Wine dinner and beer dinners highlight this week's events; there's also a deal on cheeseburgers to mark National Cheeseburger Day and a great opportunity to preview the menu of an upcoming restaurant.
Plus, the chefs from two of CultureMap's top 10 restaurants collaborate for a memorable meal at Tris, and one of the city's beloved cocktail spots celebrates its fifth birthday.
Tuesday, September 17
Family meal with Lee Hudson at Avondale Food & Wine
The Montrose restaurant and wine bar will host the winemaker for a meal paired with eight of its wines. The 200-acre vineyard serves as a source for a number of wineries, including Kongsgaard, Cakebread, and David Ramey. Find out more about what they already know by purchasing a seat for $80. Email naterose@avondalefoodandwine.com to secure a spot. 7 pm.
Nils Venge Wine Dinner at Elliot's Table
The "King of Cabernet" is in town for this incredible dinner, featuring a menu that pairs Cougar's Leap Winery selections with dishes such as roasted shrimp and oysters, duck wings, and lamb lollipops. The five-course dinner starts at 7 pm, and tickets can be purchased by calling the restaurant at 713-485-0340.
Wednesday, September 18
National Cheeseburger Day deals at Smashburger
All day long, all locations of the fast-casual burger joint are offering a buy-one, get-one promotion on its double classic Smashburger. Hard to pass up a deal like that.
Thursday, September 19
Tatémo Takeover at Fluff Bake Bar
Catch a preview of what's in store when chef Emmanuel Chavez opens his restaurant next year. The event is part of the popular Thursday Night Takeover series, in which chefs bring their special spin to Fluff's kitchen. Look for dishes that showcase Chavez's Mexican roots, revolving around nixtamalized corn. The takeover starts at 6 pm.
Dinner and Beer Pizza Party at Coterie: Coffee Wine and Cafe
Chef Adam Dorris partners with 8th Wonder Brewery and 8th Wonder Distillery for this epic party. Guests receive a cocktail made with 8th Wonder Distillery selections; three beers of their choice from a menu of Achtoberfest, Dome Faux'm, and Gose / Hopston; and an antipasto bar with several styles of pizza, from Detroit to Neapolitan. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased online.The festivities kick off at 7 pm.
Maal Wine Dinner at Xochi
Maal Winery owner and winemaker Alfredo Merlo is in town to share his creations, paired with chef Hugo Ortega's cuisine. Look for pairings such as flash-seared tuna with the 2018 Ambiguo LA Joven Rose, grilled rolled leg of lamb partnered with the 2016 Biolento Malbec and 2016 Biutiful Malbec, and chocolate mousse with Maal's Paciencia blend. Tickets are $98 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and can be purchased online.
Saturday, September 21
Oktoberfest at Last Concert Cafe
From 4:30 pm to midnight, sample new craft brews from local Houston breweries, including 8th Wonder, Saint Arnold Brewing Co., 11 Below, Under The Radar, and Texas Leaguer. Tickets are $25 and include beer sampling as well as listening to music from Voodoo Visionary, Josh Pearson, Heart Byrne, and headliner Manic Focus.
Sunday, September 22
Fifth Anniversary Party at Julep
Paying homage to Alba Huerta's Washington Avenue bar's past and present, this celebration features the launch of a new fall menu, a complimentary pig roast, a DJ, guest shift from Laura Newman of Queens Park, and drink specials all day. Proceeds from the festivities go to the Rebar Foundation, a nonprofit that helps rebuild homes in Kashmere Gardens. The party runs 2-10 pm.
CollaborEIGHT dinner at Tris featuring chef Kaiser Lashkari
The force behind Houston's beloved Himalaya showcases the flavors of Pakistan for this eight-course dinner, featuring wine and beer pairings. The evening is one of a series of dinners put together by Tris chef Austin Simmons, inviting locally and nationally acclaimed chefs to work with Simmons to create a memorable experience for guests. Tickets are $225 and may be purchased online.
Alba Huerta celebrates five years of Julep on Sunday.
