The Union Kitchen honors teachers and educators with a free back-to-school brunch. Credit: Photo by Dylan McEwan

Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings:

Teachers and Educators Appreciation Brunch at The Union Kitchen

Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
12538 Memorial, 3452 Ella, 9955 Barker Cypress, 9920 Gaston, 23918 US-59

All five TUK locations invites teachers and educators for a free brunch, with the choice of three dishes: biscuits and gravy, a pancake plate and The Union Bowl featuring scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes and veggies topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The weekend brunch and cocktail menu will also be available, along with $1 espresso martini shots, $6 espresso martinis and the popular $19 Build-Your-Own-Bubbles offer. The exclusive deal applies to teachers and educational support staff with a current, valid school identification card.

Breakfast at Throwbacks at Burger Bodega

Saturday, 11 a.m. until sold out
4520 Washington

In collaboration with artist Donkeeboy and the clothing company Throwback City, Burger Bodega will host a special Saturday pop-up, featuring the Croissant Smash Burger with Love Croissant ($12 or $15 with egg), plus Kouign-Amann and PB&J shakes by David Buhrer of Greenway Coffee and Blacksmith. Donkeeboy will unveil a new mural, and Throwback City will sell two collaboration shirts with Burger Bodega.

Luau on the Bayou at Bayou Heights Bier Garten

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
3905 Washington

Bayou Heights Bier Garten is putting on its first annual Luau on the Bayou, kicking off with brunch and Bacardi drinks at 11 a.m., followed by live music from the House Tiger Band, snow cones and a variety of activities including a limbo and hula competition at 5:30 p.m. and a performance by Hula & Fire Dancers at 8:30 p.m.

Alex Vs. America Watch Party and Dinner at Craft Pita

Sunday, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
5172 Buffalo Speedway

Craft Pita founder and chef Rafael Nasr will be featured on Food Network’s “Alex vs. America” this Sunday, competing against chef Alex Guarnaschelli and others in a culinary battle focused on Mediterranean specialties. To celebrate, the West University location will host a ticketed watch party and Nasr will showcase two dishes featured on the show: Grilled Shrimp Kabob with Fattoush Salad and Lebanese Bolognese. Tickets are $50 and include food and drink.

Houston Restaurant Weeks

All weekend long

Houston Restaurant Weeks is officially back, raising funds for the Houston Food Bank while championing restaurants across the city through Labor Day. Over 250 restaurants are offering multi-course, prix fixe menus for brunch ($25), lunch ($25) and dinner ($39 or $55), available for dine-in and take-out. Secure your reservations now at old favorites and newcomers, including cool vinyl bar and kitchen 93-Til, sushi favorites Aiko and Kokoro, modern hotspot Bludorn and more. 

Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston's coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.