Looking for edible fun? We’ve got a few of Houston’s tastiest events listed below.
Friday, September 6: Finally, after much anticipation, Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston unveils Feast: Radical Hospitality in Contemporary Art. The exhibit will be on view through December 7, 2013. Tonight is the public preview and members’ reception; regular exhibit hours begin tomorrow. The exhibition defines a new category of contemporary artistic practice – the artist-orchestrated meal. (This summer we shared a few of the Feast dinner series events with you.) Originally organized by the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, the presentation at Blaffer Art Museum has been expanded to include local artists. For details and to learn more about the exhibit, visit the Blaffer Art Museum website.
Thursday, September 12 through Thursday, September 26: “Brewniversity” just sort of rolls off your tongue, doesn’t it? Two weeks of all things beer — including seminars, tastings, pairings and special deals — will lure hopheads to Central Market. There are so many different activities and events scheduled that we can’t fit it all here — but scan the line-up and sign up for the ones that have you foaming at the mouth.
Monday, September 16: Hugo’s knows how to throw a great party. This particular celebration is for Mexican Independence day, and the $78-per-person pricing includes classic margaritas during the cocktail reception, plus specialty tequila concoctions with each of the four sit-down courses that follow. Make reservations by calling 713-524-7744. For more details and to take a peek at the menu, click here.
Sunday, September 22: Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) will host A Taste of SPA at 7 pm. All proceeds from this event will go toward the newly created Theresa Mallett Scholarship for Young Artists. Attendees will walk the red carpet to the Jones Hall Stage door before proceeding to the rehearsal room to enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert and conversation with Houston chefs Jeff Axline (Hotel Zaza), David Cordúa (Cordúa Restaurants), Kevin Naderi (Roost), Monica Pope (Sparrow Bar + Cookshop) and Chris Shepherd (Underbelly). Guests will also nosh on bites from Araya Artisan Chocolate, Bistro Lancaster, Dacapo’s Pastry Cafe, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Haven & Cove Cold Bar, Houston Dairymaids, Jackson & Company and Mockingbird Bistro. Tickets ($100 per person) can by purchased by emailing katy@spahouston.org or calling 713-632-8116.
Wednesday, September 25 – Saturday, October 12: Maybe Central Market’s Brewniversity isn’t your thing … if you are more a wino and less a beer nerd, don’t miss The Tasting Room‘s Houston Cellar Classic. Again, the dense line-up of events is a lot to wrap your head around, but there is certainly something for every fan of the juice — check out the Bubbles Blowout if you’re a fan of Champagne or the Cigar & Wine Tasting (hosted by the Houston Business Journal) if you keep a loaded humidor. To buy tickets and to see the full schedule of events, visit the Houston Cellar Classic website.
One more thing: Institute Le Notre recently announced that beginning October 7, sommelier elective courses will be available in all of their Associate of Applied Science Degree programs. Upon satisfactory completion of these courses, students will become certified sommeliers through their partnership with the International Sommelier Guild. More details about this program can be found here.