Houston Press Hoppy Hour @ MKT Bar Friday, 4-10 p.m. 1001 Austin
It's time for another Houston Press Hoppy Hour at MKT Bar. Come over right after work to get your weekend started and enjoy the Sack 'Em Football Sundays food menu from MKT Bar, along with special craft beer pairings from Buffalo Bayou Brewery. Football food and craft beer makes for one epic Friday evening. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with music from Nick Gaitan (until 7 p.m.), followed by DJ Angie Audio until 10 p.m. Beer flights and food pairings start at $12; purchase select drafts for $4 and wine for $5.
Ready Houston Preparedness Kit Chef's Challenge @ Discovery Green Saturday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 1500 McKinney
For those of you who experienced Hurricane Ike, you know how difficult it was to cook without electricity. That's why local chefs are here to show you how to cook with nonperishable pantry items and a camping stove. And it won't be lacking in flavor. Head over to Discovery Green on Saturday to learn how to be prepared when disaster strikes. Ruffy Sulaiman of Hilton Americas, Tarsha Gray of Crave Gourmet Bakery and Cafe, David Denis of Le Mistral, Arturo Boada of Arturo Boada Cuisine, and Joe Montoya, executive chef of the Houston Food Bank, will each make one meal in 20 minutes or less utilizing nonperishable proteins, fruits, vegetables, starches and comfort food. After the competition, everyone will walk away with several ideas for turning peanut butter, ramen, canned fruits and veggies, and marshmallows into something tasty. The event begins at 11 a.m. and is free to the public.
Oktoberfest Fun Run @ Firkin & Phoenix Pub Saturday, 3 p.m. 1915 Westheimer
To kick off the first official day of Oktoberfest, Firkin & Phoenix Pub is hosting a 2.5 mile fun run. What makes it so much fun? You will stop at four pubs and get a stainless steel Phoenix pint glass. Reward yourself with discounted drinks at every stop along the route and celebrate at the after party with free beers, food, and, possibly, prizes. Things are bound to get interesting as the run progresses. Who knew exercise could be so much fun?
Houston Hot Sauce Festival @ Stafford Centre Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12-5 p.m. 10505 Cash Rd., Stafford
The Houston Hot Sauce Festival is back for the 13th annual celebration of all things spicy and fiery. All weekend long you'll have the opportunity to taste hundreds of products: hot sauce, marinades, rubs, jams/jellies, dips and wing sauce. Anything you enjoy can be purchased from the multitude of vendors brought in from all over the country ... and even Australia. Don't worry, there will be tons of cool drinks and other food selections throughout the festival to combat any potential heartburn. Admission is $8 and parking is free.
The Depressed Cake Shop @ Paulie's Sunday 2-5 p.m. 1834 Westheimer
Jody Stevens of vegan bakery Jodycakes believes that depression is something we should talk about, and one of the best ways she knows is with cake. You can purchase muted-color baked goods donated by local bakers at the event. If you want one of the full-sized cakes created by one of the 13 restaurants and chefs participating in the Depressed Cake Shop, you can purchase raffle tickets online now for a chance to win one of those treats. Chef Samantha Mendoza of Triniti is making a black chocolate and raspberry cake with a middle of crunchy chocolate feuilletine, and Chef Rishi Singh of Boheme Cafe Wine & Bar has made a five-spice apple cake with a gray-colored chai/cardamom cream cheese spread. Deep Eddy Vodka will serve greyhound cocktails and Phoenicia Specialty Foods will offer appetizers during the fundraising and depression-awareness event.
