Imagine a food and beverage event that transports you to the hidden neighborhoods and winding streetscapes that only locals know about, where intoxicating aromas abound and once-in-a-lifetime experiences await.
At the inaugural Bazaar Food and Wine, happening at Sugar Land Town Square from 5-8 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024, you can sample the cuisines, sights, and sounds of Latin America, India and Pakistan, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, Europe, and — of course — Texas.
The first event of its kind in the greater Houston area, Bazaar is an ode to the city’s melting pot of flavors. It will shine a light on Houston’s multitude of cultures and wholly unique culinary traditions through food, drink, dance, music, fashion, and decor, all in one special night.
"I am very excited to be a part of Houston's newest food festival, from the looks of the lineup it seems like it's going to be a great event filled with so much talent," says Victoria Elizondo, owner and chef at Cochinita & Co. "Houston is such a cultural city filled with food from all parts of the world, and it seems like Bazaar will be a representation of it. Plus any excuse to hang out with my industry people is always welcomed."
But this is no ordinary foodie fest. Each "neighborhood" will host its own special entertainment, including performances by Dance Houston, music by Houston-native country artist Sheila Marshall, Ballet Folklorico performances, bachata dancers, classical Indian dance performances, African drummers, and Lee's Golden Dragon performing a lion and dragon dance to cap off the night.
"I’m looking forward to showcasing the diverse food that makes Houston’s food scene so great with Viet-Cajun cuisine," says Cory Nguyen, chef at Crawfish & Noodles.
“Bazaar Food and Wine will truly be a celebration of how fantastically diverse our city is," says Jess DeSham Timmons, founder and chef at Camellia Monday Hospitality. "I’m looking forward to showcasing our local farmers and makers with an offering that is quintessentially Texan. It doesn’t get more so than live fire and big beef! As chefs, it’s important that we are good stewards of the community we are surrounded by. I’m partnering with Red Field Ranch in Washington, Texas, to source the beef, and Pitts and Spitts in Houston and J&R Manufacturing in Mesquite are kindly providing some serious firepower. Being able to support the businesses that are part of what makes our industry great is one of the reasons I’m so in love with what I do.”
In partnership with the James Beard Foundation, Bazaar will feature an all-star lineup of Houston’s most prominent chefs, listed below by "neighborhood":
Latin
- Victoria Elizondo, Cochinita & Co
- Luis Robledo, Mayahuel & Tout Chocolat
- Victoria Marini, The Original Marini's Empanada House
- Martin Weaver, Mi Tierra
- Cristina Benitez, Cafe Piquet
- David Guerrero, Andes Café
- Belen Baily, Sweets by Belen
Indian and Pakistani
- Mayank Istwal, Musaafer
- Dipak Aryal, Mahesh's Kitchen
- Sunil Srivastava, Verandah
- Kaiser Lashkari, Himalaya
- Sharan Gahunia, Raja Sweets
Asian
- Benchawan Painter, Street to Kitchen
- Paul Qui, East Side King
- Tom Cunanan, Hermies and Soy Pinoy
- Cori Xiong, Mala Sichuan Bistro
- Cory Nguyen, Crawfish & Noodles
- Jennifer Hoffman, Big Macarons
African and Middle Eastern
- Yotam Dolev, Hamsa
- Haig Tcholakian, Phoenicia Specialty Foods
- Khalieb Rufael & Yems Thomas, Spice Boyz Supper Club
- Adeel Khan, Haraz Coffee House
- Dawn Burrell
European
- Pedro Garcia, El Meson
- Shawn Gawle, Camaraderie
- Mikael Palmer, Savior
- Otto Sanchez, Magnol Bakery
- Bruno Amato, BB Italia
- Andrea de Gortari, The Bake Happening
Texan
- Jess DeSham Timmons, Camellia Monday Hospitality
- Kirthan and Kripa Shenoy, Auden
- Kennis Williams, Williams Smokehouse
- Joseph Quellar, JQ Tex Mex
- Joe Cervante, Pier 6
- Kathleen Morgan, Honeychild’s Sweet Cream
- Alisher Yallaev, Prime131
"This event is providing an opportunity for people to experience the unique cultural diversity that our city offers all in one place,” says Cristina Benitez, owner of multi-generational restaurant Cafe Piquet Cuban Cuisine. "From incredible cuisines to unique music and entertainment from various regions, this is going to be an immersive celebration that a person simply couldn’t get without planning single excursions to each of these restaurants. The Bazaar is the place to be on May 18.”
General admission tickets are $150 and include unlimited food and drink from nearly 40 restaurants plus live entertainment performances.
VIP tickets are a mere $50 more ($200 each) and include early admission at 4 pm to get a head start on that unlimited food and drink. VIPs also get access to exclusive Bazaar Food and Wine merch. Head here to purchase tickets.
Bazaar Food and Wine is presented by presenting sponsor Momentum BMW and produced by Rebees Management Company. A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit the James Beard Foundation.
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Experience exotic street food without ever leaving Texas.
