Celebrations are the name of the game this week in Houston food and drink events. TXOTX continues, with a New Orleans wine bar taking over Camerata and showing H-Town the beauty of Basque country wines.
Don't miss a wild Scottish party with the kind of revelry only its organizers could bring. Get ready to sample a world of flavors and have a blast.
Monday, January 20
Bartender BirdBox II at Two Headed Dog
Watch eight of Houston's top bartenders compete to determine who can make the best drinks — blindfolded. Competitors include Rich Bailey of Johnny's Gold Brick, Arian Owens of Big Star Bar, and Rochelle Nicole Tougas of Poitin. Expect an entertaining evening for all involved.
Tuesday, January 21
Balcones Whiskey Dinner at Peli Peli Woodlands
Chef Ryan Stewart's South African-inspired four-course menu pairs with the Texas-based whiskey distiller's offerings. On the menu are selections such as a South African halloumi salad partnered with Balcones Baby Blue blue corn whiskey, and a 14-ounce pork chop prepared with honeycrisp apple-mint chutney served with Balcones Texas Pot Still Bourbon. The cost is $99 per person, which includes the gratuity and tax. Dinner starts at 7 pm. To reserve a spot, email the restaurant. Seating is limited.
Winter in Provence Dinner at Bistro Provence
This four-course affair features a menu curated by Bistro Provence owner Genevieve Guy, paired with Provencal wines from French Country Wines and led by FCW owner Jean-Philippe Guy. Selections include a warm goat cheese salad partnered with the 2018 Mongestine Roussane, savory French stuffed cabbage paired with the 2018 Mongestine Pinot Noir, and leg of lamb with garlic paired with the 2015 Pibarnon Restanques. The cost is $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and a $30 deposit is required when making a reservation. To reserve, call 713-827-8008.
Wednesday, January 22
Texas Ta"que"ro at Superica
Ford Fry's Tex-Mex restaurant hosts special guest Roegels BBQ for a one-night-only collaboration. Get a taco filled with Roegels pulled pork for only $4. With only 150 tacos available, they'll go fast.
Thursday, January 23
National Pie Day at Ouisie's Table
Mark the occasion with a National Pie Day Flight of Pies, featuring slices of Ouisie’s popular icebox, apple and pecan pie, available for $8. In addition, all day long, buy any whole pie to take home for just $15. Whole pies are available from 11 am until they're sold out.
Friday, January 24
A Burn's Supper 2020 at the JW Marriott Houston Downtown
Shepard Ross and chef Richard Knight join forces on this epic extravaganza featuring selections from Bruichladdich Distillery. The five-course feast includes beer and wine, haggis, and many drams of Bruichladdich whisky, along with poetry and song, the St. Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band, and endless mayhem and merriment. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online. Hijinks begin at 7:30 pm.
Saturday, January 25
4th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration at Ginger and Fork
Usher in the Year of the Rat with traditional Chinese New Year foods, feeding red packets to the lions, and wishes for good luck. The festivities include lion dancing, which begins at 4:30 pm. Reservations for dinner are encouraged and can be made by calling 713-861-8883.
Sunday, January 26
Farmers Market at Heights Mercantile
Held on the last Sunday of every month, this market adds produce, crafts, and more to the vendor mix at the popular shopping destination. The market has grown significantly since it started in September, adding vendors including Three Sisters Farm, Animal Farm, and Lira Rossa cheese. Shop from 9 am to 1 pm.
Beats BBQ Brews + Anniversary Party at Blood Bros. BBQ
Join brothers Robin and Terry Wong and pitmaster Quy Hoang as they celebrate one year of their Bellaire barbecue joint that earned recognition from the New York Times, Bon Appetit magazine, and won Best New Restaurant in the 2019 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. Joining the party are guest pitmasters including Arash Kharat of Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, Greg and Scott Moore of Tejas Chocolates + Barbecue, and Russell Roegels of Roegels Barbecue Co. A $50 ticket gets attendees a party platter of meats from all the pitmasters and two beers. The party starts at noon.
Bacchanal New Orleans at Camerata
New Orleans' 9th Ward's wine destination comes to town to transform Camerata with Basque-inspired wines and menu selections. The event is free to attend and open to the public. It's all part of the TXOTX celebration, a multi-week festival spotlighting Basque wine, cider, and food. The takeover runs from 2 to 8 pm.
The Blood Bros. celebrate one year on Sunday.
