Rucker Returns; Mercury Rises at Triniti; Gaspard and Bayse Raise Money for Boxers

MONTROSE— Randy Rucker, a chef who earned wide-spread praise for his work at Bootsie's but has not found a new post since leaving that restaurant a year ago, announced this weekend that he would be holding a two-night event dubbed "Testing The Waters" September 13 and 14. The name simultaneously references the Gulf seafood that will be the dinner's focus and, perhaps, indicates that he plans to open a restaurant in the space, as Eater speculated back in July. The BYOB dinner requires an $85 donation to attend. [Feeding Curiousity]

RIVER OAKS— Triniti restaurant and Mercury, the orchestra redefined, will collaborate on a second dinner where each of chef Ryan Hildebrand's eight courses is paired with a musical selection played live in the dining room. Although the dinner costs $220, 40% of the money raised will benefit Mercury. Wine pairings are also included. The dinner will be held September 23 at 5:30 p.m. Call 713-527-9090 for reservations. [Eaterwire]

TO THE DOGS— Pappas R&D chefs Michael Gaspard and Justin Bayse are collaborating on a fundraising dinner that will benefit Lone Star Boxer Rescue. The four-course, $75 dinner includes wine pairings. It will be held at Paulie's Restaurant on September 23 starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets available here. [Eaterwire]