The summer heat may be here to stay, but Houston’s hottest culinary events are keeping things cool all August long.
Also in August 2018
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Now’s the chance to try out that restaurant that’s been on your radar for months, because August brings one of the city’s most anticipated summer events, Houston Restaurant Weeks, and this year, over 250 local restaurants are expected to participate.
You can also dine out for a cause at a favorite New York-style deli, enjoy a white linen party along 19th, and partake in a wine and food fest in one of Houston’s most vibrant ‘hoods. Here’s how to spend your August with good food and good times.
Top 12 Food & Drink Events in Houston: August 2018
- Houston Restaurant Weeks | Wednesday, August 1 through Monday, September 3 – Houston Restaurant Weeks returns, bringing another month of charity and prix fixe menus from over 250 participating restaurants around town. The event is the largest annual fundraiser for America’s largest food bank, the Houston Food Bank. Check the lineup for specially priced lunches, brunches, and dinners at hot newcomers and old favorites, including Poitín, International Smoke, Hugo’s, and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Times vary daily.
- Deli Month at Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen Restaurant | All month long – For the month of August, delis across the country will be offering special three-course, prix fixe menus that not only provide a chance to try a number of outstanding traditional deli dishes but also raise money for a chosen charity in each community. This year, both locations of Kenny & Ziggy’s will be offering a three-course menu ($38) benefitting the Holocaust Museum Houston. Dine on choices from stuffed kishka, spinach knish and matzo ball soup to Roumanian steak, Hungarian goulash, and 7-layer cake. Times vary daily.
- Dassai Sake Dinner at Kata Robata | Thursday, August 2 – Kata Robata will be hosting a rare five-course dinner featuring Dassai sake, a premium brand from the Asahi Shuzo brewery in Yamaguchi, Japan. Cost is $150 per person, plus tax and gratuity, and only 40 tickets are available. 7pm.
- White Linen Night in the Heights | Saturday, August 4 | No Cover – Don your finest white linen outfit for the best block party of the summer, featuring pop-up shops, local art vendors, eats, and drinks. The 200 and 300 blocks of 19th are where the main art event takes place, though you’ll find bars and restaurants all over the Heights joining in on the fun with boozy parties and specials. 6pm to 10pm (block party).
- Thursday Night Take Over at Fluff Bake Bar | Thursday, August 9 – Fluff Bake Bar owner Rebecca Masson has switched up her popular “Dinner with My Friends” series, making it a “Thursday Night Take Over.” The events will showcase a new guest chef each month, with this month featuring chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins or San Diego’s El Jardin. Each guest chef will create a menu of three to four items available a la carte and Masson will create a special dessert to compliment the menu, with optional wine pairings and specialty beer from Saint Arnold. No tickets or reservations are required, but four “chef’s table” seats will be available for purchase each month. Ten percent of all proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry program. 6pm to 9pm.
- Date Night Cooking Class: Creole at Brennan’s of Houston | Friday, August 10 – In this summer date night cooking class, guests will learn how to prepare some of Brennan’s Creole favorites, beginning with a cocktail reception and followed by a cooking demonstration and dinner. Cost is $150 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. 6:30pm to 9pm.
- Chile Relleno Class at Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen | Saturday, August 11 – Chef-owner Sylvia Casares will be teaching a hands-on chile relleno class, covering beef or cheese rellenos, special toppings, rice, and quick refried beans. Tickets are $65 per person and include all materials, the class and a meal. 1pm to 4pm.
- Indian Street Foods Cooking Class at Pondicheri | Wednesday, August 15 – Learn to make three mother chaat sauces, plus how to incorporate them into summer snacks and cooling salads at this intimate hands-on cooking class. Cost is $100 per person and seating is limited. 5pm to 7pm.
- Chefs & Brewers Dinner at The Dunlavy | Thursday, August 16 – Join The Dunlavy for local food and local brews during its special Chefs & Brewers Dinners series. This month’s event will feature the brews of Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Meet the chefs and brewer and enjoy four beer-paired courses. Cost is $75 per person. 6:30pm.
- Houston Food Fest at Hermann Square Park | Saturday, August 18 – The Houston Food Fest is back for another year, bringing together over 70 different food trucks, restaurants, and local mom and pop eateries. Enjoy everything from pizza in a cone and bao buns to ice cream tacos. Early bird general admission runs $5, with food and beverages available for purchase at the festival. Noon to 10pm.
- Bourbon Benefit Dinner at Truluck’s Houston | Friday, August 24 – Truluck’s and Garrison Brothers Distillery are teaming up to help preserve Balmorhea State Park its iconic spring-fed pool, offering an exclusive four-course dinner event, featuring award-winning small-batch bourbon, paired with chef-selected dishes. Tickets are $200 per person. “Meet the Maker” cocktail hour 6pm; Dinner 7pm to 10pm.
- 7th Annual Wine & Food Fest at Navigation Esplanade | Saturday, August 25 – Formerly known as the Pearland Annual Wine & Food Festival, this festival showcases Texas wines and local eats along with live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, and more. Tickets are $40 for wine festival entry, with free designated driver and $125 VIP passes available. Noon to 8pm.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
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