Sometimes too much of a good thing can be wonderful. Case in point: food festivals. If last week’s bounty wasn’t enough, this week we have one dedicated to Greek food and an inaugural event at Klyde Warren Park that is bound for success. And then there’s a big event which technically isn’t even a food event at all. You guessed it: the State Fair of Texas.
Tuesday, September 22
Peter Michael Winery Wine Dinner at Grace
This is the only Texas wine dinner for the winery. The event starts with a reception at 6:30 pm featuring canapés and drinks, with dinner starting at 7 pm. The menu features dishes such as beet-cured ocean trout, whey-poached turbot with a celery root puree, brioche and American sturgeon caviar, and 72-hour Wagyu short rib. Dinner costs $225 a person, and reservations can by made by calling 817-877-3388.
Friday, September 25
2015 State Fair of Texas at Fair Park
Yes, there are concerts and rides and farm animals, but who doesn’t indulge in a little fried food goodness at this Texas tradition? Food items of interest this year include red velvet fried Oreos, milk chocolate bacon on a stick, s’more beer, and coco ritas. The chicken fried lobster tail is also sure to be a crowd pleaser. The fair runs for 24 days — four weekends — and if you consider yourself a real Texan, you’ll be there.
2015 Greek Food Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
This festival brings the enticing flavors, sights, sounds, and traditions of Greece to life. Enjoy an authentic and varied menu of Greek cuisine, including a festival feast sampler and an à la carte menu offering everything from lamb sliders to feta bites, gyros to pastitsio. There’s also a sweet shop and a taverna featuring Greek wine and beer. Tickets start at $6, and the fun kicks off at 11 am on Friday and goes through Sunday, September 25.
Park & Palate at Klyde Warren Park
This two-day event starts with Down to the Roots, where 12 chefs create comfort food with a modern twist. Attendees get to taste all the creations, which are paired with beer, wine, and cocktails, while listening to the Paul Thorn Band. The event culminates with the grand tasting on Saturday, with 30 chefs and 30 wineries offering tastings, cooking demos, and more. All proceeds go directly back to Klyde Warren Park. Tickets start at $150, and the fun begins Friday at 7:30 pm.
McKinney Oktoberfest at Historic Downtown McKinney
Dust off your lederhosen and warm up your yodeling voice for this year’s Oktoberfest in McKinney. This is a family favorite offering authentic German music, food and drink, traditional costumes, dancing, children’s activities, and much more. The highlight for us is the beer garden, which covers a total of 14 blocks throughout McKinney’s historic downtown square. The fun starts at 11 am on Friday and lasts through Sunday.
Saturday, September 26
Taste of Firewheel at Firewheel Town Center
The all-day family food festival features delectable tastes, free live music by High Definition Band, Kidgits Kid Zone, and shopping. Walk up and down the street as you sample fare from local restaurants such as Avocado California Roll & Sushi, Fuzzy’s Tacos, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Steel City Pops in celebration of the town center’s 10th anniversary. Score 10 tastes for $20 or 20 tastes for $35. Wristbands are available at guest services, and the event starts at 11 am.
Monday, September 28
Don Julio Tequila Dinner at Le Taco Cantina
Le Taco Cantina hosts its first chef’s dinner, showcasing the culinary talent of chef Daniel Tarasevich and his team. Menu items include white shrimp ceviche, grilled fish, pork belly banh mi, smoked Akaushi short-rib, and a Nutella dessert taco. Each course is paired with a different expression of Don Julio tequila. Cost is $45, and the dinner starts at 7 pm. Call 469-802-6753 to reserve your spot.
Dine with a Dallas Cowboy at Omni Dallas
Every Monday night, Omni Dallas hosts a professional Dallas Cowboys’ athlete at the Owners Box for its exclusive Monday Night Football watch party. The designated player is signing autographs and taking pictures at halftime. The restaurant is giving away signed memorabilia throughout the game, and a featured dish is made for guests in honor of each player’s favorite food. (This week it’s center Travis Frederick.) Festivities start at 6 pm.
Klyde Warren Park hosts the inaugural Park & Palate celebration on September 25 and 26.
