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Now that Fall is officially on the way, the heat will soon subside and give way to the season’s loveliest weather. As such, it’s no surprise that fall is a killer time to take in Houston’s best food events, festivals, and parties.
With so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick which Houston food events to add to your calendar. By no means comprehensive, these shindigs should definitely be on your schedule this fall.
Spiked By The Scoop
Location: CityCentre Plaza
Date: September 22
Tickets: $35-$40
Summer is almost over, but that doesn’t mean that you have to stop eating frozen treats. Spiked By The Scoop will pit 20 of Houston’s finest chefs and mixologists against each other (including restaurateur Lee Ellis, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations’ Matt Sharp, and Triniti pastry chef Caroline Ramirez) to show off their best boozy shakes, sundaes, and ice cream sandwiches. Proceeds will benefit Homemade Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides home cooked meals to people living in Houston’s shelters and transitional living centers.
Lessons From Scotland
Location: Anvil Bar & Refuge
Date: September 25
Tickets: $60-$90
Every year, one of Anvil Bar & Refuge’s managers gets to pick a booze-producing region of the world to tour. This year, assistant general manager Jessey Qi toured 50 distilleries across the U.K. and Ireland, including 40 scotch producers. On September 25, Qi will share her newfound knowledge of the region in a scotch tasting. $60 (or $90, for an upgraded flight) gets you 6 pours of single-malt scotch and a cocktail inspired by the region. Reservations can be made at the bar, and must be purchased in advance.
The Epicurean Project
Location: Silver Street Studios
Date: October 5
Tickets: $50
A self-described “culinary think tank, incubator, and arbitrator on what’s hot in the world of food,” six Houston chefs will show off the future of the city’s culinary trends. This year’s chefs include La Table’s Hassan Obaye, KUU’s Adison Lee, Amalfi’s Giancarlo Ferrara, and Artisans’ Jacques Fox. Unlike massive food fests, The Epicurean Project only sells a limited number of tickets to ensure an “interactive” atmosphere where you can mingle with your favorite chefs. A portion of proceeds from the event will benefit the Houston Food Bank.
The Butcher’s Ball
Location: Rockin’ Star Ranch
Date: October 9
Tickets: $149
On October 9, 13 of Teas finest chefs will gather for a meaty showdown at Brenham’s Rockin’ Star Ranch. Using smokers, spits, and grills, Houston’s finest chefs (including Antoine Ware, Uchi’s EJ Miller, and B&B Butchers’ Tommy Elbashary) will face off against Dallas’ John Tesar and local barbecue purveyors will compete for the Golden Cleaver, a.k.a. the fan favorite dish. Oxheart’s Karen Man and Fluff Bake Bar’s Rebecca Masson will serve up desserts, along with cocktails from Grand Prize Bar’s Lindsay Ray.
Tacolandia
Location: The Water Works At Buffalo Bayou
Date: October 22
Tickets: $18.75-$65
The Houston Press’ annual celebration of all things taco will feature more than 20 Houston eateries showing off their best tortilla-wrapped creations. The $25 ticket gets you access to unlimited taco samples from Luv Me Tenders, Anejo, Hugo’s, and more. $65 gets you access to a VIP cocktail bar.
