Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings:
Wednesday, June 4
Grand Opening at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s new Rice Village location, 5511 Morningside, is celebrating its grand opening with free ice cream scoops from 7 to 11 p.m. and swag for the first 50 guests. The shop will serve fan favorites like Brambleberry Crisp and Salty Caramel, along with new summer flavors launching June 5.
Landry’s Houston Chef Series
Landry’s Inc. continues its Houston Chef Series, “island hopping” around the globe at its signature restaurants on select Wednesdays through August 9. Reservations are required, and prices range from $125 to $225 per person. This week, McCormick & Schmick’s chef Tim Eckard takes you on a tour of island flavors with dishes inspired by French Polynesia, Singapore, Hawaii, Seychelles, and Key West, paired with tropical cocktails.
Thursday, June 5
Where Wine Meets Design at Vineyard Wine Cellars
Luxury wine experience platform Sommsation and Vineyard Wine Cellars will host a special Where Wine Meets Design sommelier-led tasting experience at Vineyard’s Houston showroom, 7026 Old Katy, from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can explore the showroom and enjoy a curated lineup of small-production wines, like the bold CL Butaud 2021 Red Blend, refreshing Amista 2023 Rosé, and silky Oxlee Graham 2022 Pinot Noir, each paired with chef-crafted seasonal bites.
Friday, June 6
Casual Wine Sips and Vinyl Nights at Brennan’s of Houston
Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith, invites folks to soak up the summer as “wine guy” Marcus Gausepohl hosts a casual wine tasting soiree on Friday, June 6. Tickets include five two-ounce pours of select summer wines from Turning Point Vineyards, each paired with a small bite. Enjoy stations like the Oyster BLT paired with Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Chicken & Sausage Gumbo paired with Alexander Valley Red Blend and Goat Cheese Flatbread paired with Alexander Valley Cabernet. Tickets are $40 per person in advance and $50 at the door, plus tax and gratuity. Later, Vinyl Night invites guests to BYOV (bring your own vinyl) while DJ Fred entertains with a custom set of funky soul and jazz in the new Courtyard Bar, with music from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, June 7
Patio Party at Field & Tides
Field & Tides, 705 East 11th, is kicking off summer with a Patio Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary taco bar from chef Travis Lenig as well as festive tequila cocktails provided by La Pulga Spirits, live music, raffle prizes and fun. Folks can RSVP to rsvp@carpediempr.net.
Texas Monthly Taco Fest South at Discovery Green
Texas Monthly’s first-annual Taco Fest South is hitting Houston on Saturday, June 7, bringing the heat to Discovery Green from 5 to 8:30 p.m. (or 4:30 VIP). Taco fans can munch their way through tacos from 15 top spots featured on the mag’s “Top 50 Tacos in Texas” list, plus enjoy live tunes and good vibes all evening long.
Saturday–Sunday
31st Anniversary at Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons, is throwing a two-day bash to celebrate 31 years of craft beer in Houston. On Saturday, June 7, the brewery’s Beer Garden & Restaurant transforms into a time machine with a free, all-day celebration of the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s, kicking off at 11 a.m. Special brews crafted for the occasion include the throwback Original 1994 Batch 1 Amber Ale, 31st Anniversary IPA, Cherry Brandy Lawnmower and more. No tickets needed. On Sunday, June 8, the celebration continues with the 31st Anniversary Special Rare Cellar Tasting from noon to 3 p.m. in the Beer Hall. The exclusive, ticketed event ($80 plus tax) offers two-ounce samples of rare and vintage beers pulled from deep within the brewery’s cellar, a Houston Dairymaids cheese sampling, a special bottle to take home and a souvenir 31st Anniversary taster glass.
New and ongoing specials
AAPI Restaurant Weeks
There’s still time to celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage and score great deals on tasty eats. Running now through Sunday, June 15, OCA-Greater Houston’s AAPI Restaurant Weeks spotlights incredible AAPI-owned spots across Asiatown and beyond — including newcomers like Agnes & Sherman and Hachi Sushi. Donate $15 or more to score a special code unlocking discounts, freebies and special menus, all while supporting low-income seniors with much-needed rice and noodles.
Caracol Tasting Menu Series: Oaxaca
Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, continues its tasting menu series as it heads to Oaxaca for its fourth installment, running through 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.
