Week of October 16, 2017

New Restaurant Opening

Casian Crawfish Seafood & Vietnamese, 5314 Telephone: Crawfish lovers rejoice in a unique take on Cajun cooking with Vietnamese influences. Diners are raving over the specials, including the Casian stir-fried Texas blue crabs, famous Casian fried corn, plus they offer classic Vietnamese and Cajun offerings such as Bo Kho, Vietnamese-style iced coffee, and seafood gumbo.

Restaurant Reopening

The Downtown Cajun Stop Is Back, 2130 Jefferson: Following the damage from Hurricane Harvey, the original Cajun Stop location has finally re-opened their doors. With a completely new and vibrant look, they are back to serving up the largest variety of authentic po’ boys in Houston. Enjoy all of the classic Louisiana comfort foods once again at their downtown location.

New Feature At An Old Favorite

Damian’s Cucina Italiana (Finally) Debuts Happy Hour!, 3011 Smith: Set your sights on Damian’s Cucina Italiana and as they say, “do as the Romans do.” For the first time in 34 years of business, Damian’s Cucina Italiana is debuting a new menu that gives spotlight to the old-world Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks and savory snacks known as Aperitivo. Serving up Italian classics such as the Sicilian Cosmopolitan ($7) and Flatbread di Polpette ($7), diners are welcome to visit the adjoining Portofino Bar Monday through Friday, 4 – 6:30 p.m. and enjoy complimentary house-made chips tossed in rosemary and sea salt, along with their new Aperitivo menu.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, October 18

Casa Madero Dinner at Caracol, 2200 Post Oak: Slowly, Mexican wines are being more widely understood and appreciated in the Houston area. Casa Madero has the distinction of being the oldest winery in North America, dating back 1597. Daniel Milmo, a fifth generation member of the Madero family, will host a dinner showcasing the wines alongside chef Hugo Ortega’s food on Wednesday, October 18. The cost for the four-course pairing dinner is $95 plus tax and gratuity. Call $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call (713) 622-9996 to reserve.

October 19

Sonoma Wine Bar, 2720 Richmond: It’s time to get a head-start stocking up on your holiday wine selection and Sonoma Wine Bar (two locations) has you covered. Head over to the upper Kirby location on October 19 anytime between 5:30 to 7 p.m. to taste your way through all eight wines featured in their monthly four-pack and sample a great selection of cheeses. Non-club members pay $20, or become a wine club member and the fee is waived when you join— plus, members are welcome to bring a guest at no charge.

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fundraiser at Roka Akor, 2929 Weslayan: Join the national effort and come in to dine for a very good cause on October 19. The restaurant group behind recently opened Houston restaurant Roka Akor is hosting a dining event to benefit hurricane relief efforts. One hundred percent of profits will be generously donated to the Houston Food Bank and profits from Roka Akor’s four additional locations will be donated to Feeding America— a non-profit organization that is distributing goods to victims of Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

Sunday, October 22

The Third Annual Southern Smoke Festival, 1100 Westheimer: This year’s event is going to be different from the norm “thanks” to Hurricane Harvey. Usually, the festival raises money for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. This year, it is raising money for the many hospitality professionals and businesses that suffered losses due to massive flooding. Read our latest update for details, including some nationally renowned chefs who have been added to the roster, or, visit the Southern Smoke website for tickets.

Food, Drinks & Fall Centerpiece-Making At Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe: On Sunday, Oct. 22 from 2 to 5 p.m., Shundra Anderson with Oui & Me Floral, a service associated with Ouisie’s Table, will share tips and tricks on making centerpieces that include pumpkins. Expect an afternoon of food, drinks along with the hands-on class. The cost is $75, or bring a friend and purchase two spots for $125. Included in the cost are all materials, flowers and vases. Guests who choose to stay for dinner afterward will receive an additional gift during the meal. To make reservations, call reservations call (713) 528-2264 or email [email protected].

Oyster Bash at Oceanaire Seafood Room, 5061 Westheimer: The annual Oyster Bash is offering up Houston’s best variety of seafood on October 22 from 2 to 8 p.m. Savor a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres, and unlimited oysters as well as an array of featured wine and spirits with live entertainment from the popular Houston Latin variety band, Yelba. Tickets are limited and cost $75; call (832) 487-8662 to make a reservation.

October 25

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, 2704 Navigation: On October 25 at 6 p.m. join The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation as they serve up five courses of their award winning Tex-Mex paired with limited edition craft beers from EaDo neighbors, 8th Wonder Brewery. Reserve a ticket online to this unique dinner for $78 (includes tax and gratuity).

November 4

Second Annual Craft Beer & BBQ Festival at Hubbell & Hudson Bistro and Cureight, 24 Waterway Avenue: Only 125 tickets are available to the public for this festival, which is serving a mix of rare and very exclusive beers from five craft breweries from 12 to 4 p.m. If that isn’t exciting enough, they are also cooking up an incredible spread of high-end barbecue, including 45-day dry aged beef ribs and Akaushi Waygu brisket. Tickets are $45 (sold at the door), which gives access to beer tastings and a five ounce commemorative take-home glass. Barbecue will be sold separately. More information about this event can be found online.

November 9

The Tenth Annual Iron Sommelier at the Houstonian Hotel Club and Spa, 111 Post Oak: Read the full article on one of Houston’s best wine tasting, competition, and silent auction events of the year benefitting The Periwinkle Foundation. The event starts at 6 p.m. Individual tickets are $200 and on sale online.

Lindsey Tafolla