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    fall food events

    8 festive fall food events in Houston showcase BBQ, caviar, tailgating, and more

    Eric Sandler
    Sep 14, 2022 | 5:03 pm
    Butcher's Ball 2019 Bobby Matos State of Grace La Lucha
    Chefs celebrate live fire cooking at the Butchers Ball.
    Photo by Emily Jaschke

    This week’s milder temperatures and decreased humidity have Houstonians thinking about fall’s inevitable arrival. The end of summer’s intense heat means it’s finally safe to gather outdoors again.

    For the first time since 2019, fall also brings a full slate of food events. With options designed to appeal to all tastes and price points, the next couple of months will see events devoted to barbecue, tacos, and, for the first time, caviar. While most feature local favorites, a few draw on top culinary talent from Texas and beyond. Here’s a look at some of the season’s most exciting events.

    Pitmaster Party, September 17
    Dozier’s BBQ in Fulshear will host this event devoted to making dishes with smoked wild game. Pitmaster Jim Buchanan has invited 14 top Texas pitmasters, starting with two of the top five in Texas Monthly’s list of the state’s 50 best barbecue joints: No. 2, John Bates of Interstellar BBQ (Austin), and No. 4, Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co. (Seguin). Other restaurants from the magazine’s list include: John Brotherton of Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue (Pflugerville); Patrick Feges of Feges BBQ (Houston); Quy Hoang of Blood Bros. Barbecue (Bellaire); and Scott Moore of Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue (Tomball). A portion of proceeds benefits the Fulshear Police Foundation. Tickets, $75, include samples from the participants and live music by Morgan Obenhaus (beverages purchased separately). Buy them here.

    Karbachtoberfest, beginning September 23
    Held at Karbach’s brewery near Spring Branch, this three-weekend event features live music, wiener dog races, a stein holding competition and more. The brewery will feature its seasonal marzen that pairs well with German fare like pretzels and sausage. See the event’s website for performers and other details.

    La Nuit du Caviar, October 3
    This celebration of everyone’s favorite high-priced ingredient comes from DR Delicacy, the luxury foods retailer behind the popular Truffle Masters chef competition. Held at the Astorian near Sawyer Yards, the event will feature caviar dishes created by more than a dozen local chefs, including Jassi Bindra (Amrina), Roberto Crescini (Davanti), Nikki Vongthong (Hidden Omakase), Luis Roger (MAD and BCN), Alex Au-Yeung (Phat Eatery), and CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Rising Star Chef of the Year winner Benchawan Painter (Street to Kitchen). A portion of proceeds will benefit the Houston Symphony League. Tickets start at $450.

    Two Saints and a Taco Tasting, October 14
    Named for two of Houston’s favorite saints, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Arnold, this event features more than a dozen local restaurants — confirmed participants include Chilosos, Chuy’s, and Velvet Taco — competing for the title of “Best Taco” from both attendees and a panel of media judges. Organized by St. Thomas University alumni, proceeds benefit a student scholarship fund. Tickets, priced at $50 until October 4 ($75 after), include tacos and drinks.

    Southern Smoke Festival, October 21-23
    For its first in-person event since 2019, Southern Smoke has transformed into a three-day affair: the H-Town Welcome Wagon on October 22, the intimate Southern Smoke on Ice on October 23, and the energetic East Downtown Throwdown on October 24. Southern Smoke Foundation co-founder Chris Shepherd has recruited more than 60 chefs that include many of his fellow James Beard Award winners, Top Chef fan favorites, and plenty of local talent to serve at each event. The weekend raises money for the Southern Smoke Foundation, the non-profit Shepherd started to provide cash assistance to hospitality workers in crisis situations like medical emergencies, natural disasters, lost wages, and other unexpected events. Find full details about times, tickets, and VIP packages at the event’s website.

    The Tailgate, presented by CultureMap, October 27
    A new signature event for CultureMap, The Tailgate celebrates the culture of sports and the fans who cheer them on. It will feature chef-driven food and signature cocktails, plus game-day-inspired activities, entertainment, and a spotlight on local sports-related nonprofits. Participating restaurants include past Tastemaker winners like Street to Kitchen, d’Alba Kitchen & Cocktails, Pizaro’s Pizza, and many more. Local athletes will be present to spotlight their favorite charities. It'll all take place at Silver Street Studios. General admission and VIP tickets ($60-$99) are on sale now.

