This Week in Houston Food Events: Free Tacos for the Kids, Rosé Tastings for You

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

Monday, May 9

Kids Eat Free Mondays at Alicia’s Mexican Grille and Galiana’s Tex Mex & Agave Bar

With school officially out for summer, Alicia’s Mexican Grille and Galiana’s Tex Mex & Agave Bar are bringing back their Kids Eat Free Mondays. Available all day on Mondays, kids get a complimentary meal with each purchase of an adult entrée and beverage (one kid’s meal per adult entrée; beef fajitas excluded).

Alma Rosa Wine Dinner at Zanti Cucina Italiana

Zanti Cucina Italiana, 1958 West Gray, is raising a glass with a wine dinner in partnership with Alma Rosa Winery, beginning at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy a beautifully curated four-course paired with Alma Rosa wines. Tickets are $180 per person.

Wednesday, June 11

Landry’s Houston Chef Series

Landry’s Inc. continues its Houston Chef Series, “island hopping” around the globe at its signature restaurants on select Wednesdays through August 9. Reservations are required, and prices range from $125 to $225 per person. This week, La Griglia chef Brandon Soverall brings the tastes of Trinidad with dishes like Callaloo with Crab, Trini Beef Stew and rich Chocolate Mousse made with Trinitario cocoa.

Thursday, June 12

Sip & Celebrate at Azumi

Sip and celebrate the start of the summer season at Azumi from 6 to 9 p.m.  Your $65 ticket gets you light sushi bites, specialty cocktails and a martini station, sake and caviar tastings and more.

Master Whiskey Tasting Series at Bayou & Bottle

Bayou & Bottle, 1300 Lamar, continues its Master Whiskey Tasting Series with a special Jack Daniel’s tasting led by expert brand ambassadors and general manager Bardia Ketabi. The two-hour experience includes a welcome cocktail, four whiskey tastings and light bites. Reservations are required.

Hon Maguro Tuna Breakdown at Aya Sushi

Aya Sushi, 5407 Bellaire, is hosting a Hon Maguro Tuna Breakdown from 5 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 4:45). Tickets are $400 and include unlimited servings of tuna, alongside a curated cocktail menu in partnership with Joto Sake and Suntory Whiskey.

Friday, June 13

Wine Sips and Vinyl Spins at Brennan’s of Houston

Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, is hosting a wine tasting with a focus on French rosés. Guests will enjoy four two-ounce pours selected by resident “Wine Guy” Marcus Gausepohl, paired with small bites for $40 per person ($50 at the door), plus tax and gratuity. Following the tasting, guests can stick around for DJ funk, soul, and jazz from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Courtyard Bar. Guests are encouraged to bring their own records. No tickets are required for Vinyl Night.

Saturday–Sunday

Tokyo X Festival at NRG Center

Tokyo X Festival returns to Houston with a two-day celebration of Japanese culture. Expect immersive exhibits featuring, anime, music, street fashion, martial arts and tasty Japanese cuisine, including fun challenges like ramen-eating battles.

All month long

Pride Month at Dessert Gallery

Dessert Gallery, 3600 Kirby, 25 Waterway, is spreading love with a lineup of Pride-themed treats all month long, from rainbow Pride cake to cupcakes and colorful cookies.

New and ongoing specials

AAPI Restaurant Weeks

Running now through Sunday, June 15, OCA-Greater Houston’s AAPI Restaurant Weeks spotlights incredible AAPI-owned spots across Asiatown and beyond. Donate $15 or more to score a special code unlocking discounts, freebies and special menus, all while supporting low-income seniors with much-needed rice and noodles.

Squash Blossom Season at H Town Restaurant Group

Squash blossom season has arrived, and H Town Restaurant Group is celebrating with the return of its beloved Squash Blossom Menu across Hugo’s, Caracol, Xochi and URBE, featured now through the end of August. Chef Hugo Ortega has created dishes like squash blossom soup, quesadillas and goat cheese-stuffed blossom to showcase the season’s bounty.

“Brownie Points” at J-Bar-M Barbecue

J-Bar-M Barbecue has introduced a new charitable initiative, “Brownie Points,” throughout June. All month long, proceeds from the J-Bar-M Barbecue Brownie and the new Kataifi Dough and Pistachio Brownie will go directly to benefit Camp H-Town and its work to restore the childhood of children affected by cancer. In additional, all proceeds from the Reggie Bar Brownie will go to Reggie Jackson’s Mr. October Foundation and its focus on STEM education and workforce pipelines for underserved youth. 

Brooke Viggiano is a contributing writer who is always looking to share Houston’s coolest and tastiest happenings with the Houston Press readers.

Contact: Brooke Viggiano