Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings:
The Capital Grille’s summer wine fest, The Generous Pour, is back for its 17th year, running through August 31. This year’s “Icons of the Vine” theme pours six standout California wines — from Rombauer Chardonnay to a custom Atlas Peak Cab by Jayson — all paired with the steakhouse’s dry-aged beef and fresh seafood. For the first time, guests can enter to win a private chef’s dinner for five featuring the lineup and a surprise “iconic” guest. The tasting is $45 with entrée purchase.
On Wednesday, August 20, the Wine & Dine: Top Chef Edition returns to JŪN, 420 East 20th, with Top Chef Season 22 alum Zubair Mohajir, who’ll serve a bold, globally-inspired four-course menu. The Chicago chef draws on Indian heritage and world-class training to create plates that tell a story. Dinner is $110, with an optional $55 wine pairing.
On Thursday, August 21, Brenner’s on the Bayou, 1 Birdsall, is going full tiki mode with a five-course Caribbean-inspired feast, each paired with a Cruzan Rum cocktail. Guests can enjoy hamachi poke with a crystal-clear coconut mojito, kalua pork with a tiki twist, and piña colada cheesecake with a blackstrap espresso martini. Tickets are $125 plus tax, and guests must be 21 or older.
Guard and Grace, 500 Dallas, hosts an exclusive five-course Bricoleur Vineyards Wine Dinner on Friday, August 22. Guests will enjoy dishes like Texas striped bass with chamomile granita, Kurobuta pork neck with crispy pig ear, and slow-smoked ribeye, each matched with expert pours. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. Tickets are $165 plus tax and gratuity.
Toro Toro, 1300 Lamar, is teaming up with The Lost Explorer spirits to host From Oaxaca, With Love, an exclusive two-night dinner and cocktail experience spotlighting Oaxacan flavors and traditions on Monday, August 25 and Tuesday, August 26 at 7 p.m. The $250 event features a five-course tasting from chef Alejandro Ruiz (Casa Oaxaca) paired with cocktails from Mike Prado of Sabina Sabe. Expect heirloom ingredients, Oaxacan chocolate and mezcal-forward pairings, plus live music, artwork from Oaxaca Serrano Gallery, and a signed cookbook from Ruiz. Reservations are required.
On Saturday, August 23, Lyric Market, 411 Smith, is saying goodbye to summer and hola to fiesta at its lively afternoon celebration, Adios Summer Fiesta. From 1 to 5 p.m., folks can enjoy tacos and dishes from all nine vendors, live mariachi music, Lotería games with prizes and tequila specials. Get two hours of free parking with any food or drink purchase.