Though we’re well into winter, January shows no sign of cooling down when it comes to fun. That’s because these seriously awesome culinary happenings are as hot as ever.
Also in January 2016
Top 16 Things to Do in January
Top 12 Games & Sports Events
Sure, the holidays have passed and the resolutions have crept in. But you don’t have to start your 2016 diet just yet. Or at the very least, you may want to add in a few worthwhile “cheat days.” From a New Year’s Day brunch that will bring you back to life to a luxurious truffle extravaganza featuring elite local talent, check out these 11 must hit events this new year:
Top 11 Food & Drink Events to Hit in Houston this Month:
- El Buffet que te Vuelve a la Vida at Hugo’s Regional Mexican Cuisine | Friday, January 1 – There’s no better way to “return to life” after New Year’s Eve than with Hugo’s bright and vibrant Mexican brunch buffet. Kick 2016 off with a feast for the eyes and the stomach as you indulge in shrimp and octopus ceviche, migas with fiery salsa, sweet and creamy corn soufflé, fall off the bone costillas de puerco (pork ribs), and decadent tres leches. Tack on carafes of sangria and worry about the diet tomorrow. The all-you-can-eat buffet costs $31 per person and $12 per child, plus beverages, tax and gratuity. 11am to 3pm.
- Pondicherry Pop Up Dinner at Pondicheri | Thursday, January 7 – Join this cool and eclectic Indian fusion restaurant as they explore the coastal flavors of their namesake, Pondicherry, through food and drink. Nicknamed the “French Riviera of the East”, the tropical city in the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu was once the capital of French India. The six-course seafood menu pays tribute to this vibrant fusion of French & Tamil flavors with dishes such as Oysters & Choux and Black Perry Prawn Curry. Cost is $135 per person, inclusive of food, beverages (wine), gratuity, and tax. Dinners are limited to 16 people, so make your reservations now. 7pm to 9pm.
- 2nd Annual Houston Truffle Chef Charity Challenge at The Astorian | Monday, January 11 – Get ready to get your truffle on! Twenty of Houston’s best chefs are set to battle it out in this heated competition to see who can create the most delectable dish using DR | Delicacy’s fresh black truffles. Guests can expect chefs from high profile restaurants like BCN Taste and Traditions, Brennan’s of Houston, Etoile, and Kata Robata, among others. General admission tickets are priced at $150 and VIP tickets are $250. 6pm to 9m.
- Whole Hog Butchery Class at Revival Market | Monday, January 11 – Revival Market’s charcutier & head butcher, Andrew Vaserfirer, and co-owner Morgan Weber share their knowledge on one of their favorite subjects: Pigs! Guests will explore classic American and European fundamentals of butchery and learn how to break down whole pigs into smaller, more-usable cuts to utilize at home. Half-way through the class, attendees will enjoy a chef’s choice dinner. BYOB is strongly encouraged. Tickets are $125 (class is limited to 12 people) and include the dinner & demo. 7pm to 9pm.
- 7th Annual Yaga Chili Quest & Beer Fest | Friday, January 15 through Saturday, January 16 – Galveston’s annual Chili & Beer Fest is back and tastier than ever. In addition to their ever popular chili tasting, this year’s oceanside extravaganza will feature a Kick-Off Party on Friday, plus live music, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, a washer pitching tournament, a jackpot margarita contest, vendors and a merchant walk-about on the Historic Strand on Saturday. As if that doesn’t fulfill all of your needs, returning this year is the expanded Beer Festival. Tickets are $15 ($20 day of) for the Chili Quest, $37 for the Chili & Beer Package (only available in advance), and $30 to $55 for the Beer Fest Only. Friday 8pm to 10pm; Saturday 10am to 6pm.
- 6th Annual Valentines for Veterans event at Saint Arnold Brewery | Monday, January 18 – Spread the love to those who have so bravely served our country at this fun-loving charity event. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Saint A’s brews, a bake sale, and food from two of Houston’s best food trucks—Blood Brothers BBQ & Taco Nuts—as they create Valetines to be distributed to Houston-area veterans and mailed to individual veterans around the country. Cost of admission for the event is $10, with $5 of each ticket going directly to the local partner organization, Expedition Balance. 6pm to 9 pm.
- Margarita Madness at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft | Thursday, January 21 – Celebrate the HCCC’s 15th anniversary with a margarita-infused Quinceañera. The cocktail fundraiser includes bottomless margaritas, mouthwateringly delicious Latin American fare, a silent auction, live Latin music, and papel picado making station, among other festivities. Tickets are $150 per person and Quinceañera or cocktail attire is encouraged. 7pm to 10pm.
- Karbach Beer Dinner at Pour Society | Tuesday, January 26 – Excellent craft brews and excellently-crafted gastropub grub collide at this collaboration from Karback Brewing Co. and Pour Society’s Chef Greg Lowry. Treat yourself to 5 brew-paired courses, including dishes like cold smoked tuna and bay scallop campechana, coffee-rubbed beef bacon, and Black Hills Ranch sausage & lentils. Cost is $85 per person. 7pm.
- 2016 Mardi Gras Galveston | Friday, January 29 through Tuesday, February 9 – Get your beads ready for Texas’s largest Mardi Gras celebration. Festival goers can expect nearly 2 weeks of elaborate parades, balcony parties, headliner performances, masked balls, family events, feasting and other festivities that come with an island-style Mardi Gras in the heart of Galveston’s historic downtown district.
- Choco Loco 5k, 10k, & Kids Run at Uptown Park | Saturday, January 30 – We get it; running is hard. But you know what makes it a little bit easier? Knowing there’s a chocolate fountain waiting for you at the end! Enter Choco Loco, a race that combines your New Year’s health goals with your love of all things cocoa. Enjoy a brisk run from Uptown Park and through the Galleria before finishing at a post-race fiesta complete with a Chocolate Buffet. Register now for $22 to $37. Race starts at 7:30am. Kids 1k starts at 9am.
- 9th Annual Saint Arnold One Pot Showdown at Saint Arnold Brewery | Sunday, January 31 – Whether you think you can use Saint Arnold beer (plus your secret ingredients) to make a dish better than anybody else’s or you just want to taste the dishes of people who think they can, this 9th annual culinary showdown is a tasty must. The One Pot Showdown combines a traditional chili, gumbo, and stew cookoff with full on Saint Arnold goodness. Look out for the ticket sale announcement and more details to come.