Houston Restaurant Weeks 2018 Kicks Off for Houston Food Bank Fundraiser

DINE OUT AND DO GOOD

Houston Restaurant Weeks Returns August 1 – September 3

The most anticipated food event of the year, Houston Restaurant Weeks, returns August 1 and runs through Labor Day. That’s 34 days of meals and deals raising money for The Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the U.S. More than 250 area restaurants are expected to participate by serving specially priced multi-course prix fixe menus that include brunch, lunch and dinner.

Founded in 2003 by volunteer Cleverley Stone, Houston Restaurant Weeks is the single largest fundraiser of its kind in the United States. Run 100 percent by volunteers, 100 percent of donations from participating restaurants goes directly to Houston Food Bank.

Participating restaurants will make donations based on their Houston Restaurant Weeks sales. HRW meal prices are Dinner $45, Dinner $35, Brunch $20 and Lunch $20.

Diners can visit www.HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com to view the ever-growing list of restaurants that have committed to participate in the fundraiser, along with their HRW menus.

From fine dining to casual neighborhood restaurants, diners can sample some of the best Houston’s culinary scene has to offer. Some participating restaurants may require reservations, although walk-ins will be accepted at most locations. This
information will be noted on each restaurant’s menu page on the website.

A few of the restaurants include:

benjy’s:  benjy’s will offer a three-course dinner for $35 during Houston Restaurant Weeks. Menu highlights include Shrimp Remoulade Salad with squash, roasted peppers, herbs and cappers; Buddha Bowl with charred cabbage, tahini, gold beets, nuts and seeds, ground tofu and briami; Crab & Tagliolini with chile lime butter spiced seeds, pesto and tomato oil and for dessert – a benjy’s favorite – Moms Chocolate Cake served with pecan fudge icing and vanilla bean ice cream. For reservations, please call (713) 522-7602.

Fig & Olive:  Fig & Olive makes its first Houston Restaurant Weeks appearance this year, offering both a prix fixe lunch and dinner menu in support of the Houston Food Bank. The French Rivieran-inspired eatery touts brand staples on its featured HRW lunch menu ($20), showcasing everything from Roasted Cauliflower topped with Pine Nuts and Garlic Emulsion to a seasonal take on F&O’s signature risotto, which features Grilled Fresh Corn, Spice Popcorn, Fava Beans, and Pea Shoots. Guests can finish off their lunch spread with a mini Pot De Crème for dessert.

Fig & Olive’s HRW dinner menu ($35) highlights heftier plates like the succulent Braised Short Rib accompanied by Crispy Polenta, Frisée Salad, Lardons of Smoked Bacon, and a Sherry Bacon Vinaigrette; Moroccan Free Range Chicken enhanced with Savory Broth, Baby Vegetables, and Harissa Couscous; and the Riviera Salmon served with a mix of Cauliflower Couscous, Raisins, Fresh Mint, Fennel, and a Parsley Salad. A range of desserts is also available on the prix fixe dinner menu.

Goode Company: Armadillo Palace – $35 dinner menu. Enjoy 4 1st course options ranging from Deer Camp Quail Runners to a Tamale & Empanadas; 4 2nd course options including everything from a gulf Coast Platter (oysters, shrimp & redfish) to Carne Asada and Spit-Roasted Chicken; 3 dessert options including their famous Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie along with other favorites including their Strawberry Tequila Cobbler.

Kitchen & Cantina– $35 dinner menu. Enjoy 4 1st course options ranging from their Bob Armstrong Queso to Made-to-Order Guacamole; 4 2nd course options including their carnitas (a 3-day preparation process) to their Fajita Combos; 3 dessert options including Tres Leches and Churros.

Seafood – $35 dinner menu. Enjoy 3 1st course options ranging from their famous Campechana to their Oysters Bienville; 3 2nd course options including Mahi Mahi to their amazing Texas Refish; 3 dessert options of course including their famous Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie along with other favorites including their Red-hot Velvet Cake.

Poitin: Newly-opened Poitín (2313 Edwards St.) at Sawyer Yards will put Executive Chef Dominick Lee’s talents on full display as it will be a proud participant in Houston Restaurant Weeks in 2018. Guests will have the opportunity to dine at Poitín as part of HRW either during lunch or brunch. Favorites such as the Pick Ya Flavor Pork Skins, House Hummus, Peasant Chicken, and 24 Karrot Cake are all on the Dinner Menu. Brunch options include Eggs + Soldiers, Blueberriest Pancakes, and the Poitín Benedict.

Tango & Malbec: Three-course dinner for $45. The first course is a choice of the Strawberry Arugula Salad, Argentine Empanada, or Ceviche Cup. The second course is a choice of Filet Mignon a la Parrilla, Pollo Rio de la Plata, Mahi Mahi, or Los Capelletis. The third course is a choice of Artisan Sorbets, Panna Cotta de Frutilla, or Torta Mousse Chocolate. Call the restaurant at 713-629-8646 to make reservations.

Follow Houston Restaurant Weeks on social media at
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HoustonRestaurantWeeks
Twitter: @HouRestaurantWk
Instagram: @HouRestaurantWk

FEATURED PHOTO at TONY MANDOLA’S GULF COAST KITCHEN  credit: V. Sweeten