Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings:
Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m.
1034 West 20th
Gumbo enthusiasts can get their fill at Cedar Creek’s annual Gumbo Cook-Off, as gumbo crews, breweries and cooks compete for the titles of Best Gumbo and People’s Choice. Expect live music, cocktails and cold beer, a mechanical bull, game and prizes, fun for the kiddos and plenty of tasty gumbo. Tasting wristbands are $35.
Sunday, noon to 2 p.m.
1717 Allen Parkway
Channeling the new “coffee club culture,” MAVEN at Thompson is hosting its first Beats & Brews event, mashing laid-back DJ sets in a cozy coffee shop atmosphere. Guests can unwind, recharge and connect over craft coffees and indulgent bites. The event is free to attend.
Sunday, 2 p.m. to sold out
823 Dumble
Enjoy drinks, bbq and good times with friends in the East End Houston as acclaimed local pitmaster Willow Villarreal of the the soon-to-open Willow’s Smokehouse & Tavern pops up at fellow neighborhood hangout Lil’ Danny Speedo’s Go Fly a Kite Lounge, less than a mile from the tavern’s future home.
Have a Nice Day Lunar New Year at The Ion
Sunday, 4 to 8 p.m.
4201 Main
Creative collective Have a Nice Day invites folks to support Houston’s vibrant small business community and welcome the Year of the Snake at this free Lunar New Year market. Expect over 25 vendors, chefs, creators, crafters and makers including Burmalicious by Suu, Khoi Barbecue, Agnes and Sherman, Burger Bodega, The Custard Box, Pudgy’s Fine Cookies and more, plus an exciting lion dance performance at 8 p.m., complimentary drinks, and lucky red envelope giveaways.
Galveston Restaurant Week
All weekend long
Galveston Restaurant Week closes out this Sunday, as island eateries feature discounted prix fixe menus in benefit of United Way of Galveston, Galveston’s Own Farmers Market’s community-based food programs and Family Service Center of Galveston County. This year’s restaurant roster includes local favorites BLVD Seafood, Good Dough Kolache Bakery, Fish Company Taco, Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar, Mosquito Cafe and more. Two or three-course dinners run $20 to $60, two-course lunches are $10 to $30, and brunches will be priced $10 – $40.
