From sushi for a cause to a falafel anniversary and an annual Brew-BQ, this week packs in the foodie fun. There's even CultureMap's very own Hello Summer Social, which is, of course, a can't-miss event. Don't worry, though, with Memorial Day around the corner, you'll have Monday off to recover from all the festivities.
Tuesday, May 23
Nicky's Week at RA Sushi
This 13th annual fundraiser benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and honors the life of Nicholas Mailliard — a child who lost his battle with pediatric cancer in 2005 at the age of 13. Nicky was the nephew of RA Sushi co-founder Rich Howland. When guests order from the special Nicky’s Week menu, 100 percent of the proceeds go to St. Jude to raise funds for research to help cure childhood cancers and other life-threatening illnesses. The event runs through May 28.
Wednesday, May 24
CultureMap Hello Summer Social at West Village
Benefiting Kidd's Kids, our Summer Social promises to be impressive as always. Sip cocktails from Gentleman Jack, nosh on bites from various West Village eateries (think Pok the Raw Bar, Taco Diner, Public School, and more) and enjoy lawn games and a photo booth. Tickets are $20 and the event lasts from 6-8 pm.
Ravenswood Wine Dinner at Jasper's Plano
The “Godfather of Zin” (Joel Peterson) is hosting this four-course dinner with expert pairings from the Ravenswood Winery collection. Courses include goat-cheese-stuffed quail, crispy seared pork belly, braised short ribs, and a red-wine ice cream sundae. Tickets are $125, and dinner is served at 6:30 pm. For reservations, call Shannon Tinsley at 972-673-0823.
Thursday, May 25
Come-As-You-Are Wine Dinner at The Grape
This month's dinner features samplings from the Rhone Valley paired with a three-course bistro menu. The dinner is hosted by Dionysus Imports and features a wine expert who speaks to each individual table about the wines selected. Dinner is $54, and you can make your reservations between 5:30-9 pm by calling 214-828-1981.
Farm Shed Dinner at Dallas Farmers Market
This month's dinner features food from Grow it Forward Farm in Edom, Texas. The menu includes boiled peanuts, fried green tomatoes, peach al pastor quail, pork tenderloin, and a cheese plate. Tickets are $70, and the meal is served at 7:30 pm.
James Beard After Dinner at Abacus
Celebrating executive chef Christopher Patrick cooking a “Dallas Decadence” menu for 80 guests at New York City's James Beard House, Abacus is re-creating the menu for a special wine dinner. The menu plans to focus on Texas products including buffalo, pheasant, and rabbit, and each course is paired with a Jackson Family Wine. Tickets are $125, and the dinner starts at 6:30 pm. Contact Stephanie Conder at stephaniec@abacus-jaspers.com for reservations.
Friday, May 26
Anniversary Party at Amsterdam Falafelshop
Celebrate the European fast-casual restaurant's first anniversary in Dallas with live music on the patio; $1 pint beers; $1 falafel bowls and sandwiches; $1 off Shawarma bowls and sandwiches; and a raffle with chances to win catering trays, gift cards, and more. The celebration lasts from 4-7 pm.
Friday Night Foodie Tour at Dallas Farmers Market
Food Tours of America brings its Friday Night Foodie Tour to Dallas, featuring five generous, artisanal food tastings from local restaurants, as well as time for shopping and socializing. The host narrates each tasting course, sharing the relevance of Dallas Farmers Market, along with foodie trivia and the best bits and bites of Dallas history that will surprise even longtime local residents. Optional upgrades for this event include red or white wine by the bottle. Tickets are $79 and the event starts at 6:30 pm.
Sunday, May 28
Brew-BQ at Deep Ellum Brewing Company
When Deep Ellum Brewing Company was still just a dream, it threw a small party in a parking lot near the brewery to get to know its future neighbors and get some feedback on its first batches of beer. That party was Brew-BQ, and it's been a tradition ever since. Expect games, music, barbecue, beer, and community. Tickets are $35, and the fun starts at 6 pm.
Dallas Margarita Meltdown at West End
Competitors concoct their finest margarita and offer samples. Tickets start at $35 and include a sampling card, which allows you to sample, taste, and vote for your favorite margarita from each participating establishment. Think Yucatan Taco Stand, Iron Cactus, Fat Rabbit, Truck Yard, and more. The event lasts from 4-9 pm.
The Farm Shed Dinner at the Dallas Farmers Market is May 25.
The menu is globally inspired. Photo courtesy of Pangea 