This Week in Gluttony

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

Philly Pretzel Factory will be serving up pretzels at BrewFest.

Photo courtesy of Philly Pretzel Factory

Getting back into a routine after Labor Day weekend might be rough, so we'll give you the week to recover and prepare for this weekend's awesome lineup of food and drink events. Thai? Check. Football and booze? Check. Chocolate? Got it.

Friday, September 6

First Friday Cigar, Bourbon, and Brew at Cool River Cafe
TahWahKaro Distilling Co. and Boulevard Brewing Company are teaming up to bring premium pours and lots of knowledge from visiting company representatives. Guests will be treated to hors d'oeuvres from chef Fernando Rodriguez and a complimentary, hand-rolled cigar by master cigar roller Mario Almanza. Tickets are $35, and the event starts at 6:30 pm.

Toasting to Touchdowns at Omni Frisco Hotel
Its second annual event toasts to the 2019 football season and allows attendees to take advantage of the official hotel of the Dallas Cowboys and its awesome amenities, like the elevated pool deck and bar