Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
Monday, May 20
CollaborEIGHT at TRIS
Chef Austin Simmons will host the next โCollaborEIGHTโ dinner at TRIS, 24 Waterway, on Monday, May 20 at 6 p.m. The eight-course dinner will showcase the culinary talents of William Wright of Helenโs Greek alongside Simmons. Tickets are $200 per person all inclusive (dinner, wine pairings, tax and gratuity).ย
Tuesday, May 21
Blind Wine Tasting at Third Coast
Third Coast, 6550 Bertner, Floor 6, continues its Tasting Series with a Blind Wine Tasting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Guests will be given four wines that are not labeled, sampling each and discussing the winesโ characteristics with award-winning sommelier David Cook as they learn what wines they are enjoying. Each tasting will be paired with bites from executive chef Jon Buchanan. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online.
La Vie en Rose wine dinner at Bistro Provence
Bistro Provence, 13616 Memorial, is hosting its seventh annual La Vie en Rose, a wine dinner featuring selected Rose wines imported by Houstonโs French Country Wines, on Tuesday, May 21 at 7 p.m. The dinner will pair five wines with a five-course French Provence menu. Cost is $69 plus tax and gratuity. A $30 deposit via Paypal is required to secure the reservation, forfeited for failing to show up or cancel at least 48 hours in advance.
Regions of France Dinner at Brasserie du Parc
The second in a series of dinners touring the regions of France will be held at Brasserie du Parc, 1440 Lamar. While the first visited regions throughout France at Etoile, this one at Brasserie focuses directly on Lyon, a city rich in history, food and wine. Chef Philippe Verpiand and beverage director Kimberly Paul will present an evening of Lyon-inspired food and beverage pairings, including three-meat pรขtรฉ, poached salmon dumpling with crawfish sauce and rice pilaf, Angus beef skirt steak with shallot red wine marmalade and potato gratin, and pistachio custard with soft meringue, caramel and toasted almonds. Cost is $88 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required as seating is limited.
Wednesday, May 22
Meat & Greet at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace
Goode Company chef Levi Goode and Guard & Grace chef Troy Guard will collaborate on a special dinner at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace, 5015 Kirby, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests will be treated to a โMeat & Greetโ in the backyard, including live cooking demos and grilled specialties from each chef. Tickets are $85 and include passed appetizers, mains, and desserts, plus live music and two drink tickets.
Houstonโs Taste of Nation at Silver Street Studios
Houstonโs Taste of Nation will take place at Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards, from 7 to 9 p.m. Featuring an evening of unlimited bites and sips from Houston’s best restaurants and drink purveyors, the event raises money for No Kid Hungry in the fight against childhood hunger. This yearโs restaurant lineup includes standouts like Coltivare, BCN Taste & Tradition, Field & Tides, Eunice,ย Nancy’s Hustle, Theodore Rex and Uchi, plus new and upcoming eateries like Magnol French Baking, Decatur Bar & Pop-Up Factory andย Rosie Cannonball, among others. Tickets are $125 for general admission and $200 for VIP (including early entry at 6 p.m.).ย
Thursday, May 23
A Dining Experience Highlighting the Wines of Ian Brand at Prego
Prego, 2520 Amherst, will welcome Monterey winemaker Ian Brand for a special dinner, beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and followed by a seated, four-course dinner paired with Brandโs wines. Named 2018 Winemaker of the Year, Brand is known for his sustainable winemaking for La Marea (Spanish-inspired wines), I. Brand & Family (California-inspired wines) and Le PโTit Paysan (French-inspired wines). Cost is $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, email pregodavid@yahoo.com.
Wild Turkey Dinner at Bayou & Bottle
Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar, is kicking off its third annual Summer Social Series with a Wild Turkey craft dinner at Bayou & Bottle at 6:30 p.m. Special guest and brand ambassador Benny Hurwitz will be present for the event, beginning with a cocktail reception featuring passed apps and fun games in the Topgolf Swing Suite before moving to Bayou & Bottle’s private dining room for an intimate four-course dinner with Wild Turkey pairings. Cost is $95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and space is very limited. Call 713-276-4700.
Friday, May 24
National Chardonnay Day at Perryโs Steakhouse & Grille
Perryโs Steakhouse & Grille, multiple locations, is celebrating National Chardonnay Day by offering a magnum bottle of Perryโs Reserve Chardonnay for $60 (regularly $115) with the purchase of two lunch or dinner entrรฉes.
National Escargot Day at Bistro Provence
Bistro Provence, 13616 Memorial, is celebrating National Escargot Day with a special menu of snail dishes, including traditional escargots served in sizzling garlic butter and the Bistroโs signature Pizza Nonni (snail pizza), baked golden in a wood-fired oven.
Friday through Monday
Memorial Day Weekend specials at The Oceanaire Seafood Room
The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer, is offering a Memorial Day weekend dinner for two from Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27. Guests can savor a customizable three-course meal, paired with a bottle of La Crema Monterey Chardonnay or Il Poggione Rosso di Toscana IGT, for $70. Dishes will feature Oceanaire favorites including Tuna Poke, Stuffed Fish Florentine and Baked Alaska. Diners can also enjoy $1 oysters in the bar all day Sunday and Monday.
Saturday, May 25
The Taste of Louisiana Festival at Brazos River Park
The Taste of Louisiana Festival will take place at Brazos River Park, 18427 Southwest Freeway, from 2 to 9 p.m. Guests can expect Louisiana-style food and drink from over 20 vendors, plus live zydeco, blues and Nola funk, chef demonstrations, arts and crafts, and a kids zone with inflatables and rides. Tickets are $20 or $10 for kids four to 12.
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Aperol Patio Party at Milano Bar
Milano Bar, 800 Sorella, will host a Love at First Spritz: Aperol Patio Party from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy Aperol Spritzes and complimentary Aperol/Campari samplers, plus happy hour bites and drinks.
This article appears in Jan 1 โ Dec 31, 2019.

