All Month Long

Dessert for the Dogs at Tony Mandola's

When you buy a dessert this month at Tony Mandola's, 1212 Waugh, Tony will give $1 to BARC, the City of Houston animal shelter. As if that weren't incentive enough to spend a meal at the creole and Italian restaurant, you'll also get $10 off every bottle of wine this month. These two deals might be dangerous for your sweet tooth, but they're certainly a source of hope for a pet in need.

National Cheeseburger Day Contest at Bernie's

If you follow Bernie's Burger Bus on any social media, post or tweet a photo of one of their burgers and include the hashtags #berniesburgersforlife and #nationalcheeseburgerday, you could win a Bernie's Black Card, which entitles you to one burger, fries and nonalcoholic drink from Bernie's for free every day for the rest of your life. Pretty excellent, right? The contest goes until 3 p.m. Friday, so go take some burger photos!

Monday, September 14

Live at the Dive

This monthly event pairs art and food at MAX's Wine Dive, 214 Fairview. Micah Simmons's art will be showcased, and DJ Seth Jones will provide tunes. Happy hour specials start at 5 p.m., and the music starts at 6 p.m. Don't forget the fried chicken while you're there; MAX's is celebrating National Chicken Month all month long!

Saint Arnold Beer Dinner at Ninfa's

It would be hard to figure out whether Houstonians love Saint Arnold Brewing Company or The Original Ninfa's more, but tonight at 6:30 p.m., you won't have to choose between them. Ninfa's at 2704 Navigation is hosting a beer dinner featuring Saint Arnold brews, which features Santo-battered redfish tacos, seared salmon, mole-rubbed rib eye and more. The beers include Bishop's Barrel No. 10, Divine Reserve No. 13 and Pumpkinator 2014. Make your reservations by calling 281-253-0243.

Tuesday, September 15

Third Anniversary Party at Cuchara

Celebrate the third anniversary of Cuchara, 214 Fairview, with taquiza and pozoles at 5 p.m. At 9:30 p.m., there'll be a performance by traditional Aztec dancers, then a mariachi band will perform at 10 p.m. The entire celebration, which is the final installment of a 15-day celebration of Aztec culture, is dedicated to the Aztec god of rain, Tlaloc. Check out the full details here.

Be Local, Live Local Dinner at Prohibition

This dinner at Prohibition Supperclub & Bar, 1008 Prairie, features some of the best that Houston has to offer; Karbach Brewery will be providing beer, and many of the ingredients will be locally sourced. You'll also find outstanding Houston chefs Randy Rucker, Joseph Stayshich, Matt Wommack and Ben McPherson there preparing the hors d'oeuvres and four courses. The casual event is a celebration of Edible Houston's third issue, and you can make reservations here or by calling 281-940-4636. $65 for Edible Houston subscribers, $80 general public

Wednesday, September 16

Sip & Stroll at Tony Mandola's

It's time for the monthly sip and stroll get-together at Tony Mandola's, 1212 Waugh, and this month's feature is California wine. The casual gathering is on the patio, and you'l find four food stations there — salmon burger sliders, shrimp and lemon pizza, smoked spare ribs with blackberry barbecue sauce and mini molten cakes. Each station has a different wine pairing, and you'll get access for only $35. Make your reservations by calling 713-528-3474. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Great Banh Mi Cook-Off

This Vietnamese sandwich competition in the Lambo Ballroom, 6159 Westheimer, involves some of the best chefs in Houston, such as King Co, Dawn Burrell and JoJo Urbano. There will be samples, as well as munchies from a variety of restaurants and drinks from Saint Arnold, included in the $30 price of admission. Celebrity judges include our own Phaedra Cook, Lily Jang of KHOU, Greg Morago of the Houston Chronicle and many more. Check out the full list on the Facebook event, and get your tickets here.

Thursday, September 17

92 Cent Coneys at JCI

It's the last day for 92 cent original coneys at any JCI Grill location in celebration of the chain's 92nd anniversary. If you have an anniversary cup, you can also get a drink for 92 cents. Enjoy the mustard, chili sauce and onions on your original coney for the last time at this price — next year, they'll be one cent more expensive.

Wine Seminar at Pico's

This wine seminar at Pico's, 3601 Kirby, on the Cuvasion and Brandlin wineries of Napa Valley features two wines from each vineyard, plus light bites and a fondue bar made to complement the wines. These two wineries are known for their sustainable practices and eco-friendly certifications, so earth-lovers, rejoice! Make your reservations by calling 832-831-9940. 6 p.m., $35

Friday, September 18

Law Enforcement Stake-Out of Dunkin' Donuts

From 6 to 11 a.m., you'll find local police officers at 11 Dunkin' Donuts locations around Houston to raise awareness for the Special Olympics. Officers will be taking donations, and, if you make a donation, you'll get a free donut with any beverage purchase. The proceeds will go to the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is the Special Olympics' largest fundraiser and awareness event.

Whiskey Tasting at Reserve 101

Check out High West whiskies at Reserve 101, 1201 Caroline, and feel good about it, too — the proceeds from your $20 ticket will go to Lucky Dog Rescue. At 7 p.m., David Perkins of High West Whisky will show and tell about his products, which are made in Park City, Utah. Reserve your spot via the Reserve 101 website.

Food and Films Series at Quattro

As part of the Friday night cinematic series at Quattro, 1300 Lamar, you can see a film and get a five-course feast for $79, or $145 per couple. This week's feature is Apollo 13, a 1995 film depicting the lunar mission of the same name. Beverages are extra, but beverage packages will be offered each evening. Reservations are required, and you can make them by calling 713-276-4700. 7 p.m. 

Stand-Up Comedy at MKT BAR

Every Friday until the end of October, you can find BETA Bracket's stand-up competition at MKT BAR in Phoenicia, 1001 Austin, and, as part of the audience, you can help select the winners. Ten local comedians (or people who think they're comedians) will perform in a five-minute round, then the competition will be thinned out to a ten-, then a 20-minute set, and the winners go home with lots of money. As in, the top prize is $3,000. Admission is free, and you can enjoy MKT BAR provisions while you laugh. 10 p.m.

Saturday, September 19

Dessert Gallery Turns 20

Check out Dessert Gallery's over-the-top birthday confection, called the Cosmic 20th Birthday Cake, at 3600 Kirby. It's got chocolate meringue, chocolate and mocha mousse, brownie and dark chocolate, and a slice of that chocolate bliss will only cost you just under $8. The store has been celebrating all year with a new logo, new packaging and a remodeled location to keep things fresh. 

Sunday, September 20

Go Pig or Go Home

This suckling pig competition will pit some of the greatest local chefs against one another. Ever heard of Randy Rucker, Ryan Hildebrand or Rebecca Masson? Maybe Matt Marcus, Justin Turner or Richard Kaplan ring some bells for you? Check out the full list of competing chefs and reserve your tickets on the Go Pig or Go Home website. The event takes place at 8th Wonder Brewery, 2202 Dallas, from 4 to 7 p.m., and your $88 ticket gets you pig samples, beer and live music.