Friday, September 21 The new Trader Joe’s at 2922 S. Shepherd in the old Alabama Theater location opens at 8 am. There will be giveaways and much more. Don’t forget that there is additional parking behind the shopping center.
Saturday, September 22 Get your grill on with CultureMap at the Backyard Burger Grill-Off 5 to 8 pm at downtown’s scenic Discovery Green (1500 McKinney). Chefs from several of Houston’s favorite restaurants, including Smashburger and The Tasting Room, will prepare and serve their best burgers in several categories, including best non-beef burger, most creative burger and best classic burger. Guests are invited to sample all of the burgers and also participate in sports-themed activities, such as a putting challenge, bocce tournament and cheerleader and mascot photo opps. Admission is $45.
Sunday, September 23 Triniti Restaurant (2815 S. Shepherd) and Mercury ~ The Orchestra Redefined are collaborating again in the second of their ongoing series of dinner and concert. The theme this Sunday is “Autumn Concerto in Eight Courses,” which will provide a sneak peek of what’s to come on the restaurant’s new fall menu that launches Monday. Forty percent of ticket sales benefit Mercury by supporting the orchestra’s concerts and education programs. The dinner is $220 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. For additional information, call 713-527-9090 or contact info@trinitirestaurant.com.
Thursday, September 27 Lawndale Artist Studio Program brings together “foodies” and “arties” for a unique event featuring the culinary canvas that is the plate. It’s called Tasteful Art, and it’s an experimental evening in which chefs David Buehrer (Greenway Coffee/Blacksmith), German Moquera (Roots Urban Bistro), Randy Rucker (Briar & Bramble), Erin Smith (Plonk!) and Jody Stevens (Jodycakes) turn over the plating to past and current Lawndale Artist Studio Program artists Nancy Douthey, Seth Mittag, David Politzer, Teresa O’Connor, Patrick Turk and David Waddell. The chefs provide the delicious ingredients and the artists create magic on the plate. It takes place at the Hofheinz House (3900 Milam) 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets are $125 per person. Call 713-528-5858 for more details, or visit the website.
Friday, September 28 Discovery Green (1500 McKinney) is hosting a movie night and encourages people to bring nonperishable food donations to benefit Houston Food Bank. The Chipotle Green Film Series presents the 2009 film, Fresh. Come connect with Houston’s green community at this new monthly series featuring films about environmental issues. Proceeds from beverage sales will be contributed to organizations that help make Houston green. Event sponsors include Chipotle, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. Activities begin at 7 pm, and the film begins at dusk. Free admission. For more details, click here.
Sunday, September 30 Interested in having a greener life in a greener Houston? Come out for Eco-licious, a free festival celebrating good food, eco-art, health, fitness and lifestyle. Sample healthful foods from local restaurants, food trucks and favorite chefs. Listen to live music, shop vendors, join in or watch yoga and fitness teachers in action. It all takes place at the Green Building Resource Center (1002 Washington Avenue) and runs noon to 4 pm.
Friday, October 5 The 28th Annual Caesar Salad Competition takes place 5 to 8 pm at the Four Seasons Hotel (1300 Lamar). Tickets are $45 in advance ($50 at the door) and are now on sale. Admission includes all the salad you can possibly eat — in iterations you’ve probably never imagined — and wine to wash it down. Come get your garlic on. Note: The first 10 people to show up wearing a toga get in free!
Wednesday, October 10 13 Celsius (3000 Caroline) will host an Israeli wine tasting 6 to 9 pm. The event will be at no charge and will feature an array of Israel’s top internationally acclaimed wines, including the winner of Best in Show at the VinItaly Competition. If you attended last year’s tasting at Celsius 13, you will recall a large raucous crowd and lots of good wine.