For the next few days, food celebrations will naturally center around Independence Day-related festivities, but this week's revelries aren't only limited to July 4. This week's best food events include free-flowing Molson for Canada Day, the return of one of the city's most-acclaimed fried chicken specials, and a wine-fueled bash to celebrate six years of Camerata.
Monday, July 1
Lunar Landing Commemoration Menu at Ouisie's Table
Today, the River Oaks grande dame kicks off a special three-course menu to mark the 50th anniversary of that historic "giant leap for mankind." Available through August 31, it includes a starter, main dish, and dessert for $35. Select the Soup of Tranquility or the Splash Down fish option, or maybe the Space Exploration ice cream and bread pudding dessert. Reservations are not necessary but are strongly encouraged. To make once, call 713-528-2264.
Canada Day Celebration at Maple Leaf Pub
Come out to toast our neighbor to the north's national birthday with a party featuring Jell-O shots, ice-cold Molson (regular and blue), bingo, live music, and that Canadian national food treasure, poutine. The revelry kicks off at noon and is guaranteed to go until closing at 2 am.
Wednesday, July 3
Better Cluck Tomorrow at Better Luck Tomorrow
The popular restaurant and bar brings back this pre-July 4 celebration honoring that American favorite, fried chicken. For $39.99, get a bucket of fried chicken featuring a whole bird from Cobb Creek in Hillsboro, Texas, and an array of classic sides: Caviar’d Potato Salad, cole slaw, and Chef Natasha’s Super Flake Biscuits. The special is for dine-in only and is available beginning at 3:30 pm until sold out.
Squash Blossom Dinner at Hugo's
Kick off the season with this four-course dinner showcasing the delicious delicacy. The evening begins at 7 pm with a reception featuring quesadillas paired with two Oregon sparkling wines. The wine dinner continues with selections such as a salad of squash blossoms and shrimp paired with the 2017 Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, charred yellowfin over squash blossom stew paired with the 2017 Domaine Dublere Chorey-Les-Beaune Les Maladerottes from Burgundy, and Texas quail stuffed with squash blossom corn bread accompanied by the 2012 Elyse York Creek Petite Syrah. Tickets are $88 per person and can be purchased online.
Friday, July 5
Freedom Brunch at Weights + Measures
The restaurant offers its popular weekend brunch options today from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop in for favorites such as the peanut butter and Nutella brioche toasts, chocolate chip pancakes, cake doughnuts with fried chicken, a special Benedict, and fun brunch cocktails.
Saturday, July 6
National Fried Chicken Day
At Max's Wine Dive, mark the unofficial holiday with an eight-piece bucket of chicken and two sides for $45 or upgrade to an eight-piece bucket with two sides and a bottle of Moet Imperial Brut Reserve Champagne for $90. The special is available today only, at both locations, beginning when the doors open at 10 am. Over at Jonathan's the Rub, there's a deal for $22 that includes a bucket of half a chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and mango cole slaw. Both locations open at 11 am, and the special is good for dine-in or take-out. And at Relish, eight pieces of chicken, two sides, and four homemade biscuits are available for $38. The deal feeds between two and four people.
Grilling Month Margarita Special at Fajita Pete's
All Houston locations of the casual Tex-Mex spot are offering deals on margaritas every Saturday this month, beginning today. Grab a 12-ounce ‘rita for $.99 (limit two), a half-gallon for $9.99, or a gallon for $19.99. Doors open at noon.
Red, White and 'Que at Armadillo Palace
Bring the Fourth of July celebration into the weekend with this party that features a concert by rising country music star Wynn Williams. He performs in The Hall starting at 7:30 pm, and guests can chow down on 'Dillo signatures like the Damn Goode Burger, Gulf Coast po' boy, and Texas bobwhite quail — not to mention great beers. For details, call 713-526-9700.
Sunday, July 7
Pints for Pups at Saint Arnold Brewing Company
From 2 to 4 pm, enjoy pizza and beer while supporting the efforts of Pup Squad, an animal rescue group that works to save puppies and nursing litters and place them with forever homes. Admission includes pizza and beer, a door prize ticket, sweet treats, a commemorative beer glass, and bingo. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
Note: because the event is indoors, it's people only — no pooches, please.
Sixth Birthday Party at Camerata at Paulie's
Camerata turns six years old with a celebration featuring Nobie's and The Toasted Coconut chef Martin Stayer grilling snacks and meat-treats for the occasion. Look for the wine-centric spot to bust out all sorts of special bottles for the big day. Food is available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. The partying begins at 4 pm.
Ouisie's Table has a special menu to celebrate the lunar landing.
