of its most-acclaimed beverage professionals. The meal begins with a cocktail hour of five bites paired with a wine or cocktail. Attendees will then feast on five savory courses that receive their own pairings. Participants include: Monica Pope, Kaiser Lashkari, Teddy Lopez, Richard Knight, Sean Beck, Justin Vann, Qwesha Byrd, and Jojo Martinez. Tickets ($145 regular, $245 VIP) are available online.
Friday, November 22
Holiday Champagne tasting at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
More than a dozen different styles of Champagne will be available for tasting at this grand event at the Galleria location that also features bites from the restaurant. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online.
Saturday, November 23
Fried Chicken and Chicken Fried Steak Pop-Up at Killen's
Ronnie Killen previews his upcoming Washington Avenue restaurant with this pop-up that includes fried chicken, chicken fried steak, barbecue, classic sides, and desserts. Lovers of Killen's signature style won't want to miss it. The pop-up kicks off at 11 am.
Sunday, November 24
Fifth Annual Retail Wine Sale at Camerata at Paulie's
This walk-around tasting is a chance for guests to purchase small-production wines at big-box-store prices. Some of Camerata’s favorite wines from distributors and importers will be on hand to discuss various selects and pour samples so that customers can try these special wines before they buy. Expect more than 50 selections to be on hand. Those wanting to stock up for holiday parties will love knowing there's discount pricing on cases. The sale is from 12 to 4 pm; all sale orders will be available for pickup beginning Monday, November 25.
Raclette Party on the Patio at Montrose Cheese & Wine
Goodnight Hospitality's Montrose wine shop celebrates raclette, described as "the meltiest and sexiest of all the cheeses." As is traditional, the cheese will be scraped from a large wheel directly onto a plate containing potatoes with caramelized onions, frisée, cornichons and baguette slices for ($18 or $22 with salami). The party goes from 2 - 8 pm; those who can't attend Sunday can come on Monday during the same hours.