Dallasites are likely dusting off their lawn chairs and firing up their grills in preparation for the Memorial Day weekend. They may also be hunting down the brand new Cousins Maine Lobster food truck — recognizable from Shark Tank, The Chew, Food Network and the Today Show — which is serving lobster rolls and more all this week. (Check out full schedule here.)
For those who hate to break tradition, here is your usual roundup of the week’s tastiest food events:
Tuesday, May 19
Deschutes Beer Tasting at Whole Foods Plano
A representative from Oregon brewery Deschutes brings some wonderful goodies to celebrate the end of American Craft Beer Week. He also has a few brews to share. Admission is free, but you have to register. The event kicks off at 7 pm.
Thursday, May 21
Craft Beer and Artisan Cheese Pairing at Community Beer Company
Rare Edibles cheesemonger Ali Morgan continues her quest to bring together our favorite fermentables: cheese and beer. The event features four select craft brews, each paired with complimentary and contrasting cheeses. That’s four beers and eight cheeses for only $30. The event kicks off at 6 pm.
Deep Ellum Wine Walk
Pick up a glass and a passport for $10 outside of Kettle Art Gallery and embark on a sip-and-shop tour of this historic neighborhood. Starting at 5 pm, enjoy wine samplings at each participating venue; get your passport stamped at five or more destinations to be entered for a chance to win gift certificates at the drawing held at the check-in table immediately following the event.
May Dinner at Urban Acres Farmstead
Be a part of this local, organic and sustainable culinary event celebrating spring and the early bounty of local farmers and purveyors. The five-course, BYOB meal costs $85 per person and begins at 6:30 pm.
Raymond Vineyards Wine Dinner at Ser Steak + Spirits
Executive chef (and Tastemaker Rising Star Chef nominee) Anthony Van Camp teams up with French chef Michou Cornu from Raymond Vineyards for a decadent five-course dinner. Courses include day boat sea scallops with cauliflower, lamb tenderloin, Comte tuile and Manchego with endive and beets, and chocolate crème brûlée. Another special guest, Raymond Vineyards winemaking director Stephanie Putnam, shares her passion with guests. Dinner is $149 per person and starts with a 6:30 pm reception. Call 214-761-7479 for reservations.
Friday, May 22
La Marzocco on the Road at Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters
Love good coffee? This event is for you. Your favorite espresso machines and grinders are on display, specifically the Linea Mini and the Lux-D Grinder; baristas are welcome to come and try them out. Guests can also enjoy snacks and beer throughout the night. The event lasts from 6-9 pm, and it is free to attend, but you have to register.
Saturday, May 23
Thai Culture & Food Festival at Buddhist Center of Dallas
Experience Thai culture through authentic cuisine (including vegan options), dance performances, fruit carving and Muay Thai demonstrations, handcrafted Thai arts and gifts, and tours of the temple. Best news ever: Admission and parking are free. The festival runs through Sunday. Hours are Saturday, 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday, 11 am-7 pm.
Sunday, May 24
Dallas Margarita Meltdown at Bishop Arts District
Witness a mixology throwdown between some of the best restaurants and bars in Dallas. Starting at 4 pm, competitors concoct their finest margaritas and offer tastes to the public. Tickets includes samples of more than 20 different libations from more than 30 establishments, and you can vote for your favorite. Participants include El Fenix, Vagabond, Komali, C’Viche, Meso Mayo and more. Tickets start at $25.
Monday, May 25
Nickey’s Week at RA Sushi
During this week of giving, the restaurant plans to donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of special Nicky’s Week menu items to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The menu includes edamame, Tootsy Maki, shrimp nigiri, pork gyoza, sesame garlic chicken, garlic citrus yellowtail and certain beverages. Nicky’s Week was developed in memory of St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, of Scottsdale, Arizona. Nicky, the nephew of RA Sushi’s founder, lost a long battle with brain cancer in 2005 at the age of 13. The menu is available at both the Addison and Plano locations through Sunday, May 31.
One hundred percent of proceeds from designated Ra Sushi menu items benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital May 25-31.
