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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Sip & Learn During a Southern Burgundy Wine Dinner

Phaedra says, “Sommelier Marcus Gausepohl has extensive experience on both the restaurant and retailer side of the wine business, plus he’s got excellent taste. Wine dinners at Brennan’s of Houston are always memorable, and as someone who had a French great-grandmother, I’m tickled they’re leaning into that part of their Cajun/Creole heritage for this dinner. 

On Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m., Brennan’s of Houston at 3300 Smith in Midtown Houston is hosting a four-course French dinner paired with Southern Burgundy wines. The event will take place in the Chef’s Dining Room for an intimate and exclusive evening. The courses include Scallops in Lobster Sauce with Risotto and Duck à la Moutarde with Potatoes. Each course has a unique wine pairing selected by “Wine Guy” Marcus Gausepohl. Tickets are available online.

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Align Your Tummy “Chacra” With Award-Winning Mexican Cuisine 

Mario says, “For the cost of one Patagonia button- down shirt, you can treat yourself to multiple dishes from a James Beard Award-winning chef along with thoughtfully curated wines from one of the world’s most exciting regions.” 

Join chefs Hugo and Ruben Ortega at Hugo’s, located at 1600 Westheimer, on Thursday, May 22 for a multi-course Chacra Wine Dinner featuring the wines of Bodega Chacra, located in the Río Negro region of Patagonia, Argentina. Winery owner Piero Incisa della Rochetta will be co-hosting the event and discussing the 21-year-old winery’s philosophy, which includes organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards. The event begins with a sparkling wine reception with passed hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. followed by a four-course seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. The menu includes a tostada de atún, a grass-fed Black Angus strip steak with confit potatoes, Brussels sprouts, mole pasilla-mixe and more, each paired with different wines. The cost is $140 per person before tax and gratuity. Visit the website to view the full menu and purchase tickets.

It’s Going to be Maguro Galore at this Whole Tuna Breakdown Demonstration

Phaedra says, “Watching a great sushi chef work his craft is like a culinary magic show. A whole tuna is a prized asset for a restaurant, and it takes extensive training and care to make the most of it. Best of all, after this demonstration, you get to eat the results — at a discount, no less!” 

Sushi Ginza Onodera, is an acclaimed sushi brand thanks to its Ginza, New York and Los Angeles locations receiving Michelin stars over consecutive years (a total of 15 stars, combined). Houston boasts the first location that opened on the U.S. mainland, and while it has no Michelin stars yet, maybe that will happen someday. Located in the West on West center at 12270 Westheimer, it’s hosting two tuna breakdown demonstrations over Memorial Day weekend. These will be held in front of the restaurant and are free to attend. One is on Saturday, May 24 at 3 p.m., and the other is on Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m. For these events, Sushi Ginza Onodera is flying in chef Akifumi Sakagami to join executive chef Kotaro Sato to conduct the tuna breakdowns. It’s a rigorous and exacting process meant to acquire the finest cuts and highest yield. Following the demo is “the freshest sushi service” at special prices. Lean bluefin tuna nigiri will be $3.99 a piece (normally $4.50) and salmon will be $2.99 (normally $3.50). Reserve on OpenTable. (Use the drop-down to select an afternoon time).

Taco ‘Bout A Good Time: This Midtown Bar is Hosting a Highbrow Mexican Kitchen Takeover 

Mario says, “Wooster’s Garden walks a fine line of craft cocktail bar and lively Midtown hangout, and this event continues that trend with a menu of fancy but approachable tacos, refreshments and a live DJ set.” 

Every last Sunday of the month, Wooster’s Garden, located in Midtown Houston at 3315 Milam, hosts a guest chef for a Kitchen Takeover. This month, it is offering an à la carte menu of Mexican specialties from Mexico City-native chef Javi Becerra from 4 to 10 p.m. The menu includes a “tacoqueto” with olotillo amarillo (a type of heirloom corn), prime ribeye, caramelized onions, fingerling potatoes and salsa roja, tacos Ensenada with wild-caught shrimp, red cabbage, chipotle mayo, mango and avocado salsa, a crudo flight and more. A live DJ will be onsite should you feel like cutting a rug to burn those taco calories. 

Get Tickets Now for Return of the Mac (There It Is) 

Mario says, “Taste through offerings from one of my favorite whisky houses and learn a little, eat a lot and understand what Anne Taintor meant when she said, “Whoever said laughter is the best medicine had clearly never tasted Scotch.” 

On Thursday, June 26, The Lymbar is hosting a Macallan Sip and Savor Dinner with the distillery’s Texas brand ambassador Juliana Hernandez at 6 p.m. Dinner begins with a welcome Macallan Highball followed by an introduction to the brand. Chef-owner David Cordua has created a special five-course pairing menu to compliment the evening’s whisky selections. It includes luxe options such as Smoked Scallop Wellington, Mole Duck Breast and an Alfajores Flight harmoniously accompanied by such fine spirits as Macallan 12 Year Double Cask Single Malt Scotch, Macallan Rare Cask Single Malt Scotch and more — with a breakdown on each from Hernandez. Seating for this event is limited. Tickets cost $200 and are now available through OpenTable.

Mario-Sebastian Berry

Mario-Sebastian Berry is a wine and spirits vendor who has been in the hospitality industry since 2002. Currently, he represents Blanco, Texas-based Andalusia Whiskey Co. He holds numerous wine, beer and spirits certifications including Certified Sommelier. Somehow, he also finds time to be Houston Food Finder’s associate editor and social media manager.