Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
Tuesday, November 26
3rd Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway at The Savoy
The Savoy, 4402 Emancipation, is teaming up with Third Ward businesses to give back to the community and provide 500 free hot Thanksgiving meals at its 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway from 3 to 5 p.m, first-come, first-served. No preregistration is required. The event kicks off a Thanksgiving celebration, continuing with the Annual Friendsgiving on Thanksgiving Eve; Thanksgiving Day with hours from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and a Black Friday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sake Dinner at Ume Sushi
On Tuesday, November 26 at 6:30 p.m. guests are invited to a Sake Dinner at Ume, 2802 White Oak Drive, featuring eight imaginative courses and five high-end sake selections. Cost is $150 per person plus tax and gratuity and reservations are required.
Wednesday, November 27
Free Thanksgiving Meals at Monkey’s Tail
Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton, continues its Thanksgiving tradition of handing out free Thanksgiving meals to members of the community who need them, offered from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or while supplies last. The giveaway will take place in the Monkey’s Tail Parking lot in the Lindale Park neighborhood.
Friendsgiving Brunch at a’Bouzy
a’Bouzy, 2300 Westheimer, will host a Friendsgiving Brunch experience beginning at 10 a.m. Guests can enjoy Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV and Moët Chandon Imperial Brut NV for $49 per bottle, with two branded flutes to take home (while supplies last). Reservations are available on OpenTable.
Drinksgiving at Best Regards
Best Regards, 222 West 11th, is hosting a “Drinksgiving” from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Folks can kick off the holiday with exclusive specials like $250 Dom Perignon and $400 Don Julio 1942 and the evening’s special cocktail: The Fiscal Fig — a Spiced Pear & Fig Bourbon Smash for $16.
Friendsgiving Feast at URBE
URBE, 1101 Uptown Park, will host a Friendsgiving Feast buffet ($39 per person), mashing traditional Thanksgiving dishes and Mexican street food favorites from 5 to 9 p.m. Highlights include a carving station with Smoked Turkey and Brisket, as well as Tamales, Enchiladas, Stuffing, Sweet Potato Purée, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Papas Bravas, Cornbread, Jalapeño Cranberry Relish, Pozole, Salad & Guacamole Bar, and desserts like Pecan Tart, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Tres Leches, and Flan de Queso.
Thursday, November 28
Thanksgiving Dining
Looking for Thanksgiving plans? Fom family-friendly holiday meals featuring classic roast turkey and all the proper fixin’s to multi-course affairs rocking bubbles and lobster, check out Thanksgiving Day restaurant options in our 2024 Houston Thanksgiving Day Dining Guide.
Friday, November 29
Black Friday Brunch
State Fare Kitchen & Bar is offering a special brunch experience starting at 10 a.m. on Friday and continuing throughout the weekend at all three of its Houston-area locations. Dig into Bayou Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, Poached Eggs on Crab Cakes, Bacon Praline Griddlecakes, and Crawfish & Creole Benedict, plus Mimosa and Bloody Mary Flights.
Haywire, 947 Gessner, will be hosting its Hill Country-inspired brunch this upcoming Black Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with signature dishes including Wagyu Pastrami Hash, Cinnamon-Orange Pancakes and Barbacoa Chilaquiles.
Whiskey Cake, multiple locations, is bringing brunch to Black Friday, with signature favorites like Red Crab Benedict, Colossal Cinnamon Roll, Chicken and Waffles, and Apple Crisp French Toast.
Friday–Sunday
50th Anniversary Texas Renaissance Festival
The 50th Anniversary Texas Renaissance Festival closes out its run for the year, offering one last medieval celebration of food and drink, shopping and entertainment, and enchanted fun. Closing weekend features a Celtic Christmas theme alongside festival eats from turkey legs and mead to a two-hour dinner theatre King’s Feast, plus special beer collabs with Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Karbach Brewing Co.
Sunday, December 1
Holiday Bash at Rice Village Farmers Market
Rice Village Farmers Market is marking its fourth anniversary with a Holiday Bash this Sunday, complete with Santa, carolers, snow, festive photo ops, crafts, holiday vendors and more. Find the market at Kirby and University from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Santa will be there from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Texans Watch Party at The Pit Room
The Pit Room is getting into the gameday spirit with a Texans vs. Jaguars watch party at its Memorial location, 10301 Katy Freeway. Open to all ages with free entry, the fun includes appearances from Toro, Texans Cheerleaders, Texans Legends, plus festive decor and more. The Pit Room menu includes a variety of gameday classics in addition to its signature barbecue including Chicken Wings, Brisket Egg Rolls, Pulled Pork Nachos, BBQ Burger and a Wood-Grilled Hot Dog.
New and ongoing specials
Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Rocking over-the-top nostalgic decor, spirited drinks, and all the holiday cheer, check out Houston’s Most Magical Holiday Cocktail Pop-Ups.
Tamale Season
From savory pork and mushroom-filled to sweet corn tamales by the dozen and half-dozen, check out our guide to find The Tastiest Holiday Tamales in Houston.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
