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    Secret Taste

    Exclusive dinners from sushi chefs pop up at modern River Oaks mansion

    CultureMap Create
    Dec 3, 2018 | 11:00 am

    On November 17-18, a handful of Houston foodies gathered at 2419 Del Monte Dr. for two evenings that promised mystery, excitement, and an abundance of delectable cuisine.

    They had assembled for the first four pop-up dinners from veteran sushi chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee and coordinated by Andrew Lin. Secret Taste, as the dinners are dubbed, allow the chefs to experiment with a creative multi-course dinner and converse directly with their guests about the meal and their experience.

    The chefs and their team took over the exquisite kitchen at the brand-new River Oaks mansion, which was designed by the award-winning MC2 Architects. The stunning five-bedroom home proved an ideal venue for the intimate dinner, and guests were encouraged to explore its more than 8,000 square feet, noting the wine room, a Zen pool, and even a summer kitchen.

    Then they turned their attention to the meal, which featured upwards of 15 courses with specialty ingredients including barracuda, otoro, Hokkaido uni, and A5 Wagyu from Japan. Noted pastry chef Dory Fung created the desserts.

    So how did these lucky diners know about Secret Taste? They followed the pop-up's Instagram for hints about when the next dinner will be, then pounce to be included on the (very limited) guest list by emailing SecretTasteHTX@gmail.com. The location isn't revealed until after a guest confirms, which only adds to the fun. Head to Secret Taste's Instagram now to watch a video of the dinners.

    If anyone left wanting to know more about the dinners' venue, Julia Wang with Nan and Company Properties/Christie's International Real Estate has the listing and can be reached at julia@nanproperties.com or 713-714-6454. It can be yours for a cool for $5.5 million.

    The dinner was held at 2419 Del Monte Dr. in River Oaks.

    2419 Del Monte Houston house for sale
    Photo courtesy of Nan and Company Properties
    The dinner was held at 2419 Del Monte Dr. in River Oaks.
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    bites and beyond

    New Houston food festival reveals stacked lineup of restaurants and music

    Eric Sandler
    Oct 17, 2025 | 4:26 pm
    Discovery Green Houston aerial
    Photo by Katya Horner
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    Houston’s newest food festival is beginning to take shape. Coming to Discovery Green on Saturday, November 8, the Bites & Beyond Festival will give attendees a full day of food and music at a manageable price.

    Unlike all-in events such as Southern Smoke or Chefs for Farmers, Bites & Beyond will use an a la carte model that’s similar to LA’s Family Style Festival or the beloved Houston International Festival. Attendees pay $30 for a general admission ticket that comes with access to the festival’s musical acts, vendor market, and photo-worthy installations.

    Those looking for something to eat or drink will be able to choose items from more than 20 vendors (with more to be announced), all of which will be available a la carte and priced per item. Here’s the initial list that includes a mix of Houston classics and up-and-comers:

    • HA K Bann Thai
    • Jamaica Pondi Road
    • Best Street Tacos
    • Bonfire Wings
    • Cheaters Creamery
    • Cosmic Ice Cream
    • Frost and Fantasy
    • JQ’s Tex Mex BBQ / Now Tacos Los Authenticos
    • Lemond Kitchen
    • May’s Crepes
    • Pino 3 Boy Hot Sauce
    • Planet Churro
    • Southern Jerks
    • Stick Talk Cajun Hibachi
    • Sweetie Fruit
    • Tina’s MexCocina
    • YoYo Drinks

    In addition, a separate VIP area devoted to barbecue and bourbon will feature bites from Gatlin’s BBQ and Goode Co. Barbeque, as well as the following:

    • Bonfire Wings
    • Crawfish Café
    • Conrad Hilton College at the University of Houston
    • Houston Community College Culinary
    • JW Marriott Houston by the Galleria
    • Lemond Kitchen
    • Pho Saigon
    • Saint Arnold Brewing Co. Culinary
    • The Laura Hotel
    • The Lymbar

    Organizers have also arranged for special collaborations, including one that unites buzzy ice cream concept Cosmic with Karbach and another that teams up students from the University of Houston’s Conrad Hilton College and HCC Culinary with two luxury hotels — The Laura and the J.W. Marriott by the Galleria — as well as Hood River Distillery and Trails End Bourbon.

    With a roster of beverage sponsors that includes Saint Arnold, Karbach, Modelo Especial, Stella Artois, and BeatBox Beverages, attendees will have plenty of ways of stay hydrated. Other sponsors include the Houston Hospitality Alliance, Metro by T-Mobile, Black/Latin Restaurant Weeks, and KHOU-11.

    Performers include Demola the Violinist, Big Freedia, and local DJs spinning everything from house and disco to Latin and Afro beats.

    As noted above, tickets start at $30 for General Admission. VIP tickets that come with a separate entrance, VIP restrooms, a dedicated seating area, and access to the bourbon and barbecue tasting are priced at $135. Get more details here.

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