Upcoming Houston Food Events: Eat Local, Give Back

What better way to celebrate Houston Restaurant Weeks' news of raising a record-breaking $1.9 million for the Houston Food Bank than by continuing the trend? The Woodlands Restaurant Week – during which diners can enjoy award-winning cuisines from more than 20 local restaurants and bistros while benefiting the Montgomery County Food Bank – runs Monday, November 2 through Sunday, November 8. This year’s lineup includes Américas, Robard’s Steakhouse, Fielding’s Wood Grill and The Counter, to name a few. The participating restaurants will donate between one and three dollars per entrée. For each dollar donated, the Montgomery County Food Bank is able to provide three and a half meals to those in need in Montgomery County. 

Carmelo's Ristorante Italiano, 14795 Memorial, is kicking off fall wine dinner season with a dinner on Friday, November 6 at 7 p.m. The evening includes a reception and four-course dinner pairing Carmelo's award-winning cuisine with some of Italy's finest wines from Banfi Vintners and Casa Vinicola Sartori. From the crostini with beef carpaccio and porcini mushroom pâté hors-d'oeuvres to the capellini pasta with creamy black truffle sauce followed by organic wagyu tenderloin, the evening is sure to be a sweet and savory journey for the senses. Cost is $110 per person (plus tax and gratuity), and seating is limited. For reservations, visit carmelosrestaurant.com or call 281-531-0696.

Great news, sake lovers! Kata Robata, 3600 Kirby, will be hosting an afternoon sake tasting and class on Saturday, November 7 at 4 p.m. Hit the newly transformed patio to sip and savor around half a dozen high-end sakes, served both warmed and chilled, alongside a discussion on what makes each different and light bites from chef Manabu Horiuchi. The class will be led by Kata Robata General Manager and sake specialist Blake Lewis, with assistance from Alan Chen, state sake specialist with Glazer’s Distributors. Cost is $65 per person. Registration is limited, so reservations are required. For information, call 713-526-8858 or go to katarobata.com.


Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen, 1140 Eldridge, continues its Fall Cooking School with two November classes, both held at the Eldridge location from 1 to 4 p.m. On Saturday, November 7, taste and make beef, chicken and cheese chiles rellenos. And on Saturday, November 14, learn the ancient art of tamale making with pork and chicken tamales. Each class includes a full meal featuring all the foods cooked in the class, along with Sylvia's famous cheese enchiladas, dessert and a signature margarita or other beverage. Cost is $65 per class. Sign up in advance online.

In collaboration Houston Barbecue Festival, Saint Arnold Brewery, 2000 Lyons, will be hosting the inaugural Houston BBQ Throwdown on Sunday, November 8. From 1 to 4 p.m, barbecue joints from around the area will be serving one dish that represents their interpretation of Houston-style barbecue. Along with a panel of judges, guests will sample all the dishes and decide on a favorite. The blind judging process will be accompanied by a People's Choice award. Participating restaurants include Blood Bros. BBQ, Brooks' Place BBQ, CorkScrew BBQ, Feges BBQ and Pappa Charlies Barbeque, with more to come. Tickets ($55 for beer and food samples) are selling fast, but there are still a few left, so act now.