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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Uchiko Debuts $25 Prix Fixe Lunch Option

Mario says, “It’s a busy month for Hai Hospitality in Houston. Uchi Houston recently debuted its spirits and cocktail program, and now Uchiko has added an affordable prix fixe lunch menu. My recommendation is to go with the Hama Chili, Uchiko Burger and sorbet.” 

Uchiko in the Galleria/Uptown area now offers a $25 Summer Prix Fixe Lunch daily from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The three-course menu begins with your choice of KO Caesar Salad, Sprouts, Hama Chili or gem lettuce salad with sunchoke nori dressing, chili oil and puffed rice as an appetizer. The Uchiko Burger with beef fat fries, karaage, pork belly or cha soba tempura are available as main courses, and lunch ends with a seasonal sorbet for dessert. A seasonal tart or cheesecake is available as a $5 add-on. Uchiko also offers a $5 Weekend Lunch Drink Menu which includes cocktails, beer, wine and sake for just five bucks each on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during lunch.

Houston Bar Brings Back a Favorite Fast Food-Inspired Pop-Up

Phaedra says, “Even food writers might find themselves at a fast-food drive-through at midnight at a moment of desperation… or maybe just to satisfy a craving for a Burrito Supreme with a side of beans and rice with extra red sauce. Anyway, here’s a way to try locally made versions of some fast-food favorites. Step it up by ordering one of the well-made craft cocktails.” 

For one day only — specifically, Wednesday, July 2 — Trash Panda Drinking Club at 515 Patton (just a little ways north of downtown Houston) is bringing back Trashy Bell, its homage to a certain ubiquitous late-night purveyor of Cali-Mex fast food. For this installment, Trash Panda will serve Mexican-style “Trashy Pizza” as well as its takes on the Crunchwrap Supreme, chalupas, crispy tacos and Cinnabon Delights. In addition, to drink alongside is Mountain Dew Hard Baja Blast. What could be more ideal? The pop-up runs from noon until sellout. 

Sip & Savor Single Malt With A Master Distiller

Mario says, “Whisk(e)y fans have a chance to geek out with a renowned master distiller and try a lineup of luxurious single malt.” 

On Thursday, November 13, the Houston Scotch Whisky Society Presents A Masterclass With Billy Walker, the master distiller of The GlenAllachie Distillery. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pinstripes Houston, located at 3300 Kirby. It includes a guided tasting through six of GlenAllachie’s award-winning Speyside single malt Scotch whiskies, a Masterclass t-shirt, and one bottle-signing per guest along with a photo opportunity with Walker and passed hors d’oeuvres. Walker will share insights from his 50 years of experience, including the process behind selecting the finest quality casks, and the multiple wood types used in the whisky’s maturation journey and how to properly taste these fine spirits. Tickets cost $125 per person before tax and fees and go on sale beginning Friday, June 27 at noon. They can be purchased through Eventbrite.

Head Out to Brunch and Snag a 50-Cent Cocktail

Phaedra says, “Three brunch drinks for 50 cents each, and I only have to buy one plus an entrée at a beautiful restaurant? This is what the weekend was made for! If you bring me to the table, I’m probably ordering a classy Ouisie’s Eggs Benedict.” 

Through the summer, long-running and elegant Southern restaurant Ouisie’s Table at 3939 San Felipe is running a Bubbles and Sunshine cocktail special during brunch. Order a brunch entrée with an $8 mimosa, bellini or prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) alongside, and your next three drinks are just 50 cents each. Maybe just make an afternoon of it? Maybe order dessert? Maybe not be the designated driver? Maybe this is what Uber and Lyft’s higher calling has been all along? Anyway, make reservations by calling (713) 528-2264 or visiting the Ouisie’s Table website. 

Join a Wine Club Curated by a Longtime Houston Wine Pro

Phaedra says, “I’ve always appreciated Mike Sammons’ wine perspectives, starting with the time he was with 13 celsius. His choices are consistently thoughtful, off-the-beaten-path and informed by his travels. He’s never used his role as a wine professional to claim a title or elevate his status, but the desire for his patrons to go on their own fun journeys through wine has always been apparent.” 

Did you know that Mimo, the comforting-yet-ambitious Italian restaurant at 736 ½ Telephone in Houston’s East End, has a monthly wine club (circolo del vino in Italian)? In order to get July’s selections, chosen by longtime Houston sommelier Mike Sammons (formerly of 13 celsius and How To Survive on Land & Sea), you must get signed up by Monday, June 30. You can choose to receive two bottles for $50, four for $90 or six for $150. You can add a “rare, allocated, or cellar-worthy” bottle, the Featured Wine of the Month, for $45, and even two cheeses and an accompaniment to go alongside for $35. As if you needed one more reason to sign up, delivery inside the 610 Loop is only ten bucks; outside the Loop but within Beltway 8 is $15. You can also pick up from Mimo if you prefer. Go online to order. 

Phaedra Cook and Mario-Sebastian Berry