Dinner Is Served

Inside the chef-curated menus for CultureMap Houston's Tasting Table dinners

You won't want to miss these one-night-only dinners.

Photo courtesy of Leo's River Oaks

CultureMap’s newest culinary adventure is almost here, and Houston food lovers will want to clear their calendars (and buy tickets).

It's CultureMap Tasting Table, a new series of one-night-only dining experiences held at top restaurants across the city. The debut edition spotlights two buzzworthy venues: B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar on June 23 and Leo’s River Oaks on June 24.

Each evening promises an immersive, chef-driven experience, complete with curated menus, premium wines, and a festive atmosphere. Here's what's on the menu at these exclusive foodie celebrations:

June 23: B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar
Presented by Land Rover Southwest Houston

B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar wine Premium wine pours will accompany each dish at B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar. Photo courtesy of B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar

The Tasting Table series kicks off at one of Ben Berg’s most beloved restaurants, B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar.

Guests will begin the evening with a lively cocktail hour sponsored by Weber Ranch Vodka, the only vodka crafted exclusively from 100% Blue Weber Agave, hand-harvested in Jalisco, Mexico, and distilled in Texas. It is also the only verified additive-free, gluten-free, carb-free vodka, and with fewer calories per serving than other leading vodka and tequila brands, offers unmatched quality and smoothness.

Along with passed prosecco, the passed appetizers will include filet mignon skewers, margherita pizza bites, and mini meatballs. Homemade focaccia with whipped butter for the table is a prelude to your choice of:

Primi

Burrata citrus salad
Mr. G's Caesar salad

Secondi

Chicken parmigiana
Grandma's ravioli
Shrimp scampi

Dolce for the table, from CultureMap Tastemaker Awards 2025 nominee Ruchit Harneja for Berg Hospitality

Sicilian cannoli
B.B. Italia cheesecake
Tiramisu

Selected red and wines will be served throughout the meal.

June 24: Leo’s River Oaks
Presented by Land Rover Houston Central

Tuck into a five-course tasting menu at Leo's River Oaks. Photo courtesy of Leo's River Oaks

The celebration continues the next night at Leo’s River Oaks, recently crowned Houston’s Best New Restaurant at the 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. This hot newcomer promises a luxurious and unforgettable night of food, drink, and entertainment in the heart of River Oaks.

The evening kicks off with passed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails from Weber Ranch Vodka, and a toast of Taittinger La Francaise Champagne, alongside chef-crafted bites like:

Poached chilled shrimp with invisible cocktail sauce
Tenderloin carpaccio with crostini and horseradish aioli
Pressed watermelon tartare with feta, aged balsamic, and herbs

From there, guests will be seated for a five-course tasting menu, each dish paired with a complementary wine selection. Highlights include:

First Course

Leo’s house salad
Wine: Girlan Pinot Grigio

Second Course

Pea and asparagus risotto
Wine: J. de Villebois Silex Sancerre

Intermezzo

Seasonal sorbet

Main Course

6 oz. beef tenderloin with caramelized brown butter heirloom carrots
Wine: Scattered Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon

Dessert

Strawberry mascarpone cheesecake
Wine: Chateau Ste. Michelle Sweet Riesling

Guests will enjoy live music throughout the night and leave with a special gift courtesy of Culinary Khancepts.

Tickets and details
CultureMap Tasting Table tickets are on sale now, with $99 “First Dibs” pricing available for a limited time. Seating is limited, and with experiences like these, they won’t last long.

Whether you're craving comforting Italian classics or an award-winning, wine-paired, fine dining experience, CultureMap Tasting Table serves up the perfect excuse to indulge.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Houston’s next great dining tradition.

tasting table bb italia menu leo's river oaks promoted

Breastaurant news

Texas restaurant Twin Peaks rises out of bankruptcy with new owners

Twin Peaks Houston Facebook

Twin Peaks is climbing its way back.

Six months after filing for bankruptcy, the Addison-based Twin Peaks restaurant chain is getting a second chance at success.

In a Monday, June 15 press release, Twin Peaks said it has separated from its parent company, FAT Brands, and now operates as a standalone private company called Summit Twin Hospitality I LLC.

Summit Acquisitions LLC, a group of the brand’s bondholders — high-priority bankruptcy creditors including Twin Peaks franchisees 3BMgmnt Inc., JEB Food Group, and Operadora 2 Montes — has assumed management of the brand and is poised to eventually buy the chain.

“This transition gives our team the foundation we’ve needed to execute on the vision we’ve always had for this brand,” says Roger Gondek, president and chief operating officer of Twin Peaks, in the release. “We have a strong system, exceptional operators, and enviable guest loyalty, and now we have the financial footing to match. The best days for Twin Peaks are ahead.”

In May, a business known as TWNPKS Bid Co. — backed by bondholders — acquired Twin Peaks in a $359 million debt-to-equity deal approved by a bankruptcy judge in Houston.

Five years ago, FAT Brands bought Twin Peaks from New York City investment firm Garnett Station Partners for $300 million. Last year, Twin Peaks became a publicly traded company after its spinoff from FAT Brands, which remains the chain’s biggest stockholder.

Twin Peaks enters its new era with more than 115 restaurants in the U.S. and Mexico, including five restaurants in Houston and a total of 31 statewide. More restaurants are on the way, including franchised locations in Brownsville, Laredo, and South Padre Island.

Twin Peaks, founded in Lewisville in 2005, competes with Bombshells, Hooters, Twisted Kilt, and other “breastaurant” chains.

According to the press release, Twin Peaks’ executive team remains intact, and no layoffs are planned. In fact, the company plans to add employees as its store count grows.

In conjunction with FAT Brands’ bankruptcy case, a business called FBG Bid Co. said Tuesday, June 16 that it purchased 13 restaurant brands owned by FAT Brands for about $595 million. The acquisition includes chains like Fatburger, Fazoli’s, Great American Cookies, Johnny Rockets, Marble Slab Creamery, and Ponderosa and Bonanza steakhouses, but excludes Twin Peaks.

FAT Brands and Twin Peaks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January with plans to reorganize the businesses. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, FAT Brands owed about $1.4 billion in debt that it was unable to cover.

breastaurants bankruptcy twin peaks