Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:
Kata Robata, 3600 Kirby, has just received its first shipment of white Alba truffles, joining a supply of black truffles already in house. For at least the next month, chef Manabu Horiuchi will offer several specials using the bits of Italian black and white gold, from seared salmon wrapped around a quail egg and topped with black or white truffle to madai sashimi with black truffle. As limited amounts and the high expense of white Alba truffles means availability is unpredictable, it’s best to call the restaurant in advance of your arrival to make sure there’s a supply that day.
With white truffles in season, Da Marco, 1520 Westheimer, will be hosting a special dinner on Monday, November 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests can expect a multi-course meal prepared with this season's new white truffles from Alba alongside eight wines from renowned Piemontese winemaker, Beni di Batasiolo. Cost is $375 per person, including tax and gratuity. RSVP at [email protected] or 713-529-2797.
Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray, is partnering with Domaine Dublère for an elegant wine dinner on Wednesday, November 8, at 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy a prix-fixe menu guided by owner and winemaker, Blair Pethel, for $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Call 713-524-1919.
From Wednesday, November 8, through Wednesday, November 22, Houstonians can get a taste of Thanksgiving table favorites in just one bite thanks to the new seasonal special at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 4444 Westheimer, 5510 Morningside, 142 Vintage Park. The Thanksgiving Turducken Burger ($10) includes a stuffing bun, fried green beans and onions, cranberry sauce, salt and pepper, mayonnaise, a turducken patty, and turkey gravy served on the side.
Fans of fine food and wine are invited to attend the 12th International Risotto Festival on Sunday, November 12, from 2 to 6 p.m. at The Houston Design Center, 7026 Old Katy. The gourmet food festival includes an afternoon of Italian foods along with fantastic wines, music, entertainment, exotic cars, a charity auction, activities for kids and designer showroom tours. Some of Houston’s top chefs will be competing in the blind tasting including Tiago Almeida of Quattro at The Four Seasons, Jon Buchanan of Third Coast, Bryan Caswell of Oxbow 7 and Scotty Campbell of DR Delicacy, along with others. Tickets are $85 for general admission or $175 for VIP, and this year’s event will benefit the Casa de Esperanza de los Niños, the House of Hope for Children.
Field & Tides, 705 East 11th, will be hosting a Fried Chicken Throwdown on Tuesday, November 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will pit F&T’s Travis Lenig against former Feast and Hunky-Dory chef Richard Knight. Guests can pay $30 and receive two pieces of each chef's fried chicken and one complimentary beer or cocktail, with proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.
The 2017 edition of the international pop-up picnic, Le Dîner en Blanc — which launched nearly 30 years ago in Paris — is returning to Houston for the third year on Saturday, November 18. Last year’s event occurred at the Minute Maid Park with around 1,300 guests, and this year’s event is expected to host 2,000 guests at a secret Houston location. Registration phases have been announced, so be sure to register or sign up for the waiting list if you want to attend.