Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
Monday, December 2
Holiday Kick Off Event at Brennan’s
Make your reservations for lunch, when Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, will kick off the festive season with its annual jingle bell tradition and caroling alongside Center for Pursuit, a local organization dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and other similar conditions. Throughout December, holiday jingle bells are available during brunch, lunch and dinner as The Center for Pursuit’s dedicated individuals lend their expertise to stringing the bells and helping share the joy of the season.
Wednesday, December 4
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars at Backstreet Cafe
Backstreet, 1103 South Shepherd, invites guests to enjoy the wines fo Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, starting with a 6 p.m. reception and followed by a 6:30 p.m. seated dinner, celebrating its last wine dinner at its current location. Highlights include Wild Canadian Lobster Salad, Pan-Seared Corbina, Roasted Tenderloin in red wine reduction, and Chef Ruben’s Housemade Chocolate Bar. Seats are $135 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Saturday, December 7
Ancient Art of Making Tamales at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen
Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen owner Sylvia Casares is offering two more Saturday afternoon classes on the Ancient Art of Making Tamales this holiday season. The final hands-on classes will convene at the Eldridge restaurant, 1140 Eldridge Parkway, on December 7 and December 21, with participants learning everything they need to know to craft pork and chicken tamales. Classes run from 1 to 4 p.m. and are $75 per person
Frances Valentine Tea and Fashion Show at Little Hen Houston
Chic womenswear brand Frances Valentine will be hosting an intimate Afternoon Tea and fashion show at Little Hen Houston, 4444 Westheimer, beginning at 4 p.m. Beginning at $38 per person, the festivities will include tea, light bites and an exclusive peek at the brand’s Holiday 2024 collection.
Master Whiskey Tasting Series at Bayou & Bottle
Bayou & Bottle, 1300 Lamar, continues its Master Whiskey Tasting Series, offering a deep dive into the world of whiskies with general manager Bardia Ketabi. This Saturday will feature The Macallan’s limited-edition Time: Space Collection collection. Reservations are required and the two-hour experience includes a welcome cocktail, four tastings and light bites.
Saturday–Sunday
Holiday Brunch at Bloom & Bee
Offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bloom & Bee, 1600 West Loop South, invites guests to an enchanting Holiday Brunch featuring a three-course meal including a buffet selection of sushi, seafood, charcuterie, cheeses and brunch seasonal specialties. Cost is $75 for adults and $45 for children. Reservations are highly encouraged through OpenTable.
Holiday Afternoon Tea at The Post Oak Hotel
On Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., The Post Oak Hotel, 1600 West Loop South, will host its festive Holiday Afternoon Teas, featuring delightful culinary creations and desserts from its award-winning team. Guests can choose from two sessions — a Holiday PJ Party hosted by elves, with fun family activities like a Christmas Sweater decoration station, s’mores, and a magician; or a Country Christmas, where adults can enjoy welcome bubbles, an illustrator, and a chance to win the best-dressed prize. Adult tickets are $135 and children’s tickets are $70.
Sunday, December 8
Brunch with Santa The Annie Café & Bar
The Annie, 1800 Post Oak, invites families to celebrate the holiday season at its annual Brunch with Santa, with seatings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy festive activities and a tasty buffet, photos with Old Saint Nick, specialty cocktails, kids’ crafts and more. Cost is $55 for children and $85 for adults tax and gratuity, which includes the breakfast buffet, a printed and digital photo, and complimentary mimosa or bellini for adults.
Family Holiday Night at Backstreet Cafe
From 6 to 8 p.m., Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd, will transform into a holiday wonderland for a special Family Holiday Night with Santa. Expect Victorian Carolers and photos with Santa on the patio amongst festive décor and twinkling Christmas lights, an a la carte dinner menu and a three-course kids menu for $20 per child.
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.
