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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The Savoy Hosts Free Juneteenth Youth & Family Fun Day In Historic Third Ward

Mario says, “Bring the entire family out to The Savoy for a joyous event commemorating this historical holiday. There are also themed food and drink specials for adults.”

The Savoy, located at 4402 Emancipation, is inviting families to come celebrate freedom, fun and community this Thursday, June 19 at its Juneteenth Celebration. “Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, family, and community, and we wanted to create a space where all three come together in the most joyful way possible,” said Claire Watson, co-owner of The Savoy. “We’re proud and grateful to be a part of this community and wanted to do something special for our neighborhood to say ‘thank you’ and share in the joy of this historic day.”

Kids eat for free from a select menu on Juneteenth at The Savoy, and brunch starts at 11 a.m. Juneteenth festivities for adults are happening until 2 a.m., and the food and drink specials include catfish, shrimp, crawfish and sausage po’ boys and an Emancipation Board loaded with 10 sliders, 15 wings and 2 elote on a bed of fries. Educators will enjoy happy hour pricing until 10 p.m. 

Update, 6/18/25, 10:25 a.m.: The previously announced outdoor kids activities have been postponed due to weather concerns.

Keep Your Cool With an Ice-Cold Martini Class

Mario says, “This is a fun event to beat the heat of summer and relax a little. If you’re unfamiliar with HiFi, located on the mezzanine at 712 Main inside The Finn food hall, check out my article from the opening earlier this year.”

This Thursday, June 19 is National Martini Day and new downtown cocktail bar and listening lounge, HiFi at The Finn, is marking the occasion with a Mini Martini Mixology Class featuring Zephyr Gin from 6 to 8 p.m. HiFi’s experienced bar staff will guide you through a hands-on mixology class while discussing the history of the martini and how to perfectly execute your own at home. Tickets are required, and available through EventBrite, for this boozy affair which includes all the necessary tools and ingredients to make three mini-martinis. The cost is $30 per person plus tax and fees. 

Galleria Area Italian Restaurant Debuts Decadent Summer Menu

Mario says, “Don’t pasta up the opportunity for chef Lara’s seasonal delights. If you’re on the fence, check out this glowing review from Houston Food Finder boss-lady Phaedra Cook!”

Tavola, the upscale, modern Italian restaurant from The Bastion Collection located at 1800 Post Oak, has debuted its summer menu. Chef de cuisine Michael Lara‘s creations showcase seasonal flavors and ingredients with small plates such as octopus carpaccio and burrata caprese, and indulgent pastas like trofie pesto, made from a short, twisted pasta shape originating from Liguria, Italy, and rich lobster risotto. Standout entrées include a Colorado lamb chop accompanied by smoked artichokes purée and mint-sage salmoriglio, and Ōra King salmon with sautéed Brussels sprouts. Reservations are available through OpenTable.

Iron Bartender 2025 Kicks Off In Houston 

Mario says, “This is one of my favorite events of the year, with bartenders encouraged to flex their creative muscles to concoct cocktails that tell a personal story. By participating you’ll also be doing your part to better the lives of young people battling cancer and other diseases.”

Iron Bartender, an annual bartender  competition to raise money for The Periwinkle Foundation (from the founders of wine-focused Iron Sommelier) is now in full swing. Bartenders get creative with competing cocktails, and these will be served to the public at their respective bars from through Tuesday, July 8. This year, 16 bartenders are competing, with judges choosing the top five who will go on to compete in the finals in September. Guests will then cast their vote for People’s Choice. A handy map of participating bars can be found on the Iron Bartender website.

The competitors include Rebecca Burrow at Loose Cannon Bar, Andres Blanco at MAD, Brandon Freed at Lei Low Bar, Lauren Franssen at Camaraderie, Marc Estil at Reserve 101 and many more. Bartenders are sponsored by national spirit brands, with $1 from each drink sold supporting The Periwinkle Foundation. The charity is a Houston-based organization which works to develop programs that positively affect the lives of children, young adults and families of those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses being treated at Texas Children’s Hospital. 

Reserve a Special Wine Dinner at a Stunning French River Oaks Restaurant

Phaedra says, “Have you visited Cocody from brothers David and Sylvain Denis? The duo have been admired for their work in Houston since their days at Le Mistral. David, a longtime executive chef, and Sylvain, a sommelier, work with another chef, Lionel Debon, who was just inducted into the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. David Denis was previously inducted, so that means that Cocody is now the only restaurant in Houston led by two Master Chefs of France. This dinner is the perfect opportunity to get to know this restaurant.” 

Cocody, located in the heart of River Oaks at 1971 West Gray, is hosting a five-course wine dinner on Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. It’s inspired by the Tour de France, but the reasonably priced, multi-course wine dinner is also a good opportunity to get to know this restaurant. According to a representative from Cocody, it’s also the only one led by two Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France) — chef David Denis and Lionel Debon. Each course of the Tour de France dinner will pay homage to a place along the route, and longtime local wine shop French Country Wines is helping curate the drink pairings. The cost is $120 per person plus tax and gratuity; seats are limited. To reserve your seats, go online or call (832) 203-8899.

Phaedra Cook and Mario-Sebastian Berry