The 6th annual Empty Bowls Houston event is tomorrow, Saturday, May 22. Wondering what this creative charity event is all about? It's simple: For a $25 donation, you'll get a straightforward lunch of soup, bread and water, but you'll also get to select a one-of-a-kind, handmade bowl donated by a local artist. This yearly event supports local artists as well as the Houston Food Bank, which receives 100 percent of the donations. But more than that, it also raises awareness for the hunger experienced by those around us, thus all the empty bowls at the lunch. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m. or until the soup runs out. You won't want to miss this unique and charitable afternoon.
Were you intrigued by our recent post on Feast, but don't want to try it out on your own? The Houston Chowhounds have put together an "I Love Feast" dinner, taking place on the evening of Monday, May 31, where you can come and enjoy a meal in the comfort of others who are virgins to the cuisine (and a few who aren't, but just love the restaurant). You'll receive a six-course tasting menu selected by the chefs, James Silk and Richard Knight, for only $54. A wine pairing for each course is also available for $31 more. The $54 might seem steep, but keep in mind that it includes the dinner ($40) as well as all tax and tip, so you don't have to worry about settling up at the end of the night. Reservations can be made online, but you only have until May 30 to reserve your spot.
Coming up in the more immediate future are two fun events for the weekend. The HCDA Chili Cook-Off at West Alabama Ice House will get started on Saturday, May 22, at noon. For only $5, you'll get a bowl, a spoon and a chance to taste all the chilis as well as vote on your favorite.
Steaming bowls of meat aren't your thing? No matter. Relax in the chic confines of Cha Champagne Bar as it celebrates its grand opening (finally!) this Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. The party runs through 1 a.m., which gives you plenty of time to get out and enjoy the festivites. (And don't worry if you don't like the bubbly; they serve wine, too.)
Not into chili or champers? We've still got you covered. On Saturday afternoon, ride a bull and grab some barbecue at the 6th annual Young Texans Against Cancer BBQ at the Armadillo Palace, starting at 1 p.m. and running through 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 at the door, which includes 'cue and live music from The Phillip Griffin Band, and proceeds benefit lymphoma research at M.D. Anderson as well as Camp Quality USA.
Speaking of camps, fair warning so you can mark your calenders now: Camp Beer III is coming up on Sunday, June 27 -- and it will sell out fast. It's an afternoon of beer adventure starting at 3 p.m. with Kevin Floyd, the resident beermaster at Anvil, where you'll work your way through 20 different beers, none of which are normally available in Texas. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online. Proceeds benefit Live It Big.
We've saved the sweetest for last this week. The Sweet Summer Soiree is just around the corner on Sunday, June 6. This very unique event will feature a dessert tasting from one of our favorite pastry chefs, Rebecca Masson (you'll remember her as the sole female contestant and winner of the Mushroom Throwdown). For only $75, you'll enjoy a six-course tasting menu including a salad course, a cheese course from the Houston Dairymaids and four desserts from Masson, as well as cocktail pairings for all six courses. All proceeds benefit Lucky Dog Rescue, which provides financial assistance to rescue dogs that would otherwise not survive. Tickets can be purchased online, but space is limited to 40 guests.
