Food & Drink Events

Bastille Day arrives this week and a few Dallas dining destinations will celebrate the French holiday with food and drink specials. Margaritas, whiskey, tequila, and wine are also on the menu this week during several tasting events and pairing dinners.

Monday, July 8

Bastille Day at Mercat Bistro
French-inspired dining destination will celebrate Bastille Day with a week-long special prix-fixe menu. Highlights from the three-course experience include lobster bisque, seafood bouillabaisse, and chocolate crepes. The meal is $55 plus tax and gratuity, and available through Sunday when Mercat will open for a special dinner service. Add an optional wine pairing for $30.

Bar Takeover at Ginger’s Cocktail Lounge
Underground craft cocktail bar in downtown Dallas’ east quarter will host a bar takeover by one of Denver’s most decorated bars, Williams & Graham. Taking place July 8-9 from 5–11 pm, the pop-up will feature cocktails by Williams & Graham owner Sean Kenyon, recognized by the likes of
Esquire for his mixology skills, who’s bringing his entire bar team for the two-day event to shake up everything from negronis to margaritas. Entry is complimentary.

Wednesday, July 10

Casamigos Tequila Dinner at Thirsty Lion
Grandscape location of gastropub and grill has a few tickets left for this four-course tequila pairing dinner featuring Casamigos. (All other Dallas locations are sold out.) In a unique twist, the evening will feature tasting stations with a different menu item and tequila expression, from straight pours to cocktails. Station highlights include shrimp ceviche and chicken tinga tacos. Tickets are $75 plus a small fee, and will run from 6–8 pm.

Thursday, July 11

Pappy Van Winkle Dinner at Monarch
Touted as the world’s most sought after bourbon, Pappy Van Winkle headlines this opulent (read “pricey”) multi-course pairing dinner at Monarch. The $600 ticket, plus tax and gratuity, includes pours of 10-year, 12-year, 13-year, and 15-year labels. (Add the 20-year for $200 more.) Menu highlights include Texas Wagyu carpaccio, fire-roasted Texas peach salad with burrata, lasagna Diane, and bourbon-glazed rosewood Wagyu short rib. Dinner begins at 6 pm.

Friday, July 12

Bastille Day Celebration at The Adolphus
Channeling its French roots, The Adolphus celebrates Bastille Day in The French Room all weekend with themed tea service. The experience includes a three-course menu with tea sandwiches, scones, and festive French pastries, tea, champagne toast, live music by a French quartet, photo ops, and more. Tickets are $75 plus tax and gratuity, and reservations are available July 12-14 from 11 am-3 pm.

Kelleher Family Vineyard Dinner at Margaret’s
California’s Kelleher Family Vineyard will share a select assortment of wines exclusively with JW Marriott Dallas Arts District for a multi-course pairing dinner at Margaret’s, the hotel’s 11th floor restaurant. Taste six reserve collection wines paired with a five-course meal from executive chef Jonah Friedman. Tickets are $300 including tax and gratuity, and dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

Whiskies of the World
The nation’s largest whiskey tasting tour returns to Dallas with more than 150 expressions from distillers around the world. This year the event will take place at Thompon Dallas. Admission is $125 and includes gourmet bites, souvenir glass with complimentary engraving, and live entertainment. Or go VIP for $175 and get early entry and exclusive pours. The event will run from 7:45-10:30 pm (VIP entry at 7 pm).

Saturday, July 13

McKinney Margarita Stroll
Sip, stroll, and shop around historic downtown McKinney during this margarita walk. The $40 ticket, plus tax and $4.52 fee, includes at least 15 stops with margarita sampling at each, including varieties like pineapple basil, watermelon, and even frozen bourbon margaritas. Time slots are 11 am-2 pm, 1-4 pm, and 4-7 pm.

Parker County Peach Festival
Famous annual event west of Fort Worth will feature a bounty of Parker County peaches, live entertainment on two stages, the Peach Pedal Bike Ride, and more than 200 arts-and-crafts, food, and activity vendors. Visitors can get their fill of homemade peach ice cream, peach cobbler, peach pie, peach tea, peach smoothies, ice cream topped with fresh peaches, or just plain juicy peaches. Tickets for adults are $10, or $5 for children 5-12. Festivities will run from 8 am–4 pm at Barber On The Square in Weatherford.

