You can call us biased, but this is the best week of the year for food events because of the return of our Tastemaker Awards on May 19. Plus a barbecue joint is celebrating a trip to the James Beard House, and there's a big beer festival (with firkins!). Mark your calendars:
Thursday, May 19
Chef's Harvest Dinner Series at Asador
Join chef Brad Phillips for an exclusive chef's table experience celebrating the spring harvest. This three-course family dinner includes Texas gumbo, chicken-fried quail, fried okra, smoked Gouda grits, stewed black-eyed peas, creamed turnip tops, and Texas strawberry shortcake. Dinner costs $90 per person and starts at 7 pm. To reserve your spot, call 214-267-4815.
Craft Beer & Artisan Cheese Pairing at Community Beer Company
Cheesemonger Ali Morgan, from Rare Edibles, collaborates with Community Beer Company for a night of delicious pairings. Tickets are $30, which gets you four craft beers matched with a complementary and contrasting cheese. If you are not good at math, that's four beers and eight cheeses. The event starts at 6 pm.
CultureMap Tastemaker Awards at Hall of State
Our annual celebration of the best in local restaurants and bars features great food, specialty cocktails, beer and wine, music, and more. Nosh on bites from FT33, 18th & Vine, Madrina, Remedy, Slow Bone, and 13 other eateries, while Bartender of the Year nominees whip up a variety of Tequila Herradura sippers. The fun begins at 7 pm, and tickets start at $40. Proceeds from the evening benefit Young Texans Against Cancer.
James Beard Dinner at Hutchins BBQ
In preparation for their James Beard House dinner in New York City next month, Hutchins BBQ owner and pitmaster Tim Hutchins and pit master Dustin Blackwell are doing a five-course preview dinner with Texas wine, beer, and spirits. Courses include appetizers (think Texas Twinkies), slow-smoked prime brisket with potato salad, slow-smoked St. Louis-style spareribs with Hutchins bacon macaroni and cheese, Hutchins family peach cobbler, and more. Tickets are $36, and dinner starts at 6:30 pm.
Saturday, May 21
North Texas Firkin Fest at Globe Life Park in Arlington
For a second year in a row, Texas Craft Brewers Guild brings North Texas this fun festival, featuring craft beer from around the state that's served in traditional casks (or firkins). Participating breweries include Real Ale Brewing Company, Deep Ellum Brewing Company, and many more. Tickets start at $10, and the event kicks off at 1 pm for VIPs.
Monday, May 23
Plant Forward Dinner and Cocktail Pairing at Stock & Barrel
Chef Jon Stevens and team work their magic to craft a four-course meal from local and seasonal vegetables. Dinner also includes a curated cocktail pairing, plus a surprise from event organizer Harvest Hands. Tickets are $90, and dinner starts at 7 pm.
Don't miss the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards on May 19 at Hall of State at Fair Park.
