New Year Brings Fresh Houston Restaurant Events and Specials Sure to Delight All Your Cravings
Brasserie 19: Le Brunch de Funk—Sunday, January 25 | 12:30 – 4:30 PM; Brasserie 19’s lively daytime celebration returns with beats by DJ GFunk, brunch specials, and cocktails sponsored by Old Forester. Le Brunch de Funk brings high energy and a fashionable crowd to the dining room, blending brunch with a party-forward soundtrack. Reservations are available here. Photo courtesy of Brasserie 19.
BRENNAN’S: JAN. 7-31: SHRIMP & SANCERRE SPECIAL–Guests can enjoy a half pound of boiled and peeled Gulf shrimp with all the fixin’s paired with a glass of crisp Bernard Fleuriet Sancerre, available all day at the Courtyard Bar. The series kicked off on Wednesday, Jan. 7, with live music by pianist Ben Childress from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Shrimp and Sancerre special continues throughout the month at the bar.
Duck N Bao: JAN. 18: PEKING DUCK DAY— On Saturday, Jan. 18, guests who order a whole duck will receive a complimentary order of duck fried rice. Peking Duck — Expertly roasted in-house with crispy skin & succulent meat. Whole Duck — Comes with 12 pancakes, duck sauce, cucumber and scallions, plus choice of House Special Duck Soup or Minced Duck with Lettuce Wrap (+$5). $58. Half Duck — Includes 12 pancakes, duck sauce, cucumber & scallions. $35. Minced Duck Lettuce Wrap — A light, yet flavor-packed starter, stir-fried with chilies and fragrant aromatics. $12. House Duck Meat Fried Rice — Savory fried rice showcasing tender duck meat and rich flavor. $17. Photo by Jenn Duncan.
Etoile Cuisine et Bar’s Black Truffle Dinner: On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the acclaimed French restaurant will be offering a special Black Truffle menu in addition to its regular dinner menu. The cost is $124 per person plus tax and gratuity. Ask about suggested wine pairings at an additional cost. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Courses include a woodsy egg, mushroom and leek soup, mushroom risotto with roasted chicken jus and an open-faced veal ragout ravioli. The dessert is dark chocolate mousse with truffle ice cream. For reservations or information, call 832-668-5808 or go to www.etoilecuisine.com. Photo by Philippe Verpiand.
Guard & Grace Houston monthly Pop-Up Omakase Chef’s Counter series: The inaugural experience will take place on Monday, January 20th at 6 PM, in celebration of National Omakase Day. Hosted by Chef/Owner Troy Guard and Executive Chef Adam Vero, this pop-up invites guests to step off-menu for an interactive, eight-course journey. Menus will evolve monthly, and with only a handful of seats available, no two evenings will ever be the same. Pricing is $145 per guest for food only or $195 with curated drink pairings featuring wine, beer, sake, and spirits. Tickets can be purchased here. Photo courtesy of Guard & Grace Houston.
The Finn: Stick to those health-focused goals by introducing a series of limited-time menu additions at Nyam Nyam and Proper Burger. At Proper, highlights include the Turkey Avo Bacon Burger, the Honey Wasabi Tuna Steak Burger, and the Veggie Power Burger. Nyam Nyam offers a lighter take on Korean BBQ with the Smoked Salmon Gimbap, Grilled Salmon Bowl, and Beef Ribeye Lettuce Wraps. Photo courtesy of The Finn.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston: Winter Treats: Keep warm at Bayou & Bean, with the winter season menu of specialty coffees include Snowy Dream and Golden Dream. Executive Pastry Chef Kristin McCarley’s housemade winter pastries include the Cranberry-Orange Loaf Bread and the Cinnamon-Apple Cruffin. January 21 – Bayou & Bottle’s 9th Anniversary: Celebrate the ninth year of Houston’s best bourbon bar with a special flight featuring each of its three exclusive Bayou & Bottle single barrels. While supplies last, guests may celebrate with USD 27 flights of Garrison Brothers Bayou and Bottle Selection, Elijah Craig 8yr Bourbon Toasted Barrel, and Bayou and Bottle Maker’s Mark Private Select. Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Houston.
Kolache Shoppe: Throughout January, all Houston-area Kolache Shoppe locations are celebrating the season with Mardi Gras-inspired sweet and savory kolaches. These specials are available alongside Kolache Shoppe’s regular menu on weekends through Feb. 1. Biscoff Latte — Locally roasted coffee meets deep caramel and spice notes from simmering milk with Biscoff cookies. $6. Available at Heights location only. $6.50. Boudin Kolache — This wildly popular collaboration with La Boucherie out of Spring, Texas, is back, filled with fresh pork boudin using Grandma’s recipe. $4. King Cake Kolache — The bakery’s fluffy, yeast dough is filled with sweetened cinnamon cream cheese and pecans, then finished with almond-vanilla glaze and a festive dusting of colored sugar. $3. Photo by Sabrina Miskelly.
Molina’s Cantina: Carne Guisada Returns for Wintry Days–Warm up with a hearty bowl of Molina’s seasonal carne guisada, now back on the menu at all locations for a limited time. This Tex-Mex classic features tender beef slowly simmered with onions, peppers and just the right blend of spices is served with rice, refried beans, ready to be bundled into plush, housemade tortillas. Dine in and linger or grab it to-go while the getting’s hot. $15.95. Photo by Kimberly Park.
Nobu Houston: Winter Tasting Menu: – Direct booking LINK: Celebrate the season with Nobu Houston’s new Winter Tasting Menu—a curated culinary journey featuring Nobu signatures alongside refined seasonal creations crafted by chefs. Priced at $130 per guest, this thoughtfully composed experience is perfect for both first-time and returning guests. Available nightly, with the final seating one hour before closing. Photo courtesy of Nobu.
PINCHO Introduces the H-Town Burger : In honor of PINCHO’s second home, the Latin-inspired brand puts a Houston spin on its award-winning Jalapeño Delight burger. Debuting Jan. 19, the H-Town Burger layers a 100% Angus signature patty with jalapeño jack cheese, bacon, jalapeño bacon jam and cilantro aioli, all served on a Bread Man brioche bun. Photo courtesy of PINCHO.
ZARANDA HOUSTON Guidova Wine Dinner: Wednesday, January 21; 6 pm Reception, 6:30 pm Seated Dinner; Cost is $130 per person plus tax & gratuity. Reservation link can be found at https://www.zarandahouston.com/event/guidova-wine-dinner/. Photo courtesy of Zaranda.