Yum Yum

All the mouthwatering food and drinks you'll find at The Tailgate

Dig into wings from Sticky's Chicken.

Sticky's Chicken/Facebook

Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate is almost here. CultureMap Houston's newest signature event is happening October 27 at Silver Street Studios, and you'll want to be there.

Why? Because even if you aren't a football fanatic, hockey hound, soccer supporter, or basketball and baseball buff, you're probably a big fan of fantastic local food and drinks.

Here's what's on the menu:

2021 Tastemaker Awards Restaurant of the Year winner Street to Kitchen will be serving sai oua, a spicy northern Thai sausage.
d'Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails, the 2022 Tastemaker Awards Best New Restaurant winner, is presenting its Falcon Lakes Bolognese.
Tastemaker Awards 2020 Best Pizza winner Pizaro’s Pizza Napoletana is bringing Truffalo Wing Pizza Bites.

Also expect:

chicken wings from Sticky's Chicken
pulled pork tostadas from Chef Jake Gober of Silver Whisk Elite (who also happens to be JJ Watt's former personal chef)
hummus, pita chips, and veggie sticks with Labneh ranch from Craft Pita
queso arancini, elotes, and mini hotdogs from Heights & Co.
brisket sliders from Daily Gather
pretzels and queso from Dish Society
smoked pork yakisoba from Ramen Tatsu-Ya
cochinita pibil sausage wraps from J-Bar-M
chicken barbacoa tacos and drunken pulled pork BBQ sliders from Bayou & Bottle at the Four Seasons
drunken pineapple-glazed brisket from Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
assorted kolaches from Kolache Shoppe

Whole Foods Market will have a game-day catering spread and a variety of 365 favorites for tailgating — learn all about their delicious options here.

Cast your vote on-site to choose the best tailgate dish, and we’ll announce the winner at the end of the event.

To wet your whistle, there will be signature cocktails by 1800 Tequila and Dripping Springs Vodka — just wait until you taste the Sideline Rita and QB Crusher — plus Austin Cocktails and beer from 11 Below Brewing. You'll also get to vote for your favorite drink in the cocktail competition hosted by Dripping Springs Vodka.

Aside from the concessions, expect game-day activities and fun yard games, the chance to snap pics with the Houston Texans cheerleaders, and there just might be appearances from your favorite athletes, who will be shining a spotlight on the sports-related nonprofits they support and giving you the chance to pitch in and make a difference for the causes they champion.

Get your tickets now, and use promo code FOOD15 to get $15 off tickets. We’ll see you on October 27.

sports promoted

return of the mack

Houston restaurateur steps up with massive River Oaks-area steakhouse

Courtesy of Mack Allen's

A rendering previews the Champagne Room, one of three private dining spaces.

A massive new steakhouse is coming to the River Oaks area this summer. Meet Mack Allen’s, a new project from Rouxpour owner Mack McDonald that’s scheduled to open in July.

While McDonald is primarily known for his casual dining concepts, Mack Allen’s is a step up in terms of design, experience, and quality. To bring the vision to life, McDonald has assembled a team of hospitality veterans, including executive chef Carlos Andrade (The Rouxpour. Brennan’s of Houston, etc.) and general manager Shaun Stockton (Turner’s, Vic & Anthony’s, etc.).

Located in the 5POP office tower at 4400 Post Oak Pkwy, Mack Allen’s will occupy 16,000 square feet on the 28-story building’s first floor. Led by Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design, the space has been divided into a main dining room, a fully landscaped patio with fire and water features, and three private dining rooms

The Boardroom, designed for business meetings with full A/V capabilities
The Champagne Room, designed for luncheons, bridal showers, and other celebrations
The Estate Room, a 60-seat room with its own bar.

Once seated, customers will dine on a menu created by Andrade and regional chef Manuel “Manny” Viveros. It includes prime beef, raw and chargrilled oysters, sushi, seafood, and luxury add-ons such as caviar and truffles. More information about specific dishes and preparations will be shared closer to opening.

“At Mack Allen’s we’ll embrace a guest-first philosophy of always saying yes — yes to anything we can do to make our guests feel welcome and valued,” Stockton said in a statement. “This isn’t just about exceptional food. It’s about creating a place where hospitality leads everything and guests feel a true sense of belonging.”

Courtesy of Mack Allen's

A rendering previews the Champagne Room, one of three private dining spaces.

news-you-can-eat openings