Another beautiful summer weekend brings a multitude of things to do in San Diego, from a wealth of live music—including a Polynesian music fest and a concert from “Low Rider” artist, War—to a tournament featuring the best athletes in the SD-born Over-the-Line tournament, plus plenty more San Diego events. Here are 12 things to do in San Diego this weekend:

Food & Drink | Festivals & Art | Concerts & Theater | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

University of San Diego Wine Classic

July 13

Help fundraise for student recipients of the Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund at University of San Diego’s annual Wine Classic. In the courtyard of the Joan Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, attendees can enjoy a live band and beer and endless wine samples from more than 20 wineries, including several from the heart of California wine country. Tickets are $165 at the door and come with unlimited drink samples, gourmet food options, the chance to bid in a silent auction, and an engraved tasting glass.

5998 Alcala Park, Linda Vista

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Border Blasters, Desintegrador de Fronteras at Bonita Museum

July 12–August 17

Dive into the history and legacy of culture-shifting, genre-bending border-region music and radio with Border Blasters, Desintegrador de Fronteras at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center. The exhibition will include oral histories from influential musicians and radio hosts from SD and TJ with an array of audio and visual elements. To celebrate the showcase, a car-painting event with Renee Richetts will take place this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., followed by an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Once open, the exhibition will be on display to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is free and donation-based.

4355 Bonita Road, Bonita 

Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend

Duel Reality at The Old Globe

Through August 4

Taking Romeo and Juliet to daring new heights, Duel Reality makes its West Coast debut this Thursday at The Old Globe. Performing arts group 7 Fingers combines acrobatics, music, and exhilarating action in this twist on the classic tale of forbidden love. Tickets for previews start at $34. After opening night, prices start at $44. 

1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

Same Same But Different Battle of the Bands at the Music Box

July 11

This Thursday at the Music Box, four bands compete for a performance spot in the Same Same But Different Festival. The live music lineup will feature LA psych rock group Tide-Eye and three San Diego-based bands (SOULPLANT, Virginia Crime, and Three Legged Dog) for a night of alt rock, jazz, roots reggae, and more. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for this 21-plus show, with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $16.52 and can be purchased on TicketWeb. 

1337 India Street, Downtown

WAR at the Belly Up

July 11 & 12

As part of Belly Up’s summer-long 50th anniversary celebration, the music venue will host two shows from War this Thursday and Friday. If you’ve ever heard the George Lopez theme song, “Low Rider,” then you’re definitely familiar with these LA legends. Tickets start at $87.90 for each show; you can purchase them here. 

143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach

Point Loma Summer Concerts

July 12–August 9

The first of five free community concerts at Point Loma Park will take place Friday night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Junior stage band Maniacs in Charge and singer Ryan McCarty will open for headliner Fleetwood MAX. Catering at this Friday’s concert will be provided by Stump’s Family Marketplace. Concertgoers can find free parking at All Souls’ Episcopal Church and take a complimentary shuttle to the park beginning at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds from the purchase of raffle tickets at the event will support local schools and music nonprofits. 

1049 Catalina Boulevard, Point Loma

Marine Band San Diego Summer Concert in Little Italy

July 13

The Marine Band San Diego’s 40 musicians will play patriotic standards, jazz selections, and crowd-pleasing songs at their annual Little Italy concert, taking place this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Piazza della Famiglia. Rock band Sound Strike and Hot Brass will join the group at this family-friendly outdoor show.

523 West Date Street, Little Italy

Holo Holo Music Festival at Snapdragon Stadium

July 13–14

Expect sweet-sounding riffs and irresistible melodies at Snapdragon Stadium’s Thrive Park as reggae stars like J Boog, Maoli, and Fiji hit the stage during this traveling celebration of Polynesian music and culture. Tickets are $130 for single-day admission ($105 for kids ages 4 to 10 years old), while single-day VIP (Sunday only) is $195. Two-day general admission is also still available for $200.

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Bloody Anniversary Screening at Regal Parkway Plaza

July 13

The newest feature film from local production company Florenzano Films will premiere at Regal Parkway Plaza this Thursday evening. In Bloody Anniversary, Florenzano Films’ third full-length feature, a housewife’s special day turns frantic and deadly. Guests are invited to stroll the red carpet and mingle before the screening at 7 p.m., which is followed by a half-hour Q&A with the main cast members, executive producer Scott Oram, and director Daniel Florenzano. Tickets for this independent film screening are $22 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

405 Parkway Plaza, El Cajon

East Village Block Party

July 13

This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the East Village Association’s free block party will celebrate the Friars and SD’s increasing multitude of sports teams. Just a couple blocks from Petco Park, explore dozens of local vendors; three live music stages; and plenty of bites, beer, and cocktails. Attendees can also enjoy appearances from the San Diego Wave and SD Legion, a car show, and artwork from Sharky and Hasler before the Padres take on the Braves at 4:15 p.m. 

