This week showcases Houston at its very best: creative, inspired, and generous. Today kicks off a huge initiative to help those devastated by Hurricane Dorian, so go out and drink Bahama Mamas for a good cause.
Rosé lovers will want to drop into dinner at Emmaline, as well as check out the special offered at Ouzo Bay this weekend. Armadillo Palace brings in 20 goats for a morning yoga session, and I'll Have What She's Having launches its second WellWeek, calling attention to mental health issues.
Plus, Texas' foodie palace, Central Market, turns 25 with a celebration of food, food, and more food.
Monday, September 23
Grand Opening of The Toasted Yolk
The fast-casual breakfast spot opens in Royal Oaks this morning, and from 7 am to 3 pm, diners who purchase an entree get a free churro. The new spot is located at 12151 Westheimer Rd.
Bahama Mama Fundraiser for Hurricane Dorian Relief
Starting today and through September 29, more than 35 bars across Houston offer up their riff on this beloved tropical drink, with $1 from each sale going to Hurricane Relief Fund at the HeadKnowles Bahamas Foundation. When Hurricane Dorian tore through the Bahamas, it left behind some $10 billion in damages. This fundraiser is part payback for all the love and support H-Town saw from around the country in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, and part awareness raiser for all that needs to be done.
Drink a Bahama Mama for a good cause at Eight Row Flint, Axelrad, all BB Tex Orleans locations, Big Star Bar, Bobcat Teddy’s, Cottonwood, Decatur Bar and Pop-Up Factory, Doris Metropolitan, Down House, El Big Bad, The Flat, Flying Saucer Downtown, FM Kitchen, Grand Prize, Houston Watch Co, Johnny’s Gold Brick, Kanaloa, Lei Low, Liberty Station, Lil Danny Speedo’s Go Fly A Kite Lounge, Little Dipper, Lotti Dotti, Might as Well Lounge and Boozenasium, Miss Carousel, Ninja Ramen, Penny Whistle Pub, Poison Girl, Rosewater, Two Headed Dog, and Wicklow Heights.
Tuesday, September 24
Steak Night at Eight Row Flint
From 5 pm till it's gone, $15 buys guests chef Marcelo Garcia's steak and all the fixings. It's part of the restaurant's Live Fire Tuesday series, and it's super popular, so plan accordingly.
Wednesday, September 25
Whiskey Wednesday at Bosscat Kitchen
From 7-9 pm, enjoy a multi-course, chef-inspired meal, partnered with a tasting flight of Basil Hayden Distillery's favorite expressions. There will be special gifts, a hands-on cocktail demonstration, raffle prizes, and more. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online.
Thursday, September 26
Wine Dinner at Emmaline
This five-course dinner begins at 6:30 pm and features the rosé wines of Chateau d’Esclans. Look for selections such as salmon carpaccio and Burrata bruschetta accompanied by the 2018 Whispering Angel rose, and risotto con gamberetti paired with the 2017 Garrus rose. Tickets are $95 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 713-523-3210.
Journey of Kabobs Dinner at Verandah
Chef Sunil Srivastava and his wife, Anupama, offer a 10-course, tasting-style dinner showcasing the ancient history of the kabob. Each course features a different kind of kabob — from richly-flavored meats to spice-filled vegetarian — paired with a variety of Indian wines and several Indian beers. Dinner begins at 7 pm, and the cost is $110 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For information and reservations, call 281-501-0258 or 832-886-4291.
Friday, September 27
Fabulous Foodie Fete at Central Market
In honor of the store's 25th anniversary, this party is part of a whole series of celebrations to mark its quarter century. Tonight's event is a self-guided stroll through the aisles, complete with more than a dozen tasting stations, featuring Central Market favorites like Maryland mini crab cakes, New York strip steaks with microgreens and black garlic sauce, and a dessert buffet.
Cookbook author Nancy McDermott will personalize copies of her book, Southern Cakes, for sale in the Cooking School, as well as hand out samples of her coconut cake with lemon curd filling. There's music, a chance to win "The Ultimate Foodie Gift Basket," and a host of other fun. The event runs from 6-8:30 pm and is free, but guests must register online.
Saturday, September 28
Goat Yoga at Armadillo Palace
Start your day by taking part in the latest fitness craze. The class is offered from 10:30 am to noon in Armadillo Palace's outdoor dining space, and Goat Yoga Houston brings along 20 baby goats to wander by (and on) participants doing downward dog, warrior poses, and savasana. Following class, everyone's encouraged to hang around for lunch and check out the restaurant's new cocktails. The goat yoga session is designed for beginners, but all levels are welcome. The class costs $35 and is limited to 30 participants. Tickets can be purchased online.
Brunch Launch at Ouzo Bay
Check out dishes such as the savory Greek frittata, Maine lobster omelette, and Eggs Shakshouka as this River Oaks District restaurant rolls out its newest menu. In honor of the occasion, get half-off select bottles of rosé and $49 bottles of Veuve Clicquot. DJ Bizz plays throughout the day, and proceeds benefit the KNOWAutism Foundation. Brunch hours are from 11 am to 3 pm.
Killen's Barbecue Pop-Up at Killen's Steakhouse
Ronnie Killen is getting back to his barbecue roots by staying up all night and smoking meat at the recently opened Woodlands location of his signature steakhouse. The menu will include brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, housemade sausage, sides such as cole slaw and potato salad, and the always popular free beer; 11 am until sold out.
South Texas Backyard Grilling Class at Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen
From 1-4 pm, chef and owner Sylvia Casares hosts this hands-on class at the 1140 Eldridge Pkwy. location that shows participants how to grill beef fajitas and make Sylvia’s own family potato salad, flour tortillas, salsa, Mexican-style rice, and bean soup. Class concludes with everyone sitting down to eat. The cost is $65 per person, and reservations can be made online or by calling 832-230-3842.
Sunday, September 29
WellWeek Kicks Off Around Houston
I'll Have What She's Having (IHWSH) brings this initiative back for a second year. It's designed to raise awareness of — and support for — mental health and its effects on the food and beverage community. Starting today through October 12, participating restaurants and bars will offer mocktails designed with the structure and complexity of their full-proof counterparts, or a special dessert. $1 from the sale of these drinks will benefit National Alliance on Mental Health - Greater Houston (NAMI-GH), Mental Health of America - Greater Houston (MHA-GH), and Southern Smoke.
Look for the specials at places like Anvil, Avondale Food & Wine, Backstreet Cafe, Coltivare, The Dunlavy, Fat Cat Creamery, Feges BBQ, Georgia James, Giacomo’s, Hugo’s, Nancy’s Hustle, Oporto, Paulie’s, Rosie Cannonball, UB Preserv, Xochi, and more.
Head to Armadillo Palace for goat yoga.
