Things to Do: Upcoming Food and Party Events in Houston This Week

Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary events:

The whole week

35th Anniversary at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant is celebrating its 35th anniversary through August 4, offering a different special each week in addition to the return of a past favorite, the Chicken Alcaparrada made with mushrooms and a lemon caper sauce. This week, diners can enjoy the $10 El Jefe Margarita.

Wednesday July 24

National Tequila Day at Alicia’s Mexican Grille

In honor of National Tequila Day, the Cypress website Alicia’s Mexican Grill26326 Northwest Freeway, is hosting a special tequila tasting event starting at 6 p.m., sponsored by Don Julio, Astral, Herradura and Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia. Tickets are $59 plus tax and gratuity.

Houston Series Chef at Willie G’s Seafood

With this year’s theme inspired by “Presidential State Dinners,” Landry’s continues its Houston Chef series. This week, Chef Brandon Soverall will present “Presidential Favorites” at Willie G’s Seafoodwith dishes like lobster pot pie, Texas barbecue, apple pie and more. Each course is accompanied by a carefully selected beverage pairing. The price is $125 per person for five courses with beverage pairings.

Friday July 26

Caymus Wine Dinner at Chef’s Table in Derby Houston

Derby Restaurant, 13150 Breton Ridge, is hosting its first chef’s dinner, a five-course experience paired with Caymus wines, on Friday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. Highlights include peach and golden beet soup with whipped crème fraîche, smoked almonds and burrata; arugula salad with orange blossom champagne vinaigrette; king salmon with Meyer lemon beurre blanc; sous vide New York strip steak with tricolor potato hash and red wine reduction; and apricot, pecan and white chocolate French toast. Tickets are $300 per person.

Friday Saturday

Diaspora Dinner Series with Chef Tristen Epps at Guard and Grace

Chef Tristen Epps, a 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef in the South, returns to Houston with a new Afro-Caribbean tasting menu concept, Buboyan Afro-Caribbean, is set to debut in 2025. In the meantime, Epps will host a series of pop-up dinners at a private dining space in Guard and Grace500 Dallas, Friday and Saturday nights through August 3, featuring seven-course meals that highlight Afro-Caribbean culinary traditions through modern cuisine and global influences. Tickets are $165 per person.

All the month

Dinner for Two for $99 at Brennan’s of Houston

Brennan3300 Smith is once again offering its fan-favorite month-long date night special. For $99, couples can enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for two, featuring Creole classics including turtle soup and grilled filet mignon (an additional $9), as well as bananas Foster and Creole bread pudding. For $30, you can add a bottle of wine from Wine Guy Rich Carter’s selection or get $30 off any bottle from Brennan’s extensive wine list.

Bludorn Collaboration and More at Kolache Shoppe

This month, Kolache Shoppe is showcasing the talents of chef Aaron Bludorn, with a short rib, egg and pickled pepper kolache, available Thursday through Saturday at the Greenway Shoppe and Friday through Sunday at the Heights and Pearland Shoppes. The creation features smoked short ribs, caramelized onions, pickled sweet peppers, scrambled eggs and peach barbecue sauce for $5.75. Other monthly specials include a blackberry basil kolache and a chamomile matcha latte.

New and current promotions

Hurricane Beryl Victim Relief

Houstonians have a way of coming together in times of need, and if you’re looking for a way to help, the Houston Food Bank needs volunteers to sort and pack food for distribution (and cash donations) in the wake of Hurricane Beryl. People can sign up to volunteer and donate online.
Southern Smoke Foundation The foundation is also accepting donations in the wake of Hurricane Beryl to support its efforts to help food and beverage workers in need. With many bars, restaurants and cafes experiencing damage and power outages, the foundation is already receiving a growing number of requests for help. Donations can be made online.