 J Street from 7th to 10th Avenue, East Village

San Diego Pride 

July 13–21

Though many Pride celebrations nationwide fall during Pride Month in June, San Diego Pride is a defining July event in the city. The official Pride festivities begin this Saturday at noon with She Fest, a free community event at the Hillcrest Pride Flag featuring workshops, vendors, performances, and more. Additional Pride programming happening this weekend includes the Nonbinary People’s Day Pride Flag Raising this Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. and a free artist reception for the seventh annual PROUD+ Exhibition at The Studio Door from 6 to 9 p.m. this Saturday.

1500 University Avenue, Hillcrest

OMBAC Over the Line Tournament at Fiesta Island

July 13–21

Old Mission Beach Athletic Club’s yearly Fiesta Island gathering of the best over-the-line players in the world begins this weekend. More than 1,000 teams—from beginners to legends of the shore—will step up to bat from sunrise to sundown at the beach. Teams will compete in a winner-take-all tournament, with seeded teams that participated in last year’s event hitting the sand during weekend two (June 20–21). 

1590 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay

Some restaurants are given one chance to make it, and once chance only. Others find new homes or clever ways to expand: a new lease on life.

This edition of Where to Eat, CultureMap’s monthly column on top restaurant picks, is dedicated to those others — to restaurants that have recently gone through a rebirth, a revival, a comeback, whether it’s an expansion or a new location.

Here’s where to eat in Fort Worth right now:

Birrieria Los Chivos De Oro
Long-running mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant on the city’s south side recently moved a few blocks over into bigger and better digs at 4351 Hemphill St. Birria made with goat meat is the go-to dish here, and you can order it in a variety of ways, from quesa-tacos, the popular grilled tacos filled with birria and melted cheese, to a build-your-own-taco plate that comes with freshly made corn tortillas, to a hefty pound-size serving made for two. The restaurant also serves excellent barbacoa, by the pound and plate, along with specialty dishes such as costillas de puerco (spicy pork ribs) and molcajete, a platter of meats served on a hot, sizzling stone.

Burgers N Beyond Gourmet
Burgers N Beyond, the Fort Worth-born, hospital district burger joint that specializes in charbroiled burgers, has opened a new ghost kitchen at 3004 Cullen St., catering to those in the Cultural District, West 7th, and TCU areas. Adhering to the ghost kitchen credo, orders are placed virtually and either picked up or delivered via a third party app. Owners Ali Taher and Miada Khalaf offer fantastic burgers whose thin patties are made from a mix of short rib meat and ground chuck brisket. They also serve a variety of a wings, a Philly cheesesteak, and seasoned crinkle cut fries.

Fort Worth Barbecue Company
One of the city’s oldest barbecue joints, downtown favorite Bailey’s Bar-B-Que, at 826 Taylor St., was recently taken over by the Panther City BBQ team and rechristened Fort Worth Barbecue Company. The restaurant offers a best-of-both-worlds scenario: Longtime supporters of Bailey’s will still find relatively inexpensive sandwiches made with brisket, turkey, sausage, bologna, and pulled pork, while those who crave craft-inspired ‘cue can indulge in Panther City BBQ’s signature brisket elote, baked potatoes topped with chopped brisket and, for dessert, Nutter Butter cheesecake, among other items.

Pulidos Kitchen & Cantina
The original location of this family-owned Mexican food chain at 2900 Pulido St., was recently refurbed and reopened by Westland Restaurant Group, whose other projects have included West Side Cafe and Margie’s Italian Restaurant. Westland took a less-is-more approach to the Pulido’s redo, condensing the menu a bit but keeping all of the popular and signature dishes, including the puffy tacos, “old-fashioned” red enchiladas and lunch specials, most of which are under $10. The bar area has been nicely redone and a new drinks menu includes specialty cocktails and margaritas.

