This week in food events, one of Dallas' beloved bistros celebrates its 43 birthday with a variety of festivities. Also on tap: interesting wine dinners and a freaky Halloween beer dinner. Save us a seat.
Tuesday, October 27
Madrina Happy Hour Kickoff
One of the hottest new restaurants in town is offering a happy hour Monday-Friday, 4-6:30 pm, that gives guests 50 percent off all drinks — wines by the glass, beer, well drinks, and cocktails on the menu — and food. So you can try the duck confit enfrijoladas, taco de chivos, and potato tamal at half off.
Wine and Cheese Chat at The Grape
Sommelier Courtney Luscher and certified cheese professional Ali Morgan host this event that features four cheeses paired with four wines. The cost is $28 a person, and the event kicks off at 6:30 pm. Those who stay for dinner get $20 off of their bill. Reserve your spot by calling 214-828-1981.
Wednesday, October 28
Coquerel Wine Dinner at Stephan Pyles
Chef Stephan Pyles presents this four-course dinner paired with wine from the Coquerel cellars. Owner Brenda Cockerell and winemaker Christie Barbe plan to be on hand to answer questions and talk more about each flavor profile. The evening starts with a 6:30 pm reception; the first course is served at 7. Cost is $125 per person. For reservations, call 214-580-7000.
Halloween Beer Dinner at Libertine Bar
The Libertine is pulling out a few special beers, including a 2011 Avery Mephistopheles coming in at a whopping 16.43 percent alcohol. Courses include sweet breads, liver and gizzards, spicy venison chili, butternut squash and spinach fettuccine, stuffed smoked quail, and triple chocolate espresso brownies. The fun starts at 7 pm, and costumes are welcome. Tickets are $65, and you can make reservations by calling 214-824-7900.
Thursday, October 29
44 Farms Angus Steaks Dinner at Resto Gastro Bistro
Enjoy a four-course wine dinner for $55 or $75 with wine pairings. Courses include togarashi steak tartare, sticky Chinese beef belly, Vietnamese green papaya salad with 44 Farms beef jerky, and "Yabba Dabba Do" beef shank. Dinner starts at 6 pm, and you can make reservations by calling 214-584-6747.
Come-As-You-Are Wine Dinner at The Grape
Join chef de cuisine Sarah Snow for a taste of Italy that features a three-course tasting menu to highlight the hand-selected wines for the evening. Guest host is Jenny Davis of Victory, and the cost is $52. Make reservations by calling 214-828-1981.
Friday, October 30
Deep Ellum Brewing Beer Dinner at Whole Foods Park Lane
Chef John Mercer prepares a four-course dinner paired with beers from Deep Ellum Brewing. Courses include squash crostini, warm green lentil and potato salad, smoked pumpkin soup, Four Swords braised short ribs, and bread pudding. The meal starts at 6:30 pm, and tickets are $30.
Tasting Menu at The Grape
To wrap up the week-long celebration of restaurant's 43rd birthday, chef de cuisine Sarah Snow offers a three-course tasting menu for only $43 on Friday and Saturday. Add wine pairings for an extra fee. For reservations, call 214-828-1981.
Saturday, October 31
Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner at Messina Hoff Winery
As soon as you buy a ticket to dinner at this Grapevine winery, you get a character assignment so you can be a part of the action. Enjoy a three-course meal accompanied by wine, and work with fellow guests to figure out the mystery. Tickets are $89.71, and dinner starts at 6 pm.
Halloween Soiree at Ida Claire
Watch scary movies while you sip punches, juleps, and draft beers, and nosh on scary delicious bites. Everyone who comes in costume automatically is entered into a contest to win a 50-inch television. The fun lasts from 10 pm to 2 am.
Madrina happy hours (Monday-Friday) kick off this week.
