This Week in Gluttony

These are the 6 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Al Biernat's will fly in lobsters live from the East Coast for its Valentine's surf-and-turf special, so patrons need to call at least a week in advance.

Photo courtesy of Al Biernat's

California wines are invading Dallas this week, and there's nothing to hate about that. Throw in some Mediterranean vibes and a nice food festival, and you've got yourself a yummy week on the fork and spoon scene.

Tuesday, January 29

Meadowlark Vineyards Wine Dinner at Table 13
This exclusive wine dinner features five chef-prepared, vintage-inspired courses paired with a selection of fine, earth-friendly wines from the Santa Ynez Valley's Meadowlark Vineyards. Tickets are $89, and dinner starts at 7 pm. To reserve your spot, call 972-789-9558.

Mediterranean-Inspired Wine Dinner at The Keeper
For one night only, enjoy a five-course Mediterranean-inspired wine dinner as chef Gil Vasquez pairs off-menu selections with fine wine with Mediterranean flair. Tickets are $65, and dinner starts at 7 pm. To reserve your spot, call 469-210-5337.

Wednesday, January 30

Meadowlark Vineyards Wine Dinner at Abacus
Not able to catch Meadowlark Vineyards earlier in the week at Table 13? This beloved winery is stopping by Abacus for another extraordinary dinner. Courses include blackberry glazed pork belly "burnt end," wild boar bolognese lasagna, chocolate covered cherries, and more. Tickets are $80, and the evening begins at 6:30 with passed appetizers.

California Cheese and Wine at Scardello Artisan Cheese
One of the greatest wine-producing states is also one of the greatest cheese-producing areas. Explore California's rich bounty, from David Jack's first wheel of Monterey Jack in 1882 to the fantastic artisan producers making cheese today. Tickets are $40, and the class starts at 8 pm.

Saturday, February 2

Bonne Santé: A Wine and Food Showcase at Westin Galleria
This luxe wine event features celebrity chefs from around the country raising funds to fight kidney disease. It features a food and wine showcase, unique tastings with wine pairings, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment. Tickets start at $200, and the event starts a 6:30 pm. All proceeds go to the National Kidney Foundation and their continued efforts to be the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease.

Monday, February 4

Pre-order Your Valentine's Day Feast at Al Biernat’s
The legendary steakhouse will serve a surf-and-turf special for Valentine's Day that includes a three-pound broiled East Coast lobster split with one 12-ounce filet to share. And because these lobsters are flown in live, the restaurant is asking guests to call and order ahead of time, at least a week in advance of February 14. The $95 per-person special comes with two glasses of Impeccable sparkling rosé. Call 214-209-2201 for the Oak Lawn restaurant and 972-239-3400 for the new Al Biernat's North location.

For other Valentine's dinner ideas around Dallas, check out our list here.

chefs dinner wine news-you-can-eat

Coffee News

Italian brand Lavazza Coffee opens training facility in Dallas

Lavazza

Lavazza Coffee

A coffee brand from Italy has planted a stake in Dallas: Lavazza, founded in the northern Italian city of Turin in 1895, has opened a state-of-the-art training center in Dallas, at 1722 Routh St. #960, where it will serve as a hub for coffee enthusiasts throughout the Southwest.

Dallas is the newest outlet in Lavazza's coffee training network, joining locations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, West Chester Pennsylvania, and Toronto — part of their expansion across high-growth markets in the U.S., and its mission to elevate coffee culture globally. (They're also doling out endorsement dollars in commercials featuring Steve Carell and John Krasinski.)

The facility is equipped with espresso, brewing, and coffee innovation equipment, and will serve Lavazza partners, industry professionals, baristas, and distributors. They'll offer hands-on training, SCA certification, menu development, and emerging coffee trends.

Lavazza already partners with many respected hospitality groups and culinary destinations in Dallas including Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Coury Hospitality Group, Al Biernat's Steakhouse, and Vandelay Hospitality.

In October 2025, Lavazza also began serving coffee on flights by Fort Worth-based American Airlines — further strengthening their connection to the North Texas market. The facility will enable Lavazza to provide closer, more consistent support to these partners and help elevate their coffee programs through continued training and collaboration.

Lavazza has been owned by the Lavazza family for four generations. Today they're one of the leading players on the global coffee scene, with a portfolio of top brands that lead their respective markets, such as Lavazza, Carte Noire, Merrild, and Kicking Horse.

In a statement, Lavazza North America president Hossam Ashraf says that "Dallas has an incredible energy and an ever evolving coffee scene," while Lavazza North America Marketing VP Daniele Foti says that Dallas is great, and we must concur.

"As one of the fastest growing hospitality and culinary markets in the country, Dallas represents a tremendous opportunity for Lavazza," Foti says. "Our investment in this new Training Center demonstrates our commitment to the region and to the partners who bring the Lavazza experience to life every day. Dallas is a city of innovation and high standards, and we are excited to deepen our roots here."

coffee openings

This Week in Gluttony

These are the 6 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Coffee News

Italian brand Lavazza Coffee opens training facility in Dallas

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