Reata
After parting ways with Sundance Square, one of the city’s most popular and celebrated fine dining restaurants has reopened in a new home — coincidentally, in the same downtown building where it started. The restaurant, beloved for its cowboy cuisine, reopened on July 22 on the ground floor of The Tower, at 530 Throckmorton St., in the space last occupied by Cantina Laredo. Reata started on the top floor of the same building in 1996 but was damaged four years later in a tornado, forcing it to close. It later reopened in the Caravan of Dreams spot. This third incarnation of Reata features the same dishes Fort Worthians have grown to love — chicken-fried steak topped with peppered cream gravy, jalapeno & cilantro soup, tenderloin tamales, carne asada topped with a cheese enchilada — but in a sleeker atmosphere. According to owner Mike Micallef, the restaurant will likely move again when a more suitable location is built or found.

Sausage Shoppe
Recently opened on Fort Worth’s east side, at 3914 Miller Ave., the newest location of this long-running barbecue business offers something its sibling location does not: a place to sit. That’s a step up from the Chambers family’s current location on Brentwood Stair Road, which only does to-go orders. The new location on Miller has plenty of indoor seating, along with all the barbecue essentials for which the family is known. That would include their signature item, scratch-made sausage, whose filling is a mix of pork and beef. There’s also brisket, bologna, chicken, and ribs, with sides such as potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. Desserts such as cakes and pies rotate daily.

So much for the lazy days of summer. This week is packed with tasty events for all palates, with everything from hot dogs to caviar flights. Travel abroad via two worldly events, one featuring Italian cocktails and the other, Bolivian cuisine. Save room for free tea at a popular deli chain this Thursday.

Thursday, July 18

Stoneleigh Speakeasy
Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh will host the second of its three-part Stoneleigh Speakeasy series featuring an exclusive look inside the hotel’s 11th floor library bar, music room and dining room. The $75 ticket, plus tax and fee, includes a specialty cocktail, 1960s and ‘70s-inspired chef-crafted bites, live entertainment, and valet parking. The event will run from 5:30–8 pm.

Caviar Dinner at Monarch
The 49th floor restaurant will host a five-course Italian-inspired dinner paired with a variety of Osetra caviars, including Golden, Royal, Supreme, Venezia, and Siberian. Menu items include A5 Wagyu strip, saffron poached scallops, white chocolate crème fraiche mousse, and more. Wines will be paired with all five courses. Dinner is $350 plus tax and gratuity (which ends up coming out to $462), and begins at 6 pm.

Crown Block Caviar Celebration
Reunion Tower restaurant is throwing a caviar celebration with $400 bottles of Dom Perignon (marked down from $600!), $6 caviar stuffed olives for any martini, caviar steak frites with A5 and Regiis Ova Hackleback Caviar for $20, caviar nachos with sweet potato chips and Regiis Ova Hackleback Caviar for $20, and caviar cones for $20. 5-10 pm.

Milam & Greene Dinner at Barrel & Bones
The Colony outlet of the craft bar and smokehouse will host a second day of its five-course whiskey pairing dinner featuring Milam & Greene whiskey. (Wednesday’s event has sold out and there are just a few seats left for Thursday.) Menu items include ahi tuna tacos, Texas peach salad, duck confit pot pie, smoked tomahawk pork chop, and triple chocolate mousse with a CBD brownie. All courses come with a Milam & Greene cocktail. Dinner is $70 plus tax and a small fee, and begins at 7 pm.

Buffalo Trace Dinner at Ida Claire
Southern-influenced restaurant will pair four courses with selections from the Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey catalog. Dinner is $95 plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 7 pm.

Saturday, July 20

Italy Cocktails: Booking Signing and Cocktail Class at The Joule
Travel author Paul Feinstein will show how to make a negroni in five different ways during this hands-on cocktail class and book signing. The $125 ticket, plus tax and gratuity, includes a signed copy of Feinstein’s book,
Italy Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired by Italia. The event will take place at Sassetta inside The Joule at 2 pm.

Kiln to Table: A Bolivian Dinner with Chefs Gigi Zimmerman and Marsia Taha
Dallas chef Gigliola “Gigi” Zimmerman will collaborate with chef Marsia Taha of Gustu in La Paz, Boliviana for a two-night pop-up Saturday and Sunday. The multi-course dinner will feature Socorro Tequila, Bolivian wine tastings, and live entertainment. To be held at Marcello Andres Ceramics, the event is $260 and begins at 5:30 pm.

