Did you get through the holidays? Good! Now that you've sent the relatives back home, it's time to have a few fun nights out on your own.
Thursday, January 8
Best Friends Brunch Kickoff Party
This is the wine collection and ticket sale party that leads up to the Best Friends Brunch on January 14. It benefits aniMeals On Wheels, which provides pet food to those who depend on the Meals On Wheels Program. There's no admission fee; instead, the organizers ask that you bring your favorite bottle of wine valued at $30 or more to go into the "wine cellar" auction at the brunch. Food and beverage for the party is sponsored by Pura Vida Tequila and Moderno Tacos & Tex Mex. D.M. Allison Gallery, 2709 Colquitt. 6 to 9 p.m.
Friday, January 9
Kipper Club's First Contenders' Dinner of 2015
Treadsack, the group behind (among other things) Down House and the upcoming Hunky Dory and Foreign Correspondents restaurants, is continuing the successful, multi-course Kipper Club dinner series it began last year. The third Contenders Dinner features Mara Serna of D&T Drive Inn; Julia Doran of Fat Cat Creamery; Sam Chang of Oxheart; Brendan Horigan of Ciao Bello; and Daniel Blue of the forthcoming Hunky Dory. It's BYOB (although a beer is included). There are two seating times to choose from. Park at a designated spot on North Shepherd and you'll be transported by shuttle to the location of the dinner. Buy tickets and read the FAQs here. 6:30 or 9pm. $65.
Saturday, January 10
Galveston Restaurant Week Begins
This is the fourth year The Island has promoted its own Restaurant Week(s) and this time they've added something new. Diners will be able to text a keyword to vote for their favorite participating restaurant to 33733. The restaurant with the most votes will be named Restaurant of the Year. More than 30 restaurants are participating and diners will get to nosh on multi-course lunches and dinners at prices between $10 and $40. The event runs in conjunction with the Galveston Restaurant Week Food Drive, which benefits the Galveston County Food Bank. Drop off non-perishable food items at participating restaurants or at the Galveston.com & Co. offices located at 523 24th Street in Galveston. View participating restaurants and menus here. January 10-24.
