Two food and art events make the cut for our list of great happenings this week, and each allows guests not only to sample excellent cuisine, but explore two of Houston’s art spaces.
This week also features don’t-miss documentary screening about women in the food industry that combines a panel discussion with a happy hour, a host of throwdowns and challenges, and a guest from Galveston going behind the bar at La Lucha. Plus, both oyster season and a favorite wine event return.
Monday, November 4
Farmer to Your Table Dinner at Flatland Gallery
This food and art mashup features the food of chef Evelyn Garcia, formerly of Decatur Bar and Pop-Up Factory, with proceeds supporting East End urban farm Finca Tres Robles. The family-style dinner takes place in the gallery, with guests surrounded by images of The Hands That Feed Houston photo-documentary. Dinner is from 7 to 9 pm, but those who arrive at 6 can enjoy happy hour with farmers and enjoy the art show. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online.
Tuesday, November 5
I’ll Have What She’s Having A Fine Line Documentary Screening and Discussion at the C. Baldwin Hotel
Spotlighting women in hospitality, this important new documentary by award-winning documentarian Joanna James highlights the challenges women in the profession face. The event kicks off with a happy hour at 5 pm prior to the screening and a panel discussion. Tickets ($40) and are available here.
How to Throw a Party Like a Boss at Revival Market
Six of Agricole Hospitality’s female managers are teaming up to share their tips for throwing a first-rate holiday party. The open house-style event will feature six stations with recipes and tips, wine and cocktail tastings, a charcuterie and cheese grazing table, and holiday-themed passed hors d’oeuvres. Stations include: Coltivare general manager Leonora Varvoutis’ tips for buying wine; Coltivare bar manager Sarah Crowl’s advice on cocktail glassware and garnishes; Eight Row Flint general manager Christina Ramey’s lessons on making batched cocktails; and Miss Carousel general manager Kayla Webber’s suggestions for creating the ultimate party playlist. Tickets ($25) are available by emailing [email protected], 5:30 – 8 pm.
Wednesday, November 6
Second Annual Whiskey Sniff at B&B Butchers
Podcast hosts Ian Barry and Cruze of “Smokin’ and Toastin'” pair up with B&B’s beverage director for an evening of finely crafted whiskey and limited-release cigars. The rooftop event features swag bags, live music, light bites, and, most importantly, experimental surprises from Balvenie, Four Roses, Glenfiddich, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, Tullamore Dew, and more. The event is from 6 to 9 pm, and tickets are $125 per person. They can be purchased online.
Guest Bartender Series at La Lucha
From 6 to 9 pm, sample the cocktails of Brad Stringer from Galveston’s Daiquiri Time Out. He’s serving up a Nitro Muddled Basil Daiquiri and a riff on the Hemingway daiquiri called Papa Suprême. Drink proceeds benefit the Galveston Humane Society.
4th Annual Big Bao Battle at the Ballroom at Bayou Place
Houston’s hottest chefs throw down their own special version of a traditional Taiwanese steamed gua bao, battling it out for the People’s Choice Award. Participating chefs include Willet Feng of burger-chan, Gabe Medina of Click Virtual Food Hall, and Cuc Lam of Just CUC It. Regular admission is $35 and $100 VIP tickets include valet parking, two drink tickets, a reception and early entry at 5 pm. Regular entry is at 6:30. Tickets can be purchased here.
Thursday, November 7
Oysters, Blues & Brews at Armadillo Palace
Celebrate the return of oyster season with this all-out bash to benefit the Coastal Conservation Association’s Building Conservation Trust oyster reef building project. The $75 per person entry fee includes two beverages and a selection of hot and cold seafood items, such as mesquite-grilled Gulf oysters; Gulf Coast mini oyster and shrimp po’boys; seafood gumbo with Gulf oysters; fresh shucked Gulf oysters with cocktail sauce, horseradish, mignonette, and crackers; and more. Festivities take place from 6:30 to 9 pm; buy tickets online.
Saturday, November 9
Houston Cellar Classic at The Tasting Room Uptown Park
One of Houston’s most prestigious food and wine events returns, offering guests the chance to sip more than 100 of the finest wines from around the world. In addition, look for bites from Uchi, Songkran, Kiran’s, Etoile, The Rustic, Max’s Wine Dive, Rise, Mendocino Farms, and The Tasting Room (natch). The $100 general admission tickets come with a Riedel glass and samples of the food and wine on offer. For $200, get VIP bubbles and special wines, in addition to VIP-ticket-holders-only food-and-wine pairings. The event is from noon to 4 pm, and tickets can be purchased here.
Sunday, November 10
14th Annual International Risotto Festival at the Houston Design Center
This celebration of Italian food is a sip-and-stroll sensation, with tastings of antipasti, all of the event’s risotto entries, Italian music and entertainment, an exotic car display, plus activities for kids and designer showroom tours. This year’s festival benefits B.E.A.R., Be a Resource for CPS Kids. From 2 to 6 pm, enjoy the creations from chefs such as Brandi Key of Alice Blue, Luigi Shimaj of 51 Fifteen, Daniel Berg from B.B. Italia, Johnny Wesley of Poitin, and Nick Fine from Underbelly Hospitality. General admission tickets are $100 and include food, wine, and beverage tastings. For $225, guests can enjoy a VIP experience that includes a signature wine glass, entry to the VIP lounge, coffee and desserts, plus a meet-and-greet with chef Chris Shepherd who will be signing his new cookbook Cook Like A Local. Tickets available online.
Booze Can at Riel
Ryan Lachaine is inaugurating a new event on the second Sunday of every month. Taken from the name for an illegal nightclub, Booze Can will feature art by Donkeeboy, music by DJ Seek of Glitter Karaoke, and beer by No Label Brewing Co. Lachaine and his crew will turn out a menu of unique items. The party starts at 3 pm and lasts until late.
The Oxtail Mashup at Project Row Houses
From 7 to 10 pm, be part of this collage of food, drink, and art as Houston chefs —including Dawn Burrell (Kulture), Michelle Wallace (Gatlin’s BBQ), Jennifer Hoffman (Leland House), Don Bowie (Taste Bar & Kitchen), and others — take their best shot at oxtail creations, battling for the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards. Look for craft cocktails and beer from both 8th Wonder and St. Arnold. Proceeds from the evening benefit Sickle Cell Anemia. As a bonus, guests can check out the artworks in Project Row Houses’ open studios. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased online.
