This Week In Dining
These are the 9 best food and drink events in Houston this week
For adventurous diners and drinkers, this week's round up offers a host of options to sample new libations and try new dishes. From small events to full-scale festivals, there's dining fun for all.
Through June 30
Restaurants for Refugees across Houston
This month, eight Bayou City restaurants are offering a special dish, with proceeds benefiting World Refugee Day Houston. Among those participating, the Heights' A 2nd Cup is offering Melonaid, Bellaire's Dandelion Cafe has biscuits and gravy, Decatur Bar & Pop-Up Factory has green curry, and Grand Prize Bar has a Hurricane. Stop by any participating restaurant or bar, purchase the featured dish or drink and help support refugees in Houston.
Monday, June 17
Chefs in the Field Tomato Tribute at Hope Farms
This Recipe for Success party showcases the more than two dozen types of tomatoes grown at Hope Farms, Recipe for Success' urban plot in the Sunnyside neighborhood. The three-course dinner features selections from Dylan Murray of Local Foods and Benjy’s, Ben McPherson of BOH Pasta & Pizza, and Troy Guard of the soon-to-open Guard and Grace steakhouse. The evening kicks off at 6:30 with a cocktail hour in the Chefs’ Garden where guests can enjoy a tomato tasting and sip on craft cocktails made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, before sitting down to a dinner. The cost for the cocktail hour and tomato tasting is $75 per person, the seated dinner is $250, and tickets for both may be purchased online.
Tuesday, June 18
Street Food and Tequila Celebration at Caracol
From 6-8 pm, discover the Tequila region of Mexico at this event, which features craft cocktails created by Sean Beck and the bar teams at Hugo's, Caracol and Xochi, as well as Jalisco street food favorites from Chef Hugo Ortega. Look for tacos, a ceviche bar, mole dishes, and more. The cost is $75 per person, and tickets can be purchased online.
Wednesday, June 19
Glenlivet Whiskey Dinner at Weights + Measures
This four-course dinner pairs dishes from chefs Fernando Rios and Richard Kaplan with a sampling from Glenlivet's extensive portfolio. Selections include a wood-grilled curly endive salad with roasted corn and cherry tomatoes, housemade labneh, toasted marcona almonds, and house aged balsamic dressing accompanied by the Glenlivet 15 year old, and a rack of lamb with shishito pepper ragu and horseradish compound butter smashed potatoes accompanied by the Glenlivet 18 year old. Tickets are $100 per person, and dinner starts at 6 pm.
Friday, June 21
Summer Fete de la Musique Menu at Bistro Provence
In France, the start of summer arrives with music festivals. Here in Houston, Bistro Provence offers a take on the traditional celebration with an a la carte menu with each item named after famous musical works, composers, or performers. Choose from selections such as Consommé Bizet, a clear, chicken consommé slightly thickened with a little tapioca and garnished with chicken quenelles and chervil and tarragon, created for —and named after— composer Georges Bizet; or Tournedos Rossini (roasted hind saddle of lamb with foie gras), created for the composer Gioachino Rossini. Pair them with a bottle of Fazioli Cotes de Provence from Chateau la Mascaronne, named for one of the modern world’s most famous piano builders.
Saturday, June 22
Grand Opening at Beard Papa's Chinatown
The largest outpost of the uber-popular Japanese cream puff purveyor in the United States will open its doors beginning at 10 am. The grand opening event will include promotional offers such as a free tote bag for the first 25 customers to purchase a dozen or more puffs and one original flavor puff for free after buying five puffs. Goes until midnight or when the puffs run out.
Summer Solstice Block Party at Yauatcha
Upscale Chinese restaurant Yauatcha and hip boutique The Webster join forces to celebrate summer with bar bites and cocktails from 5-8 pm. Also in the lineup are a DJ and giveaways, as well as 15 percent off regular menu items during the event. It’s complimentary to attend, and everyone is welcome to be part of the summertime festivities.
West African Fest at Finca Tres Robles
From 6-9 pm, be part of a party that benefits GambiaRising, a scholarship program focused on girls' education in The Gambia. There will be food, plus African drumming and dancing. The event is free, but contributions are appreciated.
Sunday, June 23
Toasted Coconut Popup at the Penny Whistle Pub
Nobie's Martin Stayer hosts a pig roast while bar director Sarah Troxell will take over the Penny Whistle's bar, previewing some of her tiki drinks to come at the soon-to-open Toasted Coconut. The event is from 4-8 pm and the $30 ticket includes an appetizer, pig, and sides. Drinks are extra, natch. Those who only wish to check out the cocktails don't need to purchase a food ticket. A small amount of food tickets will be available at the door, but purchasing online in advance is preferable.
Think Tacos Benefit for Houston Food Finder at Heights Bier Garten
Readers who love food know that Houston Food Finder, the independent publication run by Phaedra Cook, is as asset to covering Houston's food scene. It was in danger of going under and a GoFundMe campaign was launched last week to help save it. The benefit, from 6-8 pm, brings Candido Serrano’s great Mexican food truck to the Heights and all of the profits go to support Houston Food Finder.
