Here's a look at this week's hottest culinary happenings:
Seasonal Special
Kids eat free during Hanukkah at Bernie's Burger Bus
Bernie’s Burger Bus, 5407 Bellaire, 2643 Commercial Center, 2200 Yale, is offering one free kids meal with purchase of a regular burger and fries, available all day at all three locations during Hanukkah (now through Monday, December 10).
Wings and a Pitcher at Hooters
All participating Hooters locations in Texas are offering a special combo now through January 1. Guests can get a 15-count of its world-famous boneless wings and a 60-ounce pitcher of domestic beer for $15.
Monday through Wednesday
Free guac at Chipotle
To help students make it through STAAR testing, high school readers who dine at any Texas Chipotle from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m can flash their student ID at the register and enjoy free guacamole with the purchase of any regular item.
Tuesday, December 4
Arnot Roberts Wine Dinner at The Pass
Guests are invited to an Absentee Wine Dinner with the wines of Arnot Roberts at The Pass, 807 Taft. The evening runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and tickets are $175 per person.
Wednesday, December 5
Repeal Day at Whiskey Cake
To celebrate Repeal Day, all Whiskey Cake locations, 23139 Grand Circle, 18840 Gulf Freeway, will feature food and drinks specials from 5 p.m. to close, with ‘30s speakeasy-inspired fun and entertainment. Get $5 classic cocktails including an Old Forester Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour and Sazerac, plus select $5 bar bites including Short Rib Poutine, Duckitos, Mini Local Board, Dips and Spread Trio and Wagyu “State Fair” Corn Dogs.
End of Prohibition at Ouisie’s Table
Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, is celebrating the end of Prohibition by offering all its classic cocktails at a very unprohibited cost. Classic martinis, perfect Manhattans, historic Sidecars and Sazeracs and even Moscow Mules and Tom Collins are among the drinks dating back to illegal times, and all will be $5 all evening long. Ouisie’s is also including its own martini creation, a gin and vodka shake-up with a cold, oyster in the mix. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.
Thursday, December 6
Thursday Night Pop-Up at Glitter Karaoke
Fluff Bake Bar’s chef Becky Masson will be popping into Glitter Karaoke, 2621 Milam, for its Thursday Night Pop-Up. Expect something tasty, sweet and holiday-inspired from 8 p.m. on.
Friday, December 7
Holiday on 19th Street
The 19th street stores in the Heights and restaurants will be getting into the holiday spirit with Holiday on 19th, offering in-store features, cocktails, holiday shopping and real snow from 6 to 10 p.m.
Friday through Sunday
Tomball German Christmas Market in Old Town Tomball
The Tomball German Christmas Market returns to Old Town Tomball, 201 South Elm, on Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 9. Guests can expect 200+ street and holiday vendors, German-inspired festival food and drink, polka dancing, live music and entertainment, and plenty of family-friendly fun throughout the weekend. Hours are Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Saturday, December 8
Grand Opening and BOGO special at Pokéworks
Fast-growing poke concept Pokéworks has opened the doors to its newest location in Houston at 2630 Pearland Parkway, Suite 110. To celebrate, it will feature a special “buy-one-get-one free” offer on all poke bowls, burritos and salads all day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tamale 101 Class at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
Sylvia Casares will share the ancient art of tamale making with a hands-on class, held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen, 1140 Eldridge. The three-hour Tamale 101 Class will tackle the whole process of making pork and chicken tamales, down to wrapping them in corn husks and steaming them, then sitting down to eat. Cost is $64 per person. Register online or call 832-230-3842. Additional classes will be held on Tuesday, December 11 and Saturday, December 15.
Lights in the Heights
The annual Lights in the Heights block party will take place along Euclid and Byrne, but plenty of area restaurants and bars are getting in on the holiday fun. Stop by Sonoma Wine Bar, 801 Studewood, for hot chocolate on-the-go, mulled sangria, pictures with Santa, housemade organic doggie treats and festivities from 6 to 9 p.m. Worcester's Annex and Heights Bier Garten, 1433 North Shepherd, will be offering live music, raffle prizes, specialty drinks and more all day. And Christian's Tailgate, 2820 White Oak, is breaking out the ugly sweaters for a festive holiday party, complete with a contest, live music, art vendors, free goodies from santa and more.
Sunday, December 9
Breakfast with Santa at Hotel Derek
Hotel Derek, 2525 West Loop South, is hosting its annual “Breakfast with Santa” event from 9 to 11 a.m. Santa will be greeting guests as they arrive for an extravagant breakfast buffet for all ages. Tickets are $35 for children ages one to 12 and $45 for adults, and includes a festive breakfast buffet, hot cocoa and gourmet coffee bar, special one-on-one time with Santa and high-res photos (that are emailed to parents post-event). Additional holiday fun for the kiddos will include Christmas cookie decorating and viewing of a classic holiday movie.