Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
Monday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo
From tequila-fueled brunches and festive patio parties to mariachi music and mouthwatering Mexican bites, Houston’s bars and restaurants are bringing the flavor this year. Check out our 2025 Cinco de Mayo Guide on where to eat, drink and fiesta this year.
Tuesday, May 6
Teacher Appreciation Day and Nurse Appreciation Day
El Bolillo Bakery is saying ‘gracias’ in honor of Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Day, treating all the incredible educators and healthcare heroes to a free coffee and concha. The offer is available all day, while supplies last, at all El Bolillo Bakery locations.
Kazzan Ramen & Bar, 191 Heights, will offer a 20 percent discount for all teachers and nurses who show your work ID.
Folks can treat themselves and the teacher or nurse in their lives to a BOGO bakery item at la Madeleine, available through the Bonjour Rewards app.
Shipley Do-Nuts is gifting Teachers and Nurses (loyalty members only) a free half-dozen, no purchase necessary, on May 4–6.
Verde Garden, 2817 West Dallas, and Wooster’s Garden, 3315 Milam, will offer 10 percent off the entire tab for both nurses and teachers who show work ID.
25th Annual Chefs’ Dinner at Hotel ZaZa
Houston Food Bank’s 25th Annual Chefs’ Dinner returns to the Hotel ZaZa – Museum District, 5701 Main. Guests can enjoy a seated, five-course gourmet wine dinner prepared by five featured Houston chefs – including Hugo Ortega of H Town Restaurant Group and Evelyn Garcia of Jūn, with funds raised going to help the food insecure in Houston. Individual tickets start at $750 with additional sponsorship opportunities available; and the evening kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 8
Blu Bayou Guest Chef Series with Chef Sarah Grueneberg at Bludorn
Chef Aaron Bludorn continues his Blu Bayou dinner series with a special Italian feast at Bludorn, 807 Taft, with special guest Sarah Grueneberg, the James Beard Award-winning chef-owner of Monteverde Restaurant and Pastificio in Chicago. Expect a multi-course, family-style evening featuring dishes such as scampi on the half shell, mozzarella stuffed arancini, skirt steak giardiniera, eggplant parm, a Neapolitan ice cream sundaes and more. Reservations are $115 per guest.
Saturday, May 10
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Celebration at POST Houston
POST Houston, 401 Franklin, is hosting an Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Celebration from noon to 9 p.m. The free, family-friendly event runs all day and features traditional AAPI cuisine, cultural performances, sumo and martial arts demos, a cosplay competition and pop-up market.
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day Dining
Houston restaurants invite you to spoil all the special moms in your life with a fantastic meal. Whether she’s into a bubbly brunch, a family-friendly patio, or eats with a side of live music, our Ultimate Houston Mother’s Day Dining Guide has you covered.
All month long
AAPI Restaurant Weeks
Running now through Sunday, June 15, OCA-Greater Houston honors Asian and Pacific Islander heritage with special menus at restaurants across Asiatown and the Greater Houston area. The event highlights the diversity of AAPI-owned establishments and chefs while raising funds to provide rice and noodles to low-income seniors. Folks can donate $15 or more to receive a special code and to enjoy special offers from discounts to complimentary treats at participating restaurants.
Guest Chef Taco Collab: Fluff Bake Bar at Little Rey
Little Rey, 2345 Mid Lane, continues its monthly guest chef taco collab series, with a special taco created by a rotating local chef featured and 100 percent of its proceeds going to Southern Smoke Foundation to benefit food and beverage workers in need. This month, Fluff Bake Bar’s Rebecca Masson has crafted a choco-taco with vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone taco shell dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with fluff sprinkles.
New and ongoing specials
Crawfish season
With crawfish season back and crackin’, check out our 2025 Crawfish Boil Guide to find out where to get your hands dirty with the best mudbugs in town, from buttery Asian-Cajun boils to bold and spicy Louisiana-style feasts.
