Foodie Fun In Sugar Land

Sugar Land food and wine extravaganza highlights White House chef, Italian flair and foodie fun

Foodies from across the Houston-area are looking forward to a sweet week thanks to the 12th Annual Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair. From Wednesday through Sunday, the populous suburb will play host to a series of events that feature a variety of chefs and bartenders from Houston and beyond.

A VIP dinner kicks off the festival Wednesday night. Dubbed "La Dolce Vita," chefs from some of Houston's top Italian restaurants are joining forces for a five-course meal with wine pairings from Italian importer Banfi. Familiar faces include Jose Hernandez of Radio Milano and Efisio Farris of Arcodoro. Tickets are $150.

On Thursday, some of the city's up-and-coming bartenders from places like Beaver's and Johnny's Gold Brick will compete in the On The Rocks challenge. The winner earns a $1,500 grand prize and the bragging rights that come from having his or her creation designated as the official cocktail of the festival that will be served throughout the weekend's events. Tickets are $40.

The weekend sees the festival shift into high gear. Duck out of work early on Friday to attend either the World Whiskey Tour ($75), which features products from the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and Japan, or the Hidden Gems Wine Seminar ($50), where wine professional Jessica Sanders will explore the latest trends in wine.

Friday night's Grand Tasting features a mix of up-and-coming chefs from Houston, Sugar Land favorites and a couple of intriguing out-of-towners. John Moeller, one of the visitors, worked at the White House from 1992 until 2005 and wrote an award-winning book called Dining at the White House. Tickets are $150.

Saturday's Sip and Stroll takes place on the grounds of the historic Imperial Sugar factory. The event features additional restaurant tastings as well as a beer garden with 100 beers from 25 breweries. Chef Mark DeNittis of the Rocky Mountain Institute of Meat will conduct a live butchery demonstration. Tickets are $65.

Finally, the weekend wraps up with the Bistro Brunch on Sunday. Relax with mimosas and Bloody Marys while listening to live jazz performed by local musician Kelly Dean, the editor-in-chief of JazzHouston.com. Tickets are $50.

Feel like spending all weekend at the festival? Buy a VIP pass that grants access to the Grand Tasting, Sip and Stroll and Bistro Brunch. The price of $225 represents a $40 savings over buying them separately.

Sunday's Bistro Brunch wraps up the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair.

Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair Bistro Brunch

Photo by Shannon O'Hara

Sunday's Bistro Brunch wraps up the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair.

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Family-friendly Houston restaurant picks Missouri City for 6th location

Photo by Jenn Duncan

Local Table serves a mix of Mediterranean and classic American fare.

A family-friendly Houston restaurant will soon its sixth location. Local Table is expected to open in Missouri City in January.

Located at 3434 FM 1092 Road, the new Local Table will occupy approximately 6,700 square feet. It will feature a semi-private dining room, an outdoor patio, and a mural by Houston artist Shelbi Nicole

First opened in 2016, the restaurant builds on the legacy of Hungry's, the popular Mediterranean cafe that has two Houston-area locations (with a third on the way this spring). Shervin Sharifi and Neima Sharifi, who are nephews of Hungry's founder Fred Sharifi, partnered with Hungry's co-owner Ashkan Nowamooz and his brothers Arash and Alex. Additionally, Sue Nowamooz, Ashkan's wife, serves as executive chef for both Hungry's and Local Table.

“Every Local Table location is born from the community around it — our guests shape who we are. We’re honored to create spaces where neighbors can gather, share meals, and feel at home,” Shervin Sharifi said in a statement. “Missouri City has already shown us so much warmth, and we can’t wait to become part of the fabric of this community.”

Similar to Hungry’s, many dishes include Mediterranean-inspired elements such as a gyro pita, a kebab plate, and hummus. Other selections — including chicken fried chicken, a bacon cheeseburger, and a Philly cheesesteak — take their inspiration from traditional Southern or classic American fare. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan items appear throughout the menu. Weekend brunch features three-egg omelets, chicken and waffles, croissant French toast, and more.

Weekly specials includes kids eats free on Monday, $5 margaritas on Tuesday, half-off bottles of wine on Wednesday, and “Board and Bottle Thursday,” that offers a pizza and bottle of wine for $40. Meals are available for both dine-in and Local Table’s in-house delivery service.

“Local Table is dedicated to providing families in the Greater Houston area with access to quality dining in a welcoming, family-friendly setting,” Sharifi added. “Expanding our footprint to Missouri City is a perfect next step for us, and we’re thrilled to become part of this community.”

Photo by Jenn Duncan

Local Table serves a mix of Mediterranean and classic American fare.