D’Amico’s Italian Market Café, 5510 Morningside, has long claimed to have the best panini in town. Since August is National Panini Month, the good folks at D’Amico’s are going to let you make theirs even better – if you think it can be done. For the whole month of August, the Rice Village location is having Build Your Own Panini days (BYOP). Starting at just $8.99, guests can fill their fresh-baked Italian bread with one meat and three ingredients of choice, then let the kitchen take over and prepare. Want to go all out? All kinds of extras, additional meats and other cheeses can be priced as you add them for a one-of-a-kind panini.
On Monday, August 10 at 7 p.m., Spec’s fine wine buyer Bear Dalton will be hosting a Zin-filled wine class at l’Alliance Française de Houston, 427 Lovett. The “State of Zin” class will take a look at 13 Zin-based wines from Sonoma County — the spiritual home of Zinfandel — that represent the best of what is in the market (mostly 2012s with a few 2013s). Learn about Zin and blends, the terroirs and techniques used to make it, and the food to eat with it. The class will include bread and a selection of fine cheeses to accompany the tasting. The class costs $60 per person cash ($63.16 charged). To reserve your spot, contact Susan at 713-854-7855 or coburnsusan2@gmail.com.
Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella, is hosting its Monthly Wine Event (held on the second Wednesday of month) on Wednesday, August 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This month’s Sip n’ Stroll will feature things like Mediterranean chopped salad with a scarpetta vino spumante brut rose; and duck ragù and orecchiette pasta with a 2012 Paolo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo A Mont. Cost is $35 per person
Khun Kay Thai Café, 1209 Montrose, is honoring the holiday for Queen Sirikit on Wednesday, August 12. To celebrate the Queen’s birthday and Thailand’s Mother’s Day, the cafe will be offering a Long Live the Queen dish, made with soft-shell crab fried in a crispy coating and served with rice noodles ($12.95). Also beginning that day and continuing the rest of the month, chef Chantana Kitisook is bringing back her popular Summer Wrap, featuring a piece of crispy-fried crackling cod, fresh mango and spicy sauce wrapped in a leaf of fresh lettuce ($11.95). Kitisook will also offer the August Garden ($10.95), which mixes broccoli, green beans, red and green peppers, and fresh herbs with a spicy soy bean sauce, and serves the veggies with tender chunks of broiled cod.
On Thursday, August 13, Stone’s Throw, 1417 Westheimer, is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a special evening of festivities beginning at 8 p.m. Guests can hit the Peach Mauxito Cask from 8th Wonder Brewery and enjoy complimentary Moët & Chandon Champagne from 8 to 9 p.m. There will also be burlesque performances by Tifa Tittlywinks featuring Sabra JohnSin and music from Felipe Galvan Pachuco Boogie Sound System.
Prohibition Supperclub & Bar, 1008 Prairie, is hosting a Charcuterie Dinner on Tuesday, August 18. Sample charcuterie from three of the best charcutiers in the country — including Craig Deihl (AMS/Cypress, CHS) Josh Jones, Bryan Butler, Ben Runkle (Salt & Time, ATX) and Andrew Vaserfirer (Revival Market, HOU) — before enjoying a four-course meal featuring their works of edible art. Master mixologist Lainey Collum will also be treating guests to pairings and cocktails made with Bruichladdich Single Malt Whisky. The night begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (6:30 to 8 p.m.) and is followed by dinner from 8 to 10 p.m. Cost is $150 per person (does not include tax or gratuity), and the dress code is upscale summertime casual.
This article appears in Aug 6-12, 2015.
