this weekend in dining

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Houston this weekend

The Perry's pork chop costs $39 on Sunday night.

Courtesy photo

This weekend’s best pop-ups and restaurant discount deals include the return of a classic dish, care packages for hospitality workers, and the provisions to make blood orange margaritas. Most of these events feature curbside pickup or other procedures that promote social distancing, so put that mask on and get out there.

Thursday, April 23

Food truck pop-up at The Annie Café & Bar
Get a taste of chef Robert Del Grande’s elegant cuisine, as prepared on The Annie’s food truck, at this pop-up taking place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday’s menu includes Del Grande’s signature coffee-crusted filet mignon (served with choice of vegetable and soup or salad). On Friday, get prime rib, chicken paillard, and bacon-wrapped quail breast. Saturday’s lunch menu features barbecue ribs, chicken and dumplings, and a roast beef sandwich. Pre-order available via The Annie’s website. Hours are 4-8 pm Thursday and Friday and 12-4 pm on Saturday.

Beef Wellington special at Tony’s
Chef Austin Waiter will serve this classic dish — two, 10-ounce beef filets wrapped in puff pastry with mushroom duxelles and pâté — Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The $95 meal feeds two and comes with bordelaise, a mixed green salad, and Italian-style vegetable medley. Tony’s regular to-go menu will also be available. Free delivery available within 5-miles for a minimum of $75. To order, call 713-622-6778, 3-8 pm.

Friday, April 24

Care Package Distribution at Ouzo Bay
The River Oaks District restaurant will distribute food boxes with ingredients sourced in collaboration with local non-profit Urban Harvest, plus recipes that offer guidance with how to use them. The boxes are free to unemployed hospitality workers and first responders (2020 paystub or other proof recent of employment required), 10 am - 12 pm or until all are distributed.

Curbside pop-up at La Grange
The Mexican-themed, Montrose patio bar has been temporarily closed, but it will return for one night only with a menu of family-style meal packs. Get 3-pound fajitas packs (choice of beef, chicken, tilapia, or mixed), beer-battered fish and shrimp, quesadillas, and more. Beer, wine, and cocktails will also be available. To order, call 832-962-4745, 3-8 pm

Taco and Margarita pop-up at Johnny’s Gold Brick
The popular Heights cocktail bar has teamed up with A Comer Tacos and upcoming cocktail bar Night Shift to sell taco packs and blood orange margarita kits on both Friday and Saturday. Choose from chicken tinga, green chile pork, or the vegetarian rajas con queso (roasted poblano, corn, calabaza squash) tacos plus margarita ingredients with or without a bottle of tequila. Must order in advance online for pickup between 5-9 pm.

Saturday, April 25

Khói Barbecue pop-up at Baileson Brewing Company
The Vietnamese-influenced barbecue pop-up will serve its signature smoked meats from 12-3. Some of the specialty items have sold out, but brisket, beef ribs, and pork ribs are still available. Order in advance online.

Dumpling Magic cooking class
Learn the secrets of dumplings from chef Evelyn Garcia (Decatur Bar, Kin at Politan Row) at this online cooking class that’s sponsored by I’ll Have What She’s Having. In addition, bartender Sarah Crowl (Penny Quarter) will teach participants how to make an original cocktail. Kits with ingredients have sold out, but participants may watch the presentation for $10.

Sunday, April 26

Pork Chop special at Perry’s Steakhouse
On Sunday nights, purchase the restaurant’s signature pork chop — plus choice of salad and dessert — for just $39. Available at all locations. Order online for curbside pickup.

news-you-can-eat

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Stylish new lounge shakes up Houston with art-inspired drinks and caviar

Photo by Chris Furia

The Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees.

A sophisticated new cocktail lounge has opened in Upper Kirby. Santé Lounge promises to elevate Houston’s nightlife scene with art-inspired drinks, caviar, and a lively atmosphere.

Located at 2309 Richmond Ave., Santé, French for “cheers,” is divided into four distinct spaces. After passing through a curtain, customers enter the garden room, which features a large, central bar and two olive trees.

Those who want to watch the DJ perform can settle into the spin room. The verde room offers more lounge-style seating. An outdoor patio is the fourth venue.

Bartender Matthew Medina, known for his work at Toca Madera and Duchess, created a cocktail menu with five creations inspired by favorite paintings. Each is served with a coaster that displays the painting.

The Three Graces: An Amaretto Sour made with rye whiskey, lemon juice, egg white, and gum syrup, inspired by Raphael’s “The Three Graces”
Man at The Crossroads: A paloma inspired by Diego Rivera’s “Man at the Crossroads”
Three Pears Old Fashioned: A combination of rye whiskey, barrel-aged maple, and pear Calvados that’s inspired by Paul Cézanne’s “Three Pears”
Le Grand Canal: Made with cucumber vodka, mint vodka, and prosecco inspired by Claude Monet’s “Le Grand Canal”
The Merry Drinker: Made with Mexican gin, lemon juice, passion fruit, and vanilla, inspired by Frans Hals’ “The Merry Drinker”

In addition, the bar will serve classic cocktails such as an espresso martini made with tequila, a French 75, and two large format cocktails designed for groups to share. Wine and champagne will also be available. Theatrical presentations are sure to start showing up on social media.

A limited food menu centers around caviar service, including both a traditional presentation and crème fraiche ice cream topped with caviar. Other options include charcuterie boards, oysters, and flatbreads named after artists, such as The Frida (Mexican chorizo, white sauce, white onion, cilantro, and avocado-poblano drizzle) and Da Vinci (shrimp, white sauce, and tomato).

Santé’s design draws inspiration from owner Sina Khaef’s European travels. Ambient lighting helps create an intimate atmosphere, and art adorns the walls. Starting at 8 pm, the bar enforces a dress code prohibiting hats, flip flops, jogging shorts, oversized pants or “crude attire.”

“We are so proud of what we have created here at Santé. It’s a tasteful and sophisticated destination for you to enjoy with your friends, colleagues and visitors alike,” Khaef said in a statement.

Here’s a sneak peek from Houston influencer Leney Meyers:

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A post shared by Marlene Meyers (@funinthecityhtx)

Photo by Chris Furia

The Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees.

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