Sip & Slider Wine Pairing at Landon Winery
Downtown McKinney wine bar will pair gourmet sliders with wine during this tasting event. The $44 ticket plus fee includes six two-ounce pours of Landon wines and three gourmet sliders plus a side of truffle fries. Slider varieties include pulled pork with mango salsa, grilled chicken with barbecue sauce, bacon, and Swiss cheese, and Italian with mozzarella, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives. The pairing will run from 7–8:30 pm.

On Thursday, July 18, Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray, is celebrating National Caviar Day with Caviar Bumps, Caviar & Chips and Champagne and Vodka Shots to pair alongside. Fans can enjoy Kaluga Caviar Bumps for $20, Imperial Osetra Caviar Bumps for $20, traditional caviar service, and housemade chips and crème fraîche onion dip.

Chef Tristen Epps, a 2024 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef South, is making his Houston return with a new Afro-Caribbean tasting menu concept, Buboy, expected to debut in 2025. In the meantime, Epps will be hosting a pop-up dinner series in a private dining space at Guard & Grace, 500 Dallas, on Friday and Saturday nights from July 19 to August 3, presenting seven-course meals highlighting Afro-Caribbean foodways through modern cuisine and global influences. Tickets are $165 per person.

Auden, 3737 Cogdell, is hosting an EaDough Pastries and Provisions pop-up on Sunday, July 21, offering the bakery’s famous “Crookie” ($8), a twice-baked croissant with a gooey chocolate chunk cookie nestled inside; Strawberry Brown Butter Frangipane Croix ($8.50); Cinnamon Brioche ($6.50); Almond Croissant Loaf ($8); and Cranberry Orange Scone ($6). Guests can also score seasonal Cereal lattes ($5) and Iced Cold Brew Lattes ($5). The pop–up will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

National Tequila Day is Wednesday, July 24, and both locations of The Original Ninfa’s, 2704 Navigation, 1700 Post Oak, will be serving Prickly Patron Margarita for $10. The cocktail combines a frozen Ninfarita with a shot of Patron Reposado and prickly pear syrup and is served in a festive Patron souvenir bottle.

Auden, 3737 Cogdell, is toasting National Tequila Day with $8 Margarita Rosass, featuring LALO Tequila Blanco, Cointreau, guava, pomelo, lime and rose water.

Derby Restaurant, 13150 Breton Ridge, is hosting its first Chef’s Dinner, featuring a five-course experience paired with Caymus wines, on Friday July 26 at 6:30 p.m. Highlights include peach and golden beet soup with whipped creme fraiche, smoked almonds and burrata; arugula salad dressed with orange blossom champagne vinaigrette; king salmon with Meyer lemon beurre blanc; sous vide NY strip with a tri-color potato hash and a red wine reduction, and apricot, pecan and white chocolate croissant bread pudding. Tickets are $300 per person. 

NJ.com’s premier food festival in Atlantic City is only a month out, and it’s going to be an essential experience for food lovers in the Garden State.

The festival will be held at Showboat Resort in Atlantic City on Aug. 17 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be more than 70 vendors participating in the event being the ultimate hub for the state’s hottest restaurants, breweries, food trucks and more!

Are you a vendor? Apply now to vend at Jersey Eats in Atlantic City. All vendors will have a chance to connect with hundreds of new customers, show off what they have to offer and have a chance to be featured on the NJ.com website. Click here to apply for the Aug. 17 event. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 9.

Uber Eats, Showboat Resort and Jersey’s Best are some of our sponsors and partners for the event. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available, as well.

Aside from all the delicious food, this Jersey Eats foodie experience will have face painting, balloon twisting, music and more – something for everyone in the family! The event is also a mere steps away from the Atlantic City boardwalk and beach.

Discounted tickets to the family friendly festival can be purchased online at a price of $12 for general admission or $35 for VIP tickets. If the event does not sell out ahead of time, general admission tickets will be available at the door for $20.

VIP ticket holders will get early access to the festival at 11 a.m. plus access to a reserved indoor VIP seating area and gifted with a Jersey Eats tote bag. There is a very limited availability for VIP tickets, so grab yours before they sell out!

