Radio and television host Cleverley Stone, founder of Houston Restaurant Weeks, had a long and storied history with Houston restaurants and the dining public that lasted over two decades. Earlier this week, she passed away after a very difficult battle with uterine cancer, which she went public with in order to encourage women to not ignore potential symptoms. To honor her and her accomplishments, Houston restaurant owners are mounting their own individual campaigns to raise funds for the Houston Food Bank.

While it’s not time for Houston Restaurant Weeks yet, which happens in the month of August, the specials work similarly. With the hardships imposed upon Houstonians by the COVID-19 situation and shutdowns, which were from mid-March through the end of May, the need for food support is greater than ever.

Those who are unable to participate in the fundraiser events can also honor Stone’s memory by donating directly to the Houston Food Bank.

This list will be updated if we hear of additional restaurants offering similar fundraiser specials in the coming days.

Harold’s Restaurant, 350 19th Street: For the entire month of June, this Heights favorite is donating $3 to Houston Food Bank for every dine-in meal served. Owner Alli Jarrett points out that each $3 donation makes it possible to provide nine meals to Houstonians in need.

Phat Eatery, 23119 Colonial Parkway, Katy: Owner Alex Auyeung is bringing back his 2019 Houston Restaurant Week Menu until May 31 Sunday, June 14. He’s also substantially increasing the per-meal donation from $3 to $10. Considering the current times, the HRW menu is being offered for not only dine in, but also to-go and delivery. If you’re in the area, call the restaurant directly at (832) 913-6382 for delivery. The delivery area extends to an area roughly bordered by Greenhouse Road, Highway 6, Westpark Tollway and FM 1463. The full menu is available online and includes guest favorites such as the roti canai, Kerabu Prawn and beef rendang. Updated, 6/2/20, 11:16 a.m.

Songkran Thai, 1101 Uptown Park: This elegant restaurant has crafted a three-course “In Memoriam” meal to honor Cleverley Stone and is donating $10 for each one sold to the Houston Food Bank. Non-vegetarians meals are $45 each and the vegetarian selection — a Baked Potato Curry Puff, Turnip Cakes with braised potato in yellow curry and choice from among three desserts — is $35. Beyond the vegetarian selections, the appetizers are Wok PEI Mussels, Crispy Soft-Shell Crab with angry chili glaze and Heavenly Pork; the entrées (which all come with jasmine rice) are Thai Sesame Chicken, Crispy Dragon Shrimp and Country Beef Noodles with Wagyu braised short ribs, and the desserts are Molten Chocolate Cake, White Chocolate Bread Pudding and Mango Sticky Rice with vanilla ice cream. There are two $10 “bottomless” drink specials as well: bubbles or Lychee Martinis. Added, 6/2/20, 11:20 a.m.

Tobiuo Sushi & Bar, 23501 Cinco Ranch, Katy: Update: This fundraiser has ended. On Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, this Japanese restaurant is donating $5 for every special three-course fundraiser dinner sold. The cost of $35 per meal is the same as its 2019 HRW offering. The course selections are appetizers of chicken udon, six-piece sashimi or the Steve-O Roll (tempura snow crab mix, cream cheese, serrano pepper, tempura flakes, chili aioli and ponzu), main courses of Chicken Nanban (karaage chicken with a sweet-and-sour sauce), katsudon or gyudon and a choice of Ube Churros or Thai Tea Tres Leches for dessert.

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.