With everyone is back from the holidays and workin’ 9 to 5, we could use deserve a little treat. Fortunately, Union Kitchen is hosting a Dolly Parton-themed brunch on Saturday, January 20, at all five of their Houston locations.
The event celebrates the legendary country singer’s 78th birthday. Since releasing her hit debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967, Parton has racked up a pile of award and accolades as tall as her famous blonde hair. In addition, she’s made her mark on classic films like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and the aforementioned 9 to 5, as well as becoming a literary activist and theme park owner.
The menu is curated by Union Kitchen general manager Rebekah Vera and chef James Lundy. Crafting gastronomic adventures based around musical icons is old hat for Lundy. In December, he put together a similar event for hometown hero Beyoncé to coincide with the release of her concert film, Renaissance.
The Dolly Parton brunch includes a selection of specialty cocktails inspired by her hits. The Jolene contains mezcal tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave, as well as muddled mandarin to symbolize the song’s subject’s luscious auburn hair. The Blond Boss hits a similar, fabulous tone with tequila, lime juice, agave, fresh muddled raspberries and lychee liqueur, and topped with screaming-hot pink glitter. For the more rustic palate, the New Cowboy in Town uses a base of browned-buttered infused Jim Beam and bitters.
Look for specialty cocktails like the Jolene and the Blond Boss.
Photo by Dylan McEwan/Scurfield Group
Naturally for a country star that hails from Tennessee, the menu will be extremely Southern style. Parton herself has a famous milk gravy and biscuits dish that is a delicious way to start the day, and Union Kitchen will be serving a breakfast sampler inspired by Parton’s recipe. It includes two eggs and bacon or sausage. The more daring will want to try the Tennessee Homesick Blues. It is eggs Benedict made with jalapeño cheddar cornbread topped with a chicken tender, hot honey, more jalapeños (because why not?) and Gouda cheese. Dessert is a banana pudding parfait.
Get sweet on the Puddin' Parfait.
Photo by Dylan McEwan/Scurfield Group
The regular Union Kitchen brunch menu will be available as well.
The brunch will be accompanied by a special playlist featuring focusing on Parton herself. Songs from contemporaries like Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynch will also be in the mix, as well as newer artists like Miley Cyrus and Kacey Musgraves, who were heavily inspired by Parton.
Parton, who is famously philanthropic, is well-known for her contributions to childhood literacy. Her worldwide Imagination Library charity was inspired by the singer’s father, who could neither read nor write. Today, her work brings free books monthly to nearly 2 million children.
In order to honor Parton’s pioneering work in the realm of literacy, the Union Kitchen is inviting visitors to bring a new children’s book to donate at the event. Collected books will go to Casa de Esperanza, a charity that organizes temporary homes and voluntary placement for young Texas children whose families are going through rough times.
Photo by Dylan McEwan/Scurfield Group
Enjoy a Southern brunch and wash it down with the Jolene cocktail.
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The Dolly Parton Birthday Brunch. runs 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, January 20 at Union Kitchen (All locations). For reservations, prices, and more, visit the official restaurant site.
