this week in dining
These are the 8 best food and drink events in Houston this week
Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer, and Houston restaurants are offering a variety of dining and drinking deals for those looking for somewhere to celebrate on Monday.
This week also features another bragging rights cookoff, a farm-to-table dinner, and a brand new happy hour on the Bayou City scene.
Monday, May 27
Mimosa brunch at Dish Society
All of the fast-casual, fresh-ingredient spot's locations are serving brunch today from 7 am to 3:30 pm. On the menu are selections like Gulf shrimp and smoked gouda grits or free-range chicken and buttermilk biscuits. A frozen mimosa highlights the cocktail offerings.
Savings on bites at Carrabba's
From open to close, guests in the bar can enjoy half off appetizers along with wine and sangria specials throughout the restaurant. The deal is good at all locations, which open at 11 am and close at 10 pm.
Martinis and Mules Monday at Upstairs Bar and Lounge
Every Monday, guests at Hungry's in Rice Village can elevate their experience by heading to the Upstairs Bar and Lounge. Look for $7 variations on martinis and mules from 3 pm to close.
Tuesday, May 28
Teas and Toddies at Verandah
The progressive-dinner Indian restaurant kicks off its happy hour program today with a selection of cocktails, bites, and teas. Everything on the special menu is eight bucks or less, and guests can check out cocktail selections, along with small plates. For those who want an afternoon sipper but not the alcohol, check out the house-blended tea selection. Happy hour runs from 5-7 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and reservations are recommended, especially for those sticking around for dinner.
Grand opening giveaways at Chicken Salad Chick
As it makes its entry into Katy, the Southern cooking-inspired, fast-casual chicken salad restaurant is offering guests the chance to win chicken salad for a year. The first 10 guests in the door today at the new 21788 Katy Fwy. location will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 140 guests receive a free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month. (Note that all winners must be older than 16). Doors open at 10:30 am.
Saturday, June 1
BOGO at Pokéworks
The Montrose spot celebrates its first anniversary with a day of promotions and giveaways. From 11 am to 10 pm, enjoy of buy-one-get-one-free bowls. In addition, gift cards will be awarded to lucky winners hourly, and everyone gets a lei — while supplies last.
Chili dog cook-off at Good Dog Montrose
Bragging rights are on the line those restaurants competing in the Second Annual Chili Dog Cook Off. Eighth Wonder Brewery, Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company, City Acre Brewing Co., No Label Brewing Co. and SpindleTap Brewery have all created chili to top Good Dog's signature hot dog. Celebrity judges will choose which one is the best, and ticket holders can vote for the People's Choice winner. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and include samples from each brewery, three beers, and swag. The festival runs from noon to 4 pm, and advance tickets are available online.
Sunday, June 2
Farm dinner by Evelyn Garcia at Finca Tres Robles
Chef Evelyn Garcia creates a meal from local purveyors and the farm's available produce, to be paired with libations from Decatur Bar and Pop-Up Factory's Leslie Krockenberger. On the menu are chicken from Tejas Heritage Farm, Pork from Whitehurst Heritage Farms, and shrimp from Airline Seafood, accompanied by side dishes including tomatoes, tomatillos, squash, amaranth, basil, and suyo cucumbers. Dinner is served family style, and tickets are $65 per person. Farm tours are available from 5-5:30 pm. Dinner starts at 6.