Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
Monday, February 24
Past & Present: Uchi Alum Dinner benefiting the Southern Smoke Foundation
Former Uchi chefs Chris Davies of March and Mark Wong of Kira join Uchi Houston chef de cuisine Stephen Conklin for the first-ever Alumni Dinner benefiting the Southern Smoke Foundation, held at Uchi Houston, 904 Westheimer. The chefs will collaborate on a one-of-a-kind seven-course dining experience with wine and sake pairings curated by Goodnight Hospitality partner and Master Sommelier June Rodil and Uchi Houston beverage manager Stephanie Velasco. Tickets are $250 per person and the evening begins at 6:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Eat Drink HTX
From the team behind Houston Restaurant Weeks, fan-favorite foodie event Eat Drink HTX offers a casual dining experience with prix-fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus at a lower price point than HRW. Now through the end of February, pop into restaurants like Be More Pacific, Cowboys & Indians, Duck N Bao, Kriti Kitchen, Pok Pok Po, Traveler’s Cart and more to eat good and feel good as you raise money for a great cause, helping to fight hunger with Houston Food Bank and Kids’ Meals Inc.
Tuesday, February 25
Cacio e Pepe Night at Tavola
Tavola, 1800 Post Oak, invites guests to an exclusive Cacio e Pepe Night, celebrating one of Rome’s most beloved dishes as chefs prepare fresh Cacio e Pepe outdoors in a grand pan. Kicking off at 6:30 p.m., the evening will feature a curated four-course menu, including Roman artichokes, crostata with ricotta and chocolate, and exquisite wine pairings like Roma DOC Bianco and Roma DOC Rosso. Cost is $110 per person and reservations can be booked via OpenTable.
Wednesday, February 26
Mount Eden Wine Dinner at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse Downtown, 1200 McKinney, is hosting a Mount Eden Wine Dinner from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests can indulge in three courses alongside several Mount Eden “Estate” tastings with special guest and owner Reid Patterson. Highlights include Seared Chilean Sea Bass with poached lobster and tarragon butter, Duck Two Ways, Strube Ranch New York Strip with foie gras demi-glace and black truffle and a Chef’s Selection of Cheese. Cost is $395 per person.
Thursday, February 27
Guest Chef Series with Lucas McKinney at Burger Bodega
Burger Bodega, 4520 Washington, is teaming up with Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition for another installment of the Burger Bodega Guest Chef Series. Chefs Abbas Dhanani (Burger Bodega) and Lucas McKinney (Josephine’s) have crafted a one-of-a-kind Viet-Cajun Crawfish Patty Melt, featuring two smashed crawfish cake patties, pepper jack, Viet-cajun buttered buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Viet-cajun remoulade. Get it from 11 a.m. until sell-out.
Thursday–Saturday
World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest at NRG Park
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is back at NRG Park from Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, March 1. Over 250 bbq teams will compete in the cook-off, and while most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy the fun at public venues including The Garden Stage, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, the Carnival and the Chuckwagon. Admission is $$26 ($10 kids age 3 to 12 and free for age 2 and under) and includes a complimentary bbq plate from the Chuckwagon.
Friday, February 28
Go Texan Day Patio Party at The Pit Room
The Pit Room, 1201 Richmond, 10301 Katy Freeway, hosts its annual Go Texan Day patio celebration, held at both the Montrose and Memorial locations Open to all ages with free entry, folks can get down with live music, a petting zoo, cotton candy, crawfish and smokin’ good barbecue. Guests are encouraged to wear their best western wear to show Texas pride and rodeo welcome spirit.
Friday–Tuesday
Mardi Gras! Galveston
The Mardi Gras! Galveston celebrations continue rocking the island, letting the good times roll through Fat Tuesday, March 4. Expect weekend parades with millions of beads, lively concerts, balcony parties, and festive food and drink.
Saturday, March 1
Mardi Gras Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant
B&B Butchers, 1814 Washington, is hosting its lively annual Mardi Gras Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring live Zydeco music, face painting, and specialty cocktails by Bacardi brands, plus Big Easy-inspired dishes like Crawfish Beignets, Gumbo, and Cajun Mac & Cheese. The full brunch menu will also be available.
G&G’s Rodeo Smoke Show at TRUTH BBQ
Garden & Gun returns to Houston’s famed TRUTH BBQ, 110 South Heights, to kick off the 2025 Houston Rodeo with the lively Rodeo Smoke Show celebration. The special evening will feature live music, craft cocktails and a makers’ market with artisan wares by top names in Western goods, all along Lone Star state-inspired stations by chef Leonard Botello and team featuring a crawfish boil, smoked meats, a combination of classic and unconventional sides and decadent desserts. Tickets are $115.
New and ongoing specials
Mardi Gras Specials
As Mardi Gras season continues (Fat Tuesday falls on Tuesday, March 4), the vibrant energy of New Orleans has made its way to Houston, with local restaurants and bars serving up festive food and drink specials to keep the good times rollin’. From classic Cajun and Creole flavors like jambalaya and beignets to BIg Easy cocktails and sinful revelry, check out our 2025 Mardi Gras Food and Drink Guide to find all the gluttonous offerings in Houston this year.