    The Butchers Ball, November 12-13
    Chefs from across Texas will gather at Brenham’s Rockin’ Star Ranch to celebrate independent farmers and ranchers who are committed to sustainable practices. The two-day affair kicks off Saturday night with the Butcher’s Baller Farm-To-Table Dinner that will feature 10 chefs collaborating on a five-course meal; the evening also includes live music and a hay ride. Sunday’s Butchers Ball will see more than a dozen chefs competing for the coveted Golden Cleaver while another group show off their best live-fire dishes at the Ring of Fire. Tickets, priced at $200 for the dinner and $175 for the Butchers Ball, are available at the event’s website.

    Houston BBQ Throwdown, November 20
    The organizers of the popular Houston Barbecue Festival present this event where 14 restaurants will compete to create a dish that best demonstrates the future of Houston barbecue. Held at Saint Arnold Brewing Co., participants include Brett's BBQ Shop, Dozier's BBQ, Harlem Road Texas BBQ, Roegels Barbecue Co, The Pit Room, and more. Tickets ($75 for general admission, $130 for VIP) include samples from the participants and beer from Saint Arnold.

    Chefs celebrate live fire cooking at the Butchers Ball.

    Butcher's Ball 2019 Bobby Matos State of Grace La Lucha
      
    Photo by Emily Jaschke
    Chefs celebrate live fire cooking at the Butchers Ball.
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    Where to Eat Brunch Now

    10 Houston restaurants spicing up brunch with fresh new flavors

    Brianna Griff
    May 16, 2025 | 10:14 am
    Smoked Salmon Latke Kirsten Gilliam Okto Brunch
    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
    Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

    Houston’s weekend routine just got a jolt of new flavors. From a Peruvian-Vietnamese mash-up to a Mediterranean feast in Montrose and a seafood-driven spread in Autry Park, a wave of both new and established Houston restaurants are rolling out fresh takes on everyone's favorite weekend indulgence. Whether it’s four riffs on eggs Benedict or savoring a foie-gras macaron while being serenaded by a violin, these 10 new options are delivering bold brunches with global influences and tipsy tinctures.

    Alora Restaurant and Bar
    Located in the former Kau Ba space in Montrose, this restaurant touts itself as Houston's only Peruvian-Vietnamese restaurant. For brunch, chefs and married couple Diego Ponce and Makala Ponce have created a menu that fuses the two cuisines — think Lima Hot Chicken and Pandan French Toast ($19) with aji limo pepper balanced by the sweetness of pandan. The Bò Né ($28) is a Vietnamese twist on steak and eggs alongside Comté cheese, pate, and tomatoes, while the salmon on crispy toast ($22) is crowned with guacamole, pickled vegetables, and a passion fruit vinaigrette. Beverages include the Alora Bloody Mary ($15) with pickled quail eggs and green mango. Alora serves brunch 11 am-3 pm on weekends.

    Smoked Salmon Latke Kirsten Gilliam Okto Brunch
      

    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

    Okto's newly launched brunch features fresh dishes like this smoked salmon latke.

    Chardon
    The Thompson Hotel's fine dining restaurant launched in February, transporting both guests and diners to France with its fare. Chardon has become a destination in its own right, and the addition of weekend brunch makes it even more appealing. Classics like Quiche Lorraine ($18) and Croque Monsieur ($32) sit on the menu alongside creations of delicate Lox et Crêpe with dill crème fraîche ($26) and the Avocado and Haricot Vert Tartine topped with a jammy soft-boiled egg ($17). The Bisous Tower ($23/person) proffers a selection of savory pastries and small bites like foie gras macarons and Texas cornbread madeleines. A violinist sets a soft soundtrack while patrons dine. Brunch is 11 am–3 pm on weekends.

