From an '80s-inspired happy hour to foodie contests and elaborate booze-paired feasts, here's a look at this week's hottest culinary happenings:

All month through September 11

Bernie’s Burger Bus T-Shirt Design Contest

A double-decker Detention Burger with could be yours every day for the rest of your life if you become the big winner of the first ever Bernie's Burger Bus t-shirt design contest. The acclaimed burger spot is accepting ideas for slogans, funny quotes and sayings to place on the backs (or fronts) of its t-shirts for a chance to win a Bernie’s Burger Bus Black Card, good for a burger, fries and drink once per day for life. Over-achievers are also welcome to submit artwork for consideration. To enter, submit your ideas via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, along with the hashtag #berniesburgersforlife. Entries must be submitted by Sunday, September 11. The winner will be announced via social media on Friday, September 16. Email [email protected] with questions. 

All Week

Houston Restaurant Weeks Continue

The Houston Food Bank’s biggest and most delicious fundraiser continues with an all-star lineup of reasonably priced, multi-course meals. Need help choosing where to dine? We’ve put together a few guides to help you navigate your way through HRW, including top picks, the new restaurants participating for the first time and surprising vegetarian menus. 
 
Fundraising Week For Hermann Park Conservancy at Cuchara

Spend $35 on any food and drink this week at Cuchara, 214 Fairview, and it will generate a donation of $5 to Hermann Park Conservancy from today through Sunday, August 28.

Out With the Old (wine and prices) at French Country Wines

Good news for wine lovers. August is cleaning time at at French Country Wines, 2433 Bartlett, as room needs to be made for the new September shipments arriving by from France. That means unique treasures will be offered at excellent marked down prices. And on Saturday, August 27 during the free wine tasting from noon to 6 p.m., owners Tim Smith and Phyllis Adatto will be opening a few special samples to share.

Monday through Wednesday

SaltAir Chef Series: South America at SaltAir Seafood Kitchen

The 12-week, travel-inspired chef series (ending Wednesday, October 5) continues at SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, 3029 Kirby. This week's passport takes diners to South America. The tasting menu is available for $50 per person, with a beverage pairing at additional cost. For reservations (highly recommended), call 713-521-3333.

Monday, August 22

The 8 Wonders of the World Beer Dinner at Pax Americana

Join chef Adam Dorris at Pax Americana, 4319 Montrose, at 7 p.m. as he takes guests on a fermented culinary voyage during a special 8th Wonder Brewery beer dinner. For reservations, email [email protected] or call 713-239-0228. 

Tuesday, August 23

Izakaya Night at Eight Row Flint

Eight Row Flint, 1039 Yale, will be hosting Revival Market sous chef Todd Patterson for an Izakaya Night with Japanese whiskies. Inspired by Japanese cooking traditions and late-night izakayas, Patterson will prepared yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), musubi (grilled sausage and rice wrapped in seaweed) and other dishes. Beverage director Morgan Weber has selected a few of his favorite Japanese whiskies to pair with the food. Food service begins at 5 p.m. and runs until sold out. The regular menu will be available as well.

Seifried Wine Dinner at Backstreet Cafe

Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd, and special guest Anna Seifried will host a Seifried Wine Dinner at 7 p.m. Get five wine-paired courses along with a wine reception for $95, plus tax and gratuity. Highlights include duck confit and duck fat fingerling potatoes, paired with ’14 Seifried Pinot Noir; and grilled lamb chop chimichurri with wild mushroom bread pudding, paired with ’14 Seifried Zweigelt. For reservations, email [email protected].

Wednesday, August 24

“Hard Knocks” Round Table Dinner at the Houstonian

NFL writer John McClain will be talking football at a series of Wednesday night “Hard Knocks” Dinners, held in the Hearth Room at The Houstonian, 111 North Post Oak on Wednesdays, August 24 and 31 and September 7. At the round table dinners, guests will have an intimate, all-access pass to McClain and his takes on draft picks, position battles, rookies and their adjustments to the team, coaches' decisions, players' lives, jokes and pranks. The dinner is $125 per guest and includes a family-style meal along with beer, wine and valet parking. Dinners begin at 7 p.m. and are limited to 24 guests to ensure exclusive interaction with McClain. For reservations, call 713-685-6713.

Thursday, August 25

2016 Barista Championships Regional Finals at The Westin at The Woodlands

Starbucks introduced the U.S. Barista Championships in 2015. This year, The Westin at The Woodlands’ Jeremy Smith has advanced to the final regional round, held at The Westin at The Woodlands, 2 Waterway, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contestants will compete in Barista Craft, Signature Beverage and Personal Coffee Tasting categories to showcase their latte art skills and create their own signature beverage. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

Grand Opening and Free Pizza Giveaway at 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza – Deer Park

To celebrate the opening of its fourth location in Texas, 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza in Deer Park, 8035 Spencer, Suite B, will be honoring the first ten guests through the door with free pizza for a year. Doors open at 11 a.m. In addition, all guests who visit the grand opening between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. and "like" 1000 Degrees on Facebook or follow on Instagram or Twitter will receive a free ten-inch pizza of their choice.

John Hughes "Back to School" Happy Hour at Sanctuari Bar at Triniti

Sanctuari Bar at Triniti, 2815 Shepherd, is hosting a John Hughes "Back to School" Happy Hour, featuring drinks and bar bites inspired by Hughes' cult classics, from 4 to 8 p.m. Take a trip back to the '80s with a "Weird Science" Greasy Pork Sandwich Served in a Dirty Ash Tray (comprised of vegetable ash), some “Pretty in Pink” Prom Punch and Samantha’s Birthday Cake a la "Sixteen Candles."

Saturday, August 27

“Chow Some Bao" BBQ Pork Bun Eating Contest at Fung's Kitchen

Fung's Kitchen, 7320 Southwest Fwy, will be hosting a “Chow Some Bao"  BBQ Pork Bun Eating Contest charity event at 11:30 a.m. with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Houston Food Bank. Cost is $20 per contestant. For every order of BBQ pork buns sold throughout the month of August, Fung’s will donate $1 to the cause.

5th Annual Pearland Wine and Food Festival at Pearland Town Center Pavilion

The 5th Annual Pearland Wine and Food Festival by Dionisio Winery will take place in the Pearland Town Center Pavilion, 11200 Broadway. Beginning at noon, wine and food enthusiasts are invited to enjoy Texas-based wineries showcasing red, white and fruit wines along with local food and music. Tickets are $30 and include admission, ten tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass.  

The Ancient Art of Making Tamales Class at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen

Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchens’ owner Sylvia Casares is ready to share the ancient art of tamale making with a hands-on class to be held at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, 1140 Eldridge, from 1 to 4 p.m. Attendees will tackle the whole process of making pork and chicken tamales, right down to wrapping them in corn husks and steaming them. The three-hour class concludes with everyone sitting down to eat. The cost is $64 per person. To register, visit sylviasenchiladas.com or call 713-334-7295.

Sunday, August 28

Last Sunday Fried Chicken Dinners at Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, 3201 Louisiana, will be running their last Sunday of the month Fried Chicken Dinner special from 5 to 8 p.m. The family-style feast features crunchy fried chicken, savory sides and bread for $50 per person, with a six-person reservation minimum. Call 713-491-2222 or email [email protected].