From an inside-out burger special to a BrewFest kick-off party, here's a look at this week's hottest culinary happenings:
Now through Summer
Chilled Ramen Special at Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Just in time to beat the Texas heat, Ramen Tatsu-Ya, 1722 California, has introduced its spicy chilled ramen into the mix. The fiery and refreshing brothless ramen is made with citrus soy dressing, ajitama (seasoned soft boiled egg), cucumber, pirikara (spicy) ground pork, karashi mustard and chile oil.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the end of the month
Tuesday and Wednesday night specials at Ouisie’s Table
To celebrate 44 years over two locations (the original opened in a converted building on Sunset Boulevard in 1973 before opening in its current location in 1995), Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, will be offering Tuesday and Wednesday night specials from now through Wednesday, May 31. The rotating blackboard specials will be taken from the original 1973 and 1995 menus, and just like last year, the menus will be offered at the original price. Watch out for classics like the $1.25 WWII Pimento Cheese, $3 Splendid Spud and $9 Bacon Wrapped Quail, filled with veal, prosciutto, herbs and apples and served with mashed sweet potatoes and toasted brioche.
Tuesday, May 9
Outdoor Cooking Series at Eight Row Flint
Eight Row Flint, 1039 Yale, has brought back its Tuesday Outdoor Cooking Series. First up: the Juicy Lucy. The icehouse will be serving up the inside-out cheeseburgers (yes, the cheese is inside the patty) alongside fries for $12 from 5 p.m. until it runs out. The Juicy Lucy will be also be available on Tuesdays, May 16 and 23.
Wednesday, May 10
Gradis’ciutta Wine Dinner at SaltAir Seafood Kitchen
Guests are invited to a Gradis’ciutta Wine Dinner at SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, 3029 Kirby, beginning at 7 p.m. The five-course meal ($99, plus tax and gratuity) features a curated selection of wines from the Collio region in Italy, with the all-seafood menu featuring East Coast oysters, yellowfin tuna, mussels, clams and lobster. Reservations required and space is limited. Call 713-521-3333.
Thursday, May 11
BrewFest Pre-Party at Kung Fu Saloon
To gear up for our sixth annual Houston Press BrewFest — which is on Saturday, May 20, by the way — we’re throwing a pre-party at Kung Fu Saloon, 5317 Washington, at 6 p.m. The night will be filled with drink specials, games, #BrewFestHOU ticket giveaways and more.
Friday, May 12
The Art of Making Risotto at the Italian Cultural & Community Center
The Italian Cultural & Community Center (ICCC), 1101 Milford, will host Il Sapore Italiano, the Art of Making Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms, from 7 to 9 p.m. The hands-on adult culinary experience costs $50 for ICCC members and $60 for non-members. Register on Eventbrite or call 713-524-4222 ext. 7.
Saturday, May 13
Beer Brunch at Fusion Taco
Fusion Taco has teamed up with Saint Arnold Brewing Company to host its very first event at its Heights location, 4706 North Main, from noon to 2:30 p.m. Chef David Grossman has developed a special menu to pair with Saint Arnold’s tasty suds, featuring brunch tacos such as lobster Benedict, steak and eggs and smoked pork belly and Brussels sprouts. Guests of the limited-seating, ticketed event will also have the opportunity to meet the brewer and sample beer cocktails and housemade Pumpkinator ice cream. Tickets are $35.
Annual Rosé Revival at Rouge
Be a part of this spring tradition at Rouge Wine Bar, 1400 Eldridge, as guests journey through seven different rosé varietals from France ($20). Additionally, a refreshing ceviche bar will be available to cool down guests with bites — featuring red snapper with lime, red onion and jalapeño and shrimp, with avocado, tomatillo and lime ($6 each). The event will take place on the patio from 1 to 4 p.m. and entertainment will be provided by The Chris Bitten Project.
Heights Rosé Social at Southern Goods
Southern Goods, 632 West 19th, has partnered with local wine distributors including Dionysus Imports, Republic National and Vintage Select Wines to offer tastes of more than 20 different rosés and to raise money for breast cancer awareness through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In addition to the rosés, guests can enjoy hors d'oeuvres and live music from 3 to 5 p.m., with the entire event running from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $60.
Houston Grown: A Celebration of Tres Años at Finca Tres Robles
Finca Tres Robles Farm, 257 North Greenwood, is celebrating its three-year anniversary with a multi-course farm dinner featuring local produce prepared by chef Jason Kerr, cold beer from Sigma Brewing Co., wine, and dessert by Eat My Pralines. Live music will be provided by Cosme Guerrero, an East End norteño musician. The first privately operated farm within the 610 loop, the Second Ward spot strives to make sustainably grown fruits and vegetables accessible to individuals and families on the East Side. Farm tours will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with the dinner following at 7 p.m. and music and drinks until 10 p.m. Tickets are $65 each.
Sunday, May 14
Mother’s Day Brunch
From an upbeat Latin American buffet with tequila bread pudding and tres leches for dessert to a kid-friendly a la carte brunch at a neighborhood cafe, check out our Mother’s Day Brunch Guide to find out where to spoil Mom this holiday.