    il Bracco
    The Galleria-area Italian spot just upgraded its weekend offerings with several new bites. Housemade pastries include zeppole with orange marmalade ($10), blueberry focaccia ($9), and an artichoke and arugula scone ($12). The weekend-only bucatini carbonara is now joined by shakshuka alla verde, the restaurant's riffs on eggs in purgatory ($19); frittata with with asparagus, goat cheese, tomatoes, and arugula ($17); and a mortadela sandwich on focaccia ($16). Pair them with a mimosa, espresso martini, or a breakfast martini with a little orange marmalade. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    Maximo
    The West U. restaurant's weekend brunch offers a range of masa-based dishes. Consider egg Benedict that swaps the traditional English muffin for masa cornbread or cinnamon-sugar coated masa waffles that are topped with cheesecake whipped cream, Japanese peanuts, and agave syrup. Huevos ahogados, drowned in green tomatillo salsa, are served with a side of corn tortillas to soak up every bite of the mushrooms, greens, and Oaxacan cheese. Pair them with cocktails such as the Java-Horchata Flip (sake, coffee liqueur, horchata, whole egg, peanut chili crisp) and the Sangria Tango (tomatillo, cucumber, coriander, green chili, with the guest’s choice of agave or Mexican gin). Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    Melrose
    Created by CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Chef of the Year Emmanuel Chavez, the Montrose lounge serves clever riffs on enduring brunch favorites. Options include charred tomatillo chilaquiles with poached eggs, an acai bowl served in a half coconut, hanger steak with eggs and chimichurri, and a breakfast sandwich made with scrambled eggs, cheese, and brown sugar-roasted “billionaire’s bacon” on a brioche bun. The Melrose Tower channels New York's iconic Sadelle's restaurant with its house-cured lox, mini bagels, chive cream cheese, and accoutrements. Drink options include a spritz, Bloody Mary, and a michelada verde made with tomatillo juice. Brunch is served on Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

    MF Lobster and Seafood
    The weekend spread at this Autry Park destination aims to elevate Houston’s brunch offerings. Think Benedicts made with silky hollandaise cascading over lobster, braised bacon, pork belly, or classic Canadian bacon (yes, that’s four varieties of the dish). The indulgence continues with wagyu steak and eggs, buttery Maine lobster popovers, and bagels and lox featuring Ora King salmon and roe. For the sweet tooth, choose a brioche pain perdu with caramelized apples and whipped maple mascarpone, or end the meal with a dark chocolate pot de crème. MF Lobster and Seafood serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-2:30 pm.

    Okto
    Sof Hospitality’s Mediterranean restaurant kicks off Sunday with a late-morning feast of fresh flavors such as pan con tomate salad with grilled sourdough and bruleed burrata ($20) and the rich notes of the beet-cured lox atop a potato apple latke ($22). Other highlights include an omelet with blue crab and mascarpone ($24) and a crepe Suzette ($16) accentuated with Grand Marnier, candied orange, and whipped ricotta. Okto’s spot at the trendy Montrose Collective boasts a spacious patio and ample underground parking (or valet). Brunch is served Sunday from 11 am-4 pm at Okto.

    Relish Restaurant and Bar
    The second outpost of this River Oaks staple opened in Memorial’s Town and Country Village at the end of 2024, but only added brunch to its repertoire at the end of April. Flaky herb biscuits ($9), buttermilk pancakes topped with brandied pecans ($15), and a salmon citrus salad with champagne vinaigrette ($24) are just a few of the dishes available. The Italian baked eggs ($18) in a pomodoro sauce with Italian sausage and grilled sourdough is a highlight of the menu. Diners can take advantage of all-day happy hour deals on select cocktails, beer, and wine, with a full espresso bar for those abstaining or still recovering from the previous night’s festivities. Relish serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on weekends.

    Santé Lounge
    The Upper Kirby lounge’s patio is sure to be a destination for the posh set this summer. Santé's Sunday Funday Brunch features an elevated twist on classics like Dubai chocolate croissants, the grilled-to-order Santé burger with brioche, and a platter laden with five chilled seafood preparations. Patrons can listen as a live DJ spins tunes while relaxing on the patio with its cabanas, chandeliers, and greenery. Order the deviled egg trio (Nashville hot chicken, Tobiko caviar, and ramen egg) and sangria (with white or red wine) for the table. Brunch at Santé is from 12 pm-4 pm on Sunday, with a required dress code.

    Traveler’s Cart
    The Street Market Brunch is an international affair with cinnamon-dusted Morning Churros ($8), Chinese breakfast dumplings ($12) paired with a sambal-oyster-soy sauce, and charming fish-shaped Japanese taiyaki waffles ($9) with yuzu custard filling. Or dig into Turkish cilibir eggs ($15) seasoned with Aleppo pepper, smoked paprika, and za’atar oil. The global tour continues at the bar with "around-the-world" mimosas, a build-your-own Bloody Mary cart, and Don’t Stop the Carnival ($13), a punchy Brazilian coffee cocktail of rum, sweetened condensed milk, and toasted coconut. Traveler’s Cart serves brunch from 10 am-3 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

    where-to-eatbrunchnews-you-can-eat
    news/restaurants-bars

    most read posts

    Judge rules Texas Renaissance Festival owner must sell his kingdom

    Houstonians will get the royal treatment at this lively new steakhouse

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