Alone, Together

'Six-Foot Social' uncorks a fun, at-home wine class for Houstonians

Six Foot Social Guy Stout Randall Pettit

Master sommelier Guy Stout and Randall Pettit of Alexander Valley Vineyards.

Courtesy of Food & Vine Time Productions

Large scale food festivals may not be feasible at this time of social distancing, but one of Houston's most experienced food event organizers has a new way for people to learn about wine. Food & Vine Time Productions — the company behind events such as Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands, the Katy Sip & Stroll, and the Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival in Galveston — has launched Six-Foot Social, an at-home wine education program.

Rather than go to an event venue to taste dozens of wines in the company of strangers, Six-Foot Social brings the tasting to a backyard, cul-de-sac, or driveway. A host partners with Food & Vine Time to organize an event. The group's staff evaluates the space, designates seating areas that are at least six feet apart, and provides a wine professional to lead the tasting.

"With the market being flooded by virtual everything, screen fatigue is a reality," Food & Vine Time co-founder Constance McDerby said in a statement. "Human nature craves community and the Six-Foot Social allows the communal experience safely."

In addition to complying with guidelines about maintaining physical separation, each Six-Foot Social event includes glassware, bottles of water, gloves for the presenters, and hand sanitizer. Costs start at $25 per person for groups of 12-40 (depending on the venue); a master sommelier can attend for an additional fee. Those interested in scheduling an event may email info@foodandvinetime.com for more information.

"I will admit that this is quite a different experience from hundreds of wines and dozens of restaurants being offered in large festival environments with live music and pop-up entertainment," McDerby said. "But, the core of the Food & Vine Time Productions’ mission is making wine approachable while helping people enjoy the learning journey and broaden their knowledge in the process."

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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.