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

a new chapter

New permit brings the party back to Third War Sunday Funday hotspot

Courtesy of Almeda Hospitality Group

Outdoor parties are returning to Bar 5015.

Sunday Funday is back on at Bar 5015. The Almeda Avenue hotspot recently regained the City of Houston permit that allows it to use amplified sound on its outdoor patio.

“[Losing the permit] affected our ability to play any amplified sound on our patio,” Bar 5015 owner Steve Rogers tells CultureMap. “The footprint is maybe 80 percent outdoor seating. Not being able to play amplified sound affected the business.”

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A post shared by Bar 5015 (@thebar5015)

According to Rogers, Bar 5015 lost its permit when it was convicted of two violations of Chapter 30 of the City of Houston’s sound ordinance within 36 months. When the older conviction became more than 36 months old, Rogers was able to reapply for the necessary permit. While the process has been disruptive, Rogers is ready to move forward.

“We’re not blaming anybody or any particular person. We know we have to coexist with our neighbors and figure out a way not to disrupt their quality of life,” he says.

Towards that end, Bar 5015 has implemented a number of changes designed to help it stay in compliance with the ordinance. Insulated materials under the stage will help prevent bass from throbbing beyond the bar’s footprint. Any DJs the bar books will be required to sign contracts that they won’t turn up the volume past a certain level. “If they go beyond that, it could result in suspension or termination,” Rogers says.

In addition, the bar has purchased the same decibel readers that the Houston Police Department uses. Employees will take hourly sound readings throughout the night and enter them into a log.

“We’re staying in contact with the neighbors, also,” Rogers says. “If you hear something, tell us, so we can correct it in real time. Even if we’re below the number, let us know, so we can fix it.”

With the new procedures in place, Bar 5015 can get back to doing what it does best — showing Houstonians a good time

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