Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
Monday, May 19
Tuna Breakdown Dinner at Hidden Omakase
Hidden Omakase, 5353 West Alabama, is hosting its coveted Tuna Breakdown Dinner, as chef Marcos Juarez breaks down a 200-pound whole tuna, in front of the intimate dining room. For $325 per person, enjoy a 15-course omakase-style tasting menu with highlights like a caviar cart, Beluga vodka tasting and live oyster shucking, plus sake, cocktails and surprise entertainment. Two seatings are available at 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required.
Mondays–Wednesdays
The Aztlan Experience at Late August
Fresh off its Michelin recommendation, Late August, 4201 Main, is introducing a new rotating taco omakase tasting menu, The Aztlan Experience, available for dinner Monday through Wednesday evenings. Executive chef Sergio Hidalgo reimagines taco traditions through an Afro-Mexican lens and rotating offering— think Smoked Salmon and Caviar on a chayote squash tortilla; Crispy Squash Blossom with Oaxaca cheese in a yellow corn tortilla; and Iberico Spare Rib on a red corn tortilla. Each tasting will feature an optional wine pairing; pricing with the wine pairing starts at $55 and varies based on the menu.
Thursday, May 22
Southern Burgundy Wine Dinner at Brennan’s of Houston
Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, invites guests to gather in the Chef’s Dining Room for an intimate, four-course dinner highlighting French cuisine paired with exceptional wines from Southern Burgundy. Sample dishes include Scallops in Lobster Sauce with Risotto, Duck à la Moutarde with Potatoes and more. Throughout the meal, Brennan’s “Wine Guy” Marcus Gausepohl will share stories of the winemakers, terroirs and tasting notes. Seatings cost $135 per person. When booking, mention #SouthBourg and request a 6:30 or 7 p.m. seating.
Cocktail Showdown: Fruit Euphoria at Hotel ZaZa Memorial City
Hotel Zaza Memorial City will host its Cocktail Showdown: Fruit Euphoria from 6 to 8 p.m., inviting guests to sample spring-inspired cocktails from top Houston bartenders and vote for their favorite. Tickets are $45 and include cocktail tastings, light bites and DJ entertainment. The 21+ event will be held rain or shine.
Saturday, May 24
Beer & Cheese Pairing at Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons, is teaming up with the Houston Dairymaids for another round of its beloved Beer & Cheese Pairing, held in the air-conditioned beer hall from 2 to 4 p.m. For $50, you’ll enjoy five expertly matched cheese and beer pairings, plus soft pretzels with mustard and a token for a complimentary beer. Tickets are limited.
Saturday–Sunday
Tuna Breakdown at Sushi Ginza Onodera
The Houston location of the Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera is flying in world-renowned executive chef Sakagami to host a traditional Tuna Breakdown on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25. Chef Sakagami will break down a whole tuna live in front of guests—showcasing expert technique followed by a fresh sushi service.
Sunday, May 25
Paella Sunday at Mutiny Wine Room
Mutiny Wine Room, 1124 Usener, will host its Paella Sunday on the patio, with chef Eduardo Alcayaga firing up his signature seafood paella over live fire. For $38, guests can savor the seasonal paella mixta, complemented by optional Spanish wine pairings at $15 per glass or $56 per bottle. Seating times are at 1, 4 and 6:30 p.m.
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
Caracol Tasting Menu Series: Oaxaca
Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, continues its tasting menu series as it heads to Oaxaca for its fourth installment, running May 15 to June 14 during dinner service, Monday through Saturday. The $75 four-course menu channels the flavors of Mexico’s culinary capital with dishes like tetelas, tamal de pescado, and steak with ant mole—plus optional mezcal pairings for $36.
Kids Menu at Traveler’s Cart
Traveler’s Cart, 1401 Montrose, introduces its new $9 Kid’s Menu, with $1 from each meal benefiting Sky High For Kids. Dubbed the “Little Explorer’s Menu,” the meal includes an entreé, side and a drink, available for kids under 12 for dine-in only. Kids can choose from global bites and kids menu classics like cheeseburgers, crispy chicken strips and cheese pizza, as well as dishes with international influences from Italiam pasta and lo mein noodles to British fried fish. Finish with soft serve ice cream for $3.
