Phoenicia's Week-Long Birthday Party; Tequila Event

DOWNTOWN— Tomorrow (November 5) The Pastry War will host Tips for TIP, Tequila Exchange Program. It's an organization that "advocates the preservation of sustainable, traditional, and quality practices in the tequila industry amid concerning trends currently becoming mainstays in the industry." Go prepared to have a drink, dance and ask questions. It all starts at 7:30 p.m. at the downtown mezcaleria. [Eaterwire]

BIRTHDAY WIRE— In the time it's been open, Phoenicia Specialty Foods has gone from small, mom-and-pop Westchase grocery store to bar, restaurant and mammoth fine foods empire with a second location in downtown Houston. This year it turns 30, and to celebrate it will host a number of events this week. Check out this CultureMap/KHOU video for more of the story. This Wednesday (November 6) at 7 p.m. Phoenicia will continue the celebration with a family night at their weekly Vinyl Night event. "We'll honor Mama and Papa Tcholakian during Friends & Fam Night at MKT BAR on the first floor of the store. Enjoy a traditional Armenian-Lebanese buffet and music by Guest DJ Craig T. Brown of Heights Vinyl, playing eclectic beats with international flair." More info here. [Eaterwire]

THIRD WARD— An art exhibit at cherished little coffee shop Doshi House Putting the 'U'in Color will shed some light on the challenged "dark-skinned" people face in their daily lives. A mixed media presentation hosted by The Colourism Project will kick off this Thursday (November 7) at 5 p.m. and will run through November 30. Admission is free, more info here. [Facebook]