Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
All week long
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar Turns Seven
Loro is celebrating the seventh anniversary of opening its doors in Austin with seven days of giveaways and promotions at all six Loro locations, including Houston outposts in The Heights, 1001 West 11th, and Kirby, 5333 Kirby. Pop by for specials like half-off Karaage All Day on Monday, March 31; All Day Happy Hour on Wednesday, April 2; $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas All day on Saturday, April 5 (plus Loro Dog Bandanas and dog treats for the pups).
Tuesday, April 1
Roots & Routes: A Celebration of Immigrant Flavors atย ChรฒpnBlแปk
Before the James Beard Foundation officially announces the 2025 finalists on Wednesday,ย Houstonโs four 2025 โBest Chef: Texasโ semifinalists will come togetherย a one-night-only collaborative dinner Roots & Routes: A Celebration of Immigrant Flavors, hosted at ChรฒpnBlแปk, 507 Westheimer. Featuring Ope Amosu of ChรฒpnBlแปk, Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemo, and Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of JลชN, the special evening will spotlight each chef’s immigrant roots and individual culinary narratives. Tickets are $135 with seatings at 5:30 and 8 p.m.
Jean Charles Fagot Burgundy Wine Dinner at Ostia
Ostia, 2032 Dunlavy, will host an exclusive dinner featuring the exceptional wines of Jean Charles Fagot, one of Burgundyโs most celebrated winemakers. Guests can enjoy a multi-course family-style pairing dinner paired, with highlights including Mussels Escabeche Crostini, Garganelli with Mortadella, English Peas and Pistou, Duck Breast with Jerusalem Artichoke and Chanterelles, Olive Oil Cake with Limoncello Syrup and more. Tickets are $125 per person and the evening begins at 7 p.m.ย
Wednesday, April 2
Duckhorn Vineyards Tasting Dinner at Brennan’s
Brennanโs, 3300 Smith, is kicking off its new laid-back wine tasting series with Duckhorn Vineyards as part of the soft opening of its newly expanded Courtyard Bar. Guests can enjoy a wine passport good for six two-ounce pours of Duckhornโs iconic Napa Valley wines, plus small bites like Creole Ceviche and Pulled Pork Sliders from Brennanโs culinary team. The tasting runs 6 to 7:30 p.m., with dinner reservations encouraged afterward. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door (plus tax and gratuity).
FridayโMonday
NCAA Final Four Taco Deal at La Calle Tacos
During the Womenโs NCAA Final Four (April 4 and April 6) and Menโs NCAA Final Four (April 5 and April 7) dine-in customers can enjoy 99-cent tacos when they mention the promo code โNCAAโ at La Calle Tacos, 401 Gray, 909 Franklin.
Sunday, April 6
Brunch Launch at Oktรณ
The buzzy Montrose Collective spot Oktรณ, 888 Westheimer, launches its highly anticipated service this Sunday. Executive chef Yotam Dolev promises a Mediterranean-inspired spread packed with bold flavors and indulgent bites, including Ricotta Toast with truffle honey, Beet-Cured Lox Latke, Blue Crab Omelette, and a Burger Au Poivre with gorgonzola and gruyere, plus signature cocktails like the Caviar Martini and Oktรณ Aperol Spritz. Brunch will run every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lively atmosphere featuring occasional live music. Reservations are available on OpenTable, but walk-ins are welcome, too.
New and ongoing specials
Passover Catering
Hamsa, 5555 Morningside, is now accepting preorders for its Passover specials, available for ordering through Wednesday, April 9,for pickup on Saturday, April 12. The holiday menu features favorites like salatim ($8-$13), hummus ($15), Israeli and green salads ($14 each), and a hearty lamb shank with roasted vegetables ($60). Plus, Hamsaโs sister bakery, Badolina, is offering festive desserts, including a whole orange cake ($28) and Basque cheesecake ($48). To order, call 281-612-3515 or email melissa@sofgroup.us.
Houston Catering Concepts is now accepting orders for its extensive 2025 Passover catering menu, rocking everything from Chopped Liver, Gefilte Fish and Matzo Balls to Brisket and Poached Salmon. Orders can be placed at houstoncatering.com by April 8 at 5 p.m. for pickup on Friday, April 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. or Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5422 Bellaire.
Viva Abejas at Toro Toro
Through April 22, Toro Toro, 1300 Lamar, is hosting Viva Abejas (meaning โlong live beesโ in Spanish), a limited-time campaign designed to spread awareness of the importance of bees to the food system. Guests can enjoy bee-centric food and drink specials, such as Coconut Tuna Ceviche with orange blossom honey; Braised Short Ribs, glazed and braised in honey; Honey Cheesecake, flambรฉed in Alma Finca Orange Liqueur; and Honey Lavender Margarita, each benefiting the World Bee Project. Reservations are recommended.
Crawfish season
With crawfish season back and crackinโ, check out our 2025 Crawfish Boil Guide to find out where to get your hands dirty with the best mudbugs in town, from buttery Asian-Cajun boils to bold and spicy Louisiana-style feasts.ย
