wine guy wednesday

All the bottles being popped at Houston's 2-day Champagne festival

It's an opportunity to drink some of the world's best champagne.

Photo by Mikhail Lipyanskiy

It’s that time of year again—I’m calling on all of you Champagne lovers out there!

La Fête Du Champagne is coming to town with one hell of an amazing lineup of parties October 18-19. My wife Lindsey and I attended a couple of the events last year not knowing what to expect. It was more than I ever imagined by far!

Let’s start with the list of events that are happening this year:

October 18is a lunch at Navy Blue with Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle, which is where they will discuss The Art of Assemblage. Most Champagne houses’ prestige cuvées are vintage wines. Laurent-Perrier believes that by blending three complementary vintages they can create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts, and I am here for it! Chef Jerrod Zifchak and the team at Navy Blue are putting together a menu like no other. They are just really amazing cooks, and we are lucky to have a place like this in our city. Price of the ticket is $425 plus tax, but look at this lineup!

Laurent-Perrier, Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV
Laurent Perrier, Vintage 2012
Laurent Perrier, Vintage 2008
Laurent Perrier, Vintage 2007
Laurent Perrier, Grand Siècle Nº26
Laurent Perrier, Grand Siècle Nº25
Laurent Perrier, Grand Siècle Nº24
Laurent Perrier, Grand Siècle Nº23
Laurent Perrier, Grand Siècle Nº23 en magnum
Laurent Perrier, Grand Siècle “Les Réserves” Nº20 en magnum

Dinner on Friday, October 18th is at the newest restaurant by Aaron Bludorn and team, Bar Bludorn. Chef Alexandra Peña is at the helm of this new beautiful restaurant in the Memorial neighborhood. She is an absolute rockstar. I had dinner there the other night and damn, was it fantastic.

I can wait to see what she and the team put together for this amazing dinner with one of Champagne’s oldest Grande Marquehouses. Founded in 1760, Lanson is well known for the remarkable aging potential of its wines. Larson style is influenced by the winemaking style of blocking malolactic fermentation and thoughtful, precise blending of only the best Grand Cru fruit.

This is something to remember when you are tasting LansonLe Vintage Collection 1964 en magnum. Dinner starts at 6:30 and tickets are $950+ tax. Ready for the line up????

Lanson, Le Black Label NV en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage 2012 en magnum
Lanson, Le Clos 2009 en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage Collection 1996 en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage Collection 1990 en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage Collection 1989 en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage Collection 1988 en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage Collection 1985 en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage Collection 1976 en magnum
Lanson, Le Vintage Collection 1964 en magnum

And this is just day one!

Wake up, get some electrolytes and coffee in you to clear the fog and let’s get your palate ready for day two!

Saturday, we move to the OG Bludorn where two events that are happening. The first is a walk-around tasting from 12-2 pm with small bites. This event is already sold out but you can get on the wait list or double down (smart move if you ask me) and just purchase the Magnum package which is tickets to both events on Saturday. This is what Lindsey and I did last year and it was very, very impressive. Wanna see the lineup for the afternoon? Yeah. you do.

Here it is:

Delamotte, Brut NV
Delamotte, Blanc de Blancs NV
Delamotte, Blanc de Blancs 2018
Delamotte, Rosé NV
Dom Pérignon, Vintage 2015
Dom Pérignon, Vintage 2006 - Plénitude 2
Dom Pérignon, Rosé Vintage 2009
René Geoffroy, Expression 1er Cru Brut NV
René Geoffroy, Lieu Dit Tiersaudes Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru Brut Nature 2019
René Geoffroy, Lieu Dit Houtrants Complantés 1er Cru Brut Nature NV
René Geoffroy, Rosé de Saignée 1er Cru Brut NV
Lanson, Le Black Label NV
Lanson, Le Rosé NV
Lanson, Le Green Label NV
Lanson, Le Vintage 2012
Laurent-Perrier, Vintage 2012
Laurent-Perrier, Grand Siècle Nº26
Laurent-Perrier, Grand Siècle Nº23 en magnum
Laurent-Perrier, Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature NV
A. Margaine, Brut NV
A. Margaine, Extra Brut NV
A. Margaine, Cuvée M NV
A. Margaine, Special Club 2015 or 2016
Moussé, L’Orage NV
Moussé, Les Fortes Terres 2019
Moussé, Eugène NV
Moussé, L’Esquisse NV
Vilmart & Cie, Grand Cellier NV
Vilmart & Cie, Grand Cellier d’Or 2019
Vilmart & Cie, Cœur de Cuvée 2016
Vilmart & Cie, Emotion 2015

Damn, I love these wines, but you’re going to need a nap before dinner — it's like nothing you have ever seen. It’s an absolute party and what dreams are made of for Champagne lovers. It’s a full-on onslaught of all your senses in the best possible way, because this is a culmination of wines from both days and so much more with so many surprises!

Sommeliers are everywhere pouring so many different Champagnes at lightning speed. Every time you turn your head there is something different to taste! The food that chef Chase Voelz and his team are putting out is some of the best around — this night is no exception. I highly, highly recommend this event. Last year, I almost had a change of plans and couldn’t make it, but it worked out that we could and I would have been kicking my own ass if I missed it.

Drink responsibly and get a ride share. I emphasize this again, ride share please. Just trust me because you will want to sample a lot of things.

Ticket prices to Saturday are $200 for the tasting in the day which are sold out, $750+tax for the Gala in the evening, or what seems to be the best bet is the Magnum package that is $800+tax. The magnum package is exclusively for Amex Centurion and Platinum card holders. ,

Head over to the website for tickets. Until last year, this event was not held in Houston, and I had always wanted to travel to attend one. Thanks to Aaron and Victoria Bludorn, Cherif Mbodji. and all of the teams at Bludorn, Navy Blue, and Bar Bludorn it’s happening in our beautiful city.

wine festivals news-you-can-eat

Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's

wine guy wednesday

All the bottles being popped at Houston's 2-day Champagne festival

Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

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