Ticket holders will also receive a discount code for Showboat Resort attractions, including Island Waterpark and Lucky Snake Arcade & Sports Bar, as well as exclusive room rates.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

All week long

35th Anniversary at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant is celebrating its 35th anniversary through August 4, offering a different special each week in addition to the return an iconic past dish, Chicken Alcaparrada made with mushrooms and a lemon caper sauce. This week, folks can enjoy the $10 El Jefe Margarita.

Wednesday, July 24

National Tequila Day at Alicia’s Mexican Grille

In honor of National Tequila Day, the Cypress location of Alicia’s Mexican Grille, 26326 Northwest Freeway, is hosting a special Tequila Tasting Event beginning at 6 p.m., sponsored by Don Julio, Astral, Herradura and Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia brands. Tickets are $59 plus tax and gratuity.

Houston Chef Series at Willie G’s Seafood

With this year’s theme taking inspiration from “Presidential State Dinners,” Landry’s continues its Houston Chef Series. This week, chef Brandon Soverall will present “Presidential Favorites” at Willie G’s Seafood, with features including Lobster Pot Pie, Texas BBQ, Apple Pie and more. Each course comes with a hand-selected beverage pairing.. Price is $125 per person for five courses with beverage pairings.

Friday, July 26

Chef’s Table Caymus Wine Dinner at Derby Houston

Derby Restaurant, 13150 Breton Ridge, is hosting its first Chef’s Dinner, featuring a five-course experience paired with Caymus wines, on Friday July 26 at 6:30 p.m. Highlights include peach and golden beet soup with whipped creme fraiche, smoked almonds and burrata; arugula salad dressed with orange blossom champagne vinaigrette; king salmon with Meyer lemon beurre blanc; sous vide NY strip with a tri-color potato hash and a red wine reduction, and apricot, pecan and white chocolate croissant bread pudding. Tickets are $300 per person.

Friday–Saturday

Diaspora Dinner Series with Chef Tristen Epps at Guard and Grace

Chef Tristen Epps, a 2024 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef South, is making his Houston return with a new Afro-Caribbean tasting menu concept, Buboy, an Afro-Caribbean, expected to debut in 2025. In the meantime, Epps will be hosting a pop-up dinner series in a private dining space at Guard & Grace, 500 Dallas, on Friday and Saturday nights through August 3, presenting seven-course meals highlighting Afro-Caribbean foodways through modern cuisine and global influences. Tickets are $165 per person.

All month long

Two Dine for $99 at Brennan’s of Houston

Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, brings back its fan-favorite month-long date night deal. For $99, couples can enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner menu for two, with Creole classics including Turtle Soup and Grilled Filet Mignon (additional $9), as well as Bananas Foster and Creole Bread Pudding. For $30, you can add a bottle of wine from Wine Guy Rich Carter’s selection or receive $30 off any bottle on Brennan’s vast wine list.

Bludorn Collab and More at Kolache Shoppe

This month, Kolache Shoppe highlights the talents of chef Aaron Bludorn, with a Short Rib, Egg & Pickled Pepper Kolache available Thursday through Saturday at the Greenway Shoppe and Friday through Sunday at the Heights and Pearland Shoppes. The creation features smoked short rib, caramelized onions, pickled sweet peppers, scrambled egg and peach barbecue sauce for $5.75. Other monthly specials include a Blackberry Basil Kolache and Chamomile Matcha Latte.

New and ongoing specials

Hurricane Beryl Relief

Houstonians have a way of coming together in times of need, and if you’re looking for a way to help, the Houston Food Bank needs volunteers to sort and pack food for distribution (and for cash donations) in the wake of Hurricane Beryl. Folks can sign up to volunteer and donate online.
Southern Smoke Foundation is also accepting donations in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in support of its efforts to help food and beverage workers in need. As many bars, restaurants and coffee shops experienced damage and power outages, the foundation is already receiving a growing number of applications for assistance. Donations can be made online. 

Some restaurants are given one chance to make it, and once chance only. Others find new homes or clever ways to expand: a new lease on life.

This edition of Where to Eat, CultureMap’s monthly column on top restaurant picks, is dedicated to those others — to restaurants that have recently gone through a rebirth, a revival, a comeback, whether it’s an expansion or a new location.

Here’s where to eat in Fort Worth right now:

Birrieria Los Chivos De Oro
Long-running mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant on the city’s south side recently moved a few blocks over into bigger and better digs at 4351 Hemphill St. Birria made with goat meat is the go-to dish here, and you can order it in a variety of ways, from quesa-tacos, the popular grilled tacos filled with birria and melted cheese, to a build-your-own-taco plate that comes with freshly made corn tortillas, to a hefty pound-size serving made for two. The restaurant also serves excellent barbacoa, by the pound and plate, along with specialty dishes such as costillas de puerco (spicy pork ribs) and molcajete, a platter of meats served on a hot, sizzling stone.

Burgers N Beyond Gourmet
Burgers N Beyond, the Fort Worth-born, hospital district burger joint that specializes in charbroiled burgers, has opened a new ghost kitchen at 3004 Cullen St., catering to those in the Cultural District, West 7th, and TCU areas. Adhering to the ghost kitchen credo, orders are placed virtually and either picked up or delivered via a third party app. Owners Ali Taher and Miada Khalaf offer fantastic burgers whose thin patties are made from a mix of short rib meat and ground chuck brisket. They also serve a variety of a wings, a Philly cheesesteak, and seasoned crinkle cut fries.

Fort Worth Barbecue Company
One of the city’s oldest barbecue joints, downtown favorite Bailey’s Bar-B-Que, at 826 Taylor St., was recently taken over by the Panther City BBQ team and rechristened Fort Worth Barbecue Company. The restaurant offers a best-of-both-worlds scenario: Longtime supporters of Bailey’s will still find relatively inexpensive sandwiches made with brisket, turkey, sausage, bologna, and pulled pork, while those who crave craft-inspired ‘cue can indulge in Panther City BBQ’s signature brisket elote, baked potatoes topped with chopped brisket and, for dessert, Nutter Butter cheesecake, among other items.

Pulidos Kitchen & Cantina
The original location of this family-owned Mexican food chain at 2900 Pulido St., was recently refurbed and reopened by Westland Restaurant Group, whose other projects have included West Side Cafe and Margie’s Italian Restaurant. Westland took a less-is-more approach to the Pulido’s redo, condensing the menu a bit but keeping all of the popular and signature dishes, including the puffy tacos, “old-fashioned” red enchiladas and lunch specials, most of which are under $10. The bar area has been nicely redone and a new drinks menu includes specialty cocktails and margaritas.

Reata
After parting ways with Sundance Square, one of the city’s most popular and celebrated fine dining restaurants has reopened in a new home — coincidentally, in the same downtown building where it started. The restaurant, beloved for its cowboy cuisine, reopened on July 22 on the ground floor of The Tower, at 530 Throckmorton St., in the space last occupied by Cantina Laredo. Reata started on the top floor of the same building in 1996 but was damaged four years later in a tornado, forcing it to close. It later reopened in the Caravan of Dreams spot. This third incarnation of Reata features the same dishes Fort Worthians have grown to love — chicken-fried steak topped with peppered cream gravy, jalapeno & cilantro soup, tenderloin tamales, carne asada topped with a cheese enchilada — but in a sleeker atmosphere. According to owner Mike Micallef, the restaurant will likely move again when a more suitable location is built or found.

Sausage Shoppe
Recently opened on Fort Worth’s east side, at 3914 Miller Ave., the newest location of this long-running barbecue business offers something its sibling location does not: a place to sit. That’s a step up from the Chambers family’s current location on Brentwood Stair Road, which only does to-go orders. The new location on Miller has plenty of indoor seating, along with all the barbecue essentials for which the family is known. That would include their signature item, scratch-made sausage, whose filling is a mix of pork and beef. There’s also brisket, bologna, chicken, and ribs, with sides such as potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans. Desserts such as cakes and pies rotate daily.

Tequila is a big trend this week in the Dallas food events world, with tequila-themed food and drink pairing events. Also make plans for a pizza lab pop-up, a summer Olympics watch party, and a milestone anniversary for a beloved brunch spot.

Wednesday, July 24

Flights & Bites at Jose
Upscale neighborhood Mexican restaurant will partner with Socorro Tequila to host a Flights & Bites experience. For $35 plus tax and gratuity, the flight comes with three Socorro tequilas (blanco, reposado, and anejo) paired with bites including compressed Texas cantaloupe, chicken mole skewers, and Mexican vanilla panna cotta with cajeta & Texas peaches. Available from 11 am–10:30 pm.

Tequila Social One-Year Anniversary Party
Harwood Hospitality Group opened this restaurant with tacos, West Tex-Mex flavors, an expansive patio off the Katy Trail, and tequila, one year ago. They’ll host a celebration with margaritas, ranch waters, a “burro bar photo op,” live music, and Tex-Mex bites, sponsored by Herradura Tequila, starting at 3 pm.

Quintessa Wine Dinner at Table 13
Addison restaurant hosts a wine dinner celebrating Quintessa, a winery in Rutherford, California, featuring five courses plus charcuterie: lobster risotto arancini, onion soup, Wagyu ribeye, and chocolate souffle, paired with Illumination sauvignon blanc, Flowers pinot noir, and Faust cabernet sauvignon. Tickets are $200 plus tax and gratuity, and the dinner starts at 6 pm. Call for reservations at 214-789-9558.

Tequila & Tacos at PGA Frisco
Monument Realty PGA District at the Omni PGA Frisco Hotel will host a tequila and taco tasting featuring Casamigos. Guests can peruse 10 stations for specialty Casamigos cocktail samples to pair with a taco plate that includes Spanish rice, beans, chips, salsa, and a sweet treat. Standout cocktails include the Spicy Watermelon Refresher, Casa Mint Lemonade, and the Tropical Pina. Tickets are $67, or $50 for cocktails only. The event will run from 6–9 pm.

818 Tequila Dinner at Te Deseo
Experience the tequila brand founded by Kendall Jenner during this three-course pairing dinner at Te Deseo. The brand’s director of operations, David Yan – who collaborates with Jenner – will talk guests through the experience. Tequilas include blanco, reposado, anejo, and the “8 Reserve.” The event is $100 plus tax and gratuity, and begins with a cocktail reception at 6 pm.

Tequila 101 Tasting and Mijenta Tequila Dinner at Mexican Sugar
Mexican restaurant is hosting back-to-back events featuring Mijenta Tequila. First, a Tequila 101 tasting featuring three tequilas ($25 plus tax and gratuity) followed by a Mijenta Tequila pairing dinner ($85 plus tax and gratuity) with four courses: striped bass, pork belly adobo, short rib with smoked corn tamale, and flan brulee. The tasting will be held at the Las Colinas and Plano Mexican Sugar locations from 5:30–6:30 pm; the dinner will be held at the Las Colinas, Plano, and Uptown locations starting at 7:30 pm.

Wild Common Tequila Dinner at Goldie’s
Dallas restaurant will host a four-course pairing dinner in partnership with Wild Common Tequila. Courses will be paired with expressions of Wild Common’s blanco tequila, still strength blanco, reposado, and the new mezcal. Dinner is $150 plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 7:30 pm.

Thursday, July 25

Quattro Mani: Partenope Ristorante Pizza Lab at Eataly
Quattro Mani is Eataly’s new monthly pizza pop-up class held in the gourmet grocer’s La Pizza & La Pasta restaurant. Each month will feature a different guest pizzeria from DFW. This month it’s Partenope Ristorante. The $85 ticket includes a glass of wine or beer, an Italian appetizer, and a Neapolitan-style pizza made by each class participant. The event will run 11 am–12:30 pm.

Friday, July 26

Olympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party at Little Daisy
Bistro inside the Thompson Dallas hotel will host a Summer Olympics opening ceremony watch party featuring French-inpsired drinks and passed apps, party favors, and a jumbotron on the outside lawn. Guests may visit the spritz bar for French 75s, champagne, Hugo spritz, and Aperol spritz. Tickets are $35 and the celebration will run from 6:30–9 pm. Arrive early for
Iceberg Hour from 5–6 pm featuring ice-cold martinis for 50 cents and Northern East Coast oysters at $21 for a half-dozen.

Sparkling Social Hour at Coupes
The Shops of Highland Park champagne bar will host a Friday social hour featuring unique sparkling wines from France outside the Champagne region. Guests will be guided through a flight of three wines following a 30-minute reception with light bites. Tickets are $50 and the event begins at 6 pm.

Sunday, July 28

Bread Winners 30th Anniversary Party
Longtime brunch spot will hit a milestone birthday at its original location in Uptown Dallas. To celebrate the big 3-0, Bread Winners will host parties at all three locations, including NorthPark Center and Plano. Guests can partake in $2 mimosas and bubbly, $3 espresso martinis, along with face painting, photo booths, and live music. The parties will run from 11 am–3 pm at all locations.