Celebrations from the Sky Lawn at POST Houston. Courtesy photo.
Houston’s food and beverage scene always has a lot going on — but how to choose what to spend your time and money on? Houston Food Finder associate editor Mario-Sebastian Berry shares his personal picks below to help you decide.
Submit your upcoming special or event for consideration in a future “5 Things” by emailing us.
Celebrate Independence Day Downtown With Stars, Stripes And Skyline Views
The POST Houston is hosting a Fourth of July celebration on the Skylawn from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday. In addition to a full view of the City of Houston’s Freedom Over Texas fireworks show, the event features multiple circus performers, complimentary balloon artists, face painting, food vendors, multiple rooftop bars and live performances by Houston Brass Band and Alias Band. From 6 to 8 p.m., the Downtown Houston food hall and entertainment venue is also giving away swag and advance screening tickets to the new Smurfs movie to guests who stop by the Smurfs table. It is recommended that guests find their seats on the rooftop lawn area on the west side of the building by 9 p.m. to ensure the best fireworks viewing experience. The building is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., while restaurants in POST Market will close at 10 p.m.
Ramen Tatsuya’s Texas Tonk is available through July 2025. Courtesy photo.
Popular Texas Barbecue Ramen Returns
Mario says, “Ramen-Tatsu-ya’s latest iteration of its Texas barbecue ramen returns for the month of July. This is the first time it’s been available this long, with previous releases drawing lines out the door, so hopefully everyone should have a chance to get their hands on a bowl.”
Saddle up for big Texas flavor at Ramen Tatsu-ya. The Austin-based ramen shop, with a Montrose location at 1722 California and a Memorial City location on the way, has released its popular Texas Tonk, a bold, brisket-loaded tonkotsu ramen that brings together comforting Japanese flavors and Texas barbecue in one bowl. This returning, limited-time dish features a rich 60-hour pork bone broth, thin Hakata-style noodles, smoked brisket, smoked and pickled jalapeños, negi, fermented takana mustard greens and a marinated ajitama egg.
“We’ve been tweaking and tinkering with this recipe for more than a decade,” says chef and founder Tatsu Aikawa. “The idea was to balance richness with brightness — like brisket with pickles and onions,” adds corporate chef Takuya ‘Tako’ Matsumoto in a recent press release. “The pickled jalapeños are spicy, tangy and crisp. The takana adds crunch and a touch of mustardy sourness. It’s all designed to complement the meatiness and still remind you of where this ramen comes from.” The Texas Tonk is available for dine-in only at all Austin and Houston locations and best paired with a glass of ice-cold Big Red.
A promotional image for a Malai Ice Cream Party at Kiran’s. Courtesy photo.
South Asian-Inspired Ice Cream Book Tour Hits Houston
Mario says, “We’ve got the inside scoop on one sweet event happening next Thursday… or would it be Ice Cream Thursdae? Get your tickets now and a chance to beat the summer heat with innovative flavors infused with traditional South Asian ingredients.”
On Thursday, July 10, foodies and cookbook enthusiasts alike are invited to cool off at Kiran’s for a Malai Ice Cream Party. Pooja Bavishi, the mastermind behind the acclaimed Brooklyn-based, South Asian-inspired ice cream company Malai, will make a special appearance to discuss and promote her new cookbook, Malai: Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors. The event, co-hosted by chef-owner Kiran Verma — a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas — takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. and promises to be a sweet-and-savory treat. It includes light bites, soft drinks and colorful desserts straight from the pages of the Malai cookbook. Guests will enjoy a live demo and samples of a recipe from the book, followed by a fireside chat and book signing. The book, which features 100 recipes and personal stories, will be available for purchase courtesy of Kindred Stories, a Houston bookstore dedicated to fostering a love of reading and community. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $37.89 or for $80.11 with a copy of the book included.
Crystal lights hang over the main dining room of Cocody in River Oaks. Courtesy Photo.
Reserve a Special Wine Dinner at a Stunning French River Oaks Restaurant
Phaedra says, “Have you visited Cocody from brothers David and Sylvain Denis? The duo have been admired for their work in Houston since their days at Le Mistral. David, a longtime executive chef, and Sylvain, a sommelier, work with another chef, Lionel Debon, who was just inducted into the prestigious Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. David Denis was previously inducted, so that means that Cocody is now the only restaurant in Houston led by two Master Chefs of France. This dinner is the perfect opportunity to get to know the restaurant.”
Cocody, located in the heart of River Oaks at 1971 West Gray, is hosting a five-course wine dinner on Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 p.m. It’s inspired by the Tour de France, but the reasonably priced, multi-course wine dinner is also a good opportunity to get to know this restaurant. According to a representative from Cocody, it’s also the only one led by two Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France) — chef David Denis and Lionel Debon. Each course of the Tour de France dinner will pay homage to a place along the route, and longtime local wine shop French Country Wines is helping curate the drink pairings. The cost is $120 per person plus tax and gratuity; seats are limited. To reserve your seats, go online or call (832) 203-8899.
Pastry chef Ruben Ortega of H Town Restaurant Group. Courtesy photo.
Learn About Chocolate at a Three-Course Dinner With One of Houston’s Best Pastry Chefs
Mario says “I’ll end this week’s list on a sweet note. Don’t miss your chance to treat yourself to dinner (and chocolate) with la jefa del Houston Food Finder and one of Houston’s most lauded pastry chefs!”
Join Houston Food Finder founder and editor Phaedra Cook and 2023 James Beard Award finalist pastry chef Ruben Ortega for a can’t-miss Airbnb Experience at Caracol on Wednesday, July 16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. At the Chocolate Exploration & Three-Course Dinner, guests will learn how cacao beans are turned into chocolate, try authentic mole, share appetizers, a savory dish and a sweet treat before ending the meal with traditional Mexican hot chocolate. The cost is $91 per person and includes a surprise to take home. There are only six seats left for the event, so act fast and reserve your tickets online.
Mario-Sebastian Berry is a wine and spirits vendor who has been in the hospitality industry since 2002. Currently, he represents Blanco, Texas-based Andalusia Whiskey Co. He holds numerous wine, beer and spirits certifications including Certified Sommelier. Somehow, he also finds time to be Houston Food Finder’s associate editor and social media manager.
Like this:
Like Loading…
Related