Houston’s food and beverage scene always has a lot going on — but how to choose what to spend your time and money on? Houston Food Finder editor Phaedra Cook and associate editor Mario-Sebastian Berry are sharing their personal picks below to help you decide. 

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Attend One of Houston’s Most Glamorous Annual Chef Competitions

Phaedra says: “This is one of my favorite events every year. If you love fresh black truffles, you’ll want to attend. The competition aspect draws 30 of Houston’s top chefs every year, and the classy setting gives me an excuse to dress up. I’m honored to be among the judges again this year, so you might spot me in the crowd!”

The 2025 Truffle Masters is set for the evening of Monday, March 3 at The Revaire, located at 7122 Old Katy Road. The event, now in its 11th year, is hosted by luxury food importer and distributor DR Delicacy, with a portion of the proceeds from the event benefiting The Houston Symphony. It features a local chef competition with 30 truffle-inspired dishes and desserts to taste, a full premium bar, live entertainment, silent auctions and a raffle from 7 to 10 p.m. This year will also debut the first annual cocktail competition featuring some of Houston’s top mixologists. Tickets are available on the website with options to purchase $295 general admission tickets and $495 VIP tickets, the latter of which includes entry to an exclusive pre-party to hobnob with the judges and chefs, access to the VIP Cocktail Competition, early admission into the main event and VIP Lounge access. Tip: use code 25TM20 for a 20% discount while supplies last — this event sells out every year. 

Get Out For Well-Priced Prix Fixe Meals Before it’s Too Late

Mario says, “As with HRW, Eat Drink HTX is a great opportunity to indulge in exclusive menus at a host of quality restaurants while supporting a good cause. The list of participating restaurants includes something for everyone with globe-spanning flavors. It’s a win-win-win for everyone involved.”

Only a few days remain of this year’s Eat Drink HTX! Founded by Katie Stone, who also heads up Houston Restaurant Weeks, the last day of this dining-for-a-cause event is Friday, February 28. Proceeds from the event benefit the Houston Food Bank and Kids’ Meals, a nonprofit organization providing nutritious meals to preschool-aged children in need. This year’s event features a diverse lineup of participating restaurants including 7 Spice Cajun Seafood, Ōporto Fooding House & Wine, Phat Eatery – Katy, State Fare Kitchen & Bar, Mala Sichuan Bistro — a recent Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient — and new participants such as EaDough Pastries & Provisions, Honey Drizzle and Mi Cocina. Menus and the full list of participating restaurants can be viewed on the website. 

Get Tickets While You Can to a Mezcal-Focused Shindig

Phaedra says, “I’ll take any excuse to be at The Houstonian (even if it’s just a casual bar visit), and The Manor House is an extra-special, historic venue. Plus, I love how much range mezcal has. It all depends on which agave was used and how the mezcal was produced. With multiple expressions paired with Campos’s cuisine, this is sure to be a grand evening.” 

Tickets are now on sale for “Tribute to Mezcal” on Friday, March 21 at The Manor House at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa at 111 North Post Oak. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., and the featured brands are Rey Campero, 400 Canejos and Amarás. All will be bringing some of their best expressions of the smoky spirit. For this special night, The Manor House will evoke the “bustling mercados of Oaxaca and Puebla”, and along with a welcome cocktail, a Tobalá Sol Margarita, and mezcal tastings, guests will enjoy slow-cooked specialties from executive chef Gonzalo Campos, including Red Snapper Pibil, carnitas and cabrito. The cost is $209 plus tax and 20% gratuity per person, and guests are encouraged to break out their festive Mexican fashions. Go online for the full menu and tickets. 

Explore Baja Cuisine Through a Limited-Time Tasting Menu at a Top Houston Chef’s Galleria Restaurant  

Mario says, “This Galleria-area Mexican Kitchen is continuing its exploration of the food culture of the country’s 16 coastal states, after a successful Veracruz-themed menu last month. James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega is currently offering a tasting menu highlighting the cooking traditions of the Baja California peninsula in northwestern Mexico. Cheaper than a plane ticket and a resort stay, this is one culinary getaway you’ll want to book now!”  

Chef Hugo Ortega and his team at Caracol, located at 2200 Post Oak, are transporting diners to Baja with the restaurant’s second entry in its tasting menu series highlighting the foods of the 16 coastal states of Mexico. Available from February 20 to March 29, this four-course culinary journey celebrates the slow-cooked meats of ranchero culture and the seafood-rich coast of Baja with dishes such as Taco de Pato con Mole de Dátiles, compressed duck tacos with date mole, duck skin chicharrón, green onions and cucumbers, Pescado Zarandeado, butterflied boneless branzino with cucumber salad and caper-olive-parsley relish, and a decadent Bar de Macadamia streusel bar with black sesame ice cream and cacao tuille. Optional beverage pairings, featuring Mexican wines and craft cocktails, are available to enhance the experience for $36. The limited-time menu is priced at $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are available online.

Wine Down This Wednesday — and Get a Free Pizza

Phaedra says, “Montrose Cheese & Wine offers delightful curated selections of each, and this is a great opportunity to grab a few bottles of wine for home and enjoy a free pizza from one of Houston’s top restaurants.” 

Montrose Cheese & Wine at 1618 Westheimer just brought back Wednesday Tastings where guests try wines for free. If they spend $75 or more at the shop, they’ll also get a free pizza from neighboring restaurant Rosie Cannonball, which currently has Michelin Bib Gourmand status. 

Phaedra Cook

Phaedra Cook has written about Houston’s restaurant and bar scene since 2010. She was a regular contributor to My Table magazine (now closed) and was the lead restaurant critic for the Houston Press for two years, eventually being promoted to food editor. Cook founded Houston Food Finder in November 2016 and has been its editor and publisher ever since.