With the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras, February’s happenings are off the culinary charts.
Also in February 2017
The 51st Super Bowl will be hosted in Houston this year, and as such, there’s a flurry of awesome events surrounding the Big Game (click here to see the full lineup of Big Game Must Dos). But the second month of 2017 offers plenty more, from beer and cheese pairings for two to tapas on the trails. February has never tasted so good.
Top 12 food & drink events in Houston this month: February 2017
- Beer Science and Body Art at The Health Museum | Thursday, February 2 – Find out if beer once saved the world when you join The Health Museum in exploring the health benefits of one of the world’s oldest beverages and its impact on the course of history. It’s believed that beer may have been used in the discovery of certain medicines. Chad Pilbeam, founder of Beer Logic, will present an educational and amusing account of some of the myths and facts; and guests (21 and up) can meet brewers from No Label, Southern Star and Buffalo Bayou, and even taste a beer or two. General admission tickets to the museum are $10. 5pm to 9pm.
- The Big Texas Party at Silver Street Studios | Thursday, February 2 – CultureMap has teamed up with ESPN Radio and SB Nation to present this Texas-sized soiree before the big game. Hosted by Mike Barber, Gregg Bingham, Cris Dishman, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, and Randy White, the party is a celebration of all things Houston, with the best local barbecue and Texas beer, spirits and wine, plus entertainment, and special appearances by some of your favorite football players with Texas roots. Featured barbecue joints include Feges BBQ, Killen’s Barbeque, Ray’s Real Pit BBQ Shack, and Tejas Chocolate Craftory, to name a few. Tickets are $125 for general admission and $1,250 for VIP. 7pm to 11pm.
- Taste of Katy Chili Bowl Tailgate at Rhodes Stadium | Saturday, February 4 | Free to Attend – Before the Celebrity Flag Football Game ($20), hit this free tailgate, featuring an amateur chili cook-off, live music, celebrity appearances, vendors, food trucks, a silent auction, and kid activities. 9am to noon. Afterward, join No Label Brewing Company for the post-game party at the brewery ($15 admission includes a pint glass and three beers) from 4pm to 8pm.
- EaDo End-Zone Gumbo Cook-Off and Crawfish Boil at Lucky’s Pub | Saturday, February 4 – Lucky’s Pub is hosting a number of EaDo End-Zone activities for the Super Bowl, including this Gumbo Cook-Off and Crawfish Boil, featuring up to $5000 in prizes with live music, celebrities, and DJs all day. Proceeds will benefit Zoey’s Angels. General Admission is $30. Judging will be between 3pm to 5pm and will be based on a combination of appearance, aroma, flavor fullness, spice, consistency, and after taste. 11am to 7pm.
- Super Beef Sunday at Saint Arnold Brewery | Sunday, February 5 – Get the meat sweats as you taste BBQ from some of Texas’ best pitmasters at the 4th Annual Super Beef Sunday. The legendary Louie Mueller BBQ will be there alongside Pinkerton’s Barbecue and Harlem Road Texas BBQ. Of course, the cold beer will also be flowing. Like previous years, Wayne of Louie Mueller BBQ will have pre-wrapped whole brisket and beef ribs available for pre-purchase (at the time of your ticket purchase). Tickets are $50 per person and include tastings from all three pitmasters, beer, and a commemorative Super Beef Sunday pint glass. 11am to 2pm (but arrive by 12:30 if you want a chance to taste all the goods).
- Tapas on the Trails at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center | Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a softly-lit walk through the Arboretum’s nature sanctuary, pausing along the way to indulge in five delicious courses paired perfectly with carefully selected beers and wines. Tickets available for members and non-members ranging from $75 to $85. Friday 6pm to 10pm (last trail admittance 8pm). Saturday 5pm to 9pm (last trail admittance 7pm).
- Valentine’s Day Beer and Chocolate Tasting at The Ginger Man | Saturday, February 11 – Nothing says “I love you” like booze and chocolate. Hit the brewpub to enjoy unique seasonal beers paired exceptional chocolates. Tickets can be purchased in advance on location for $40 per person, while supplies last. 3pm.
- Houstonia Gumbo Smackdown at Sugar Land Town Square | Saturday, February 11 – Gumbo fans are invited to join Houstonia Magazine for the 4th Annual #GumboSmackdown. Hit lip smackin’ gumbo cook-off and vote for your favorite gumbo, then stick around to see who will take home the title of People’s Choice Best Gumbo and Judge’s Choice Best Gumbo. Participants include local favorites like Beaver’s, Bernie’s Burger Bus, Holley’s Seafood Restaurant, and Peli Peli. Tickets are $40 in advance ($45 at the door) and include unlimited food and drink. Noon to 4pm.
- Valentine’s Day Beer & Cheese Pairing at Saint Arnold Brewery | Sunday, February 12 – The oldest brewery in Texas is teaming up with local cheese purveyors, Houston Dairymaids, for a special V-Day beer and cheese tasting. A few cheesemakers will be on hand to discuss the cheeses, and Saint Arnold will be talking about the beers. Reservations are $25 per person. 3pm to 5pm.
- Valentine’s Day Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting at Reserve 101 | Tuesday, February 14 – This romantic tasting will feature distillers editions of Oban, Lagavulin, Cragganmore, and Dalwhinnie, all paired with chocolates by Cacao & Cardamom. Tickets (limited) are $75 per couple. 7pm.
- The 106th Celebration of Mardi Gras Galveston | Friday, February 17 through Tuesday, February 28 – More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration. The lineup of festivities also includes 22 elaborate parades, headliner performances and over 30 concerts, 20 balcony parties, five elegant masked balls, an official 5K run, family events, and plenty of feasting. Party passes, balcony tickets, and general admission tickets can be purchased online.
- “Dinner with My Friends” at Fluff Bake Bar | Monday, February 20 – Chef Rebecca Masson’s playful dinner series continues with Bryan and Jennifer Caswell of Reef, this time with a Valentine’s Day theme of love. Each dinner, which takes place the third Monday of most months, features a guest chef who creates a six-course dinner for 24 people. There is an opening reception and each course is paired with a beer or wine. 10 percent of all proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry program, an important cause for Masson. 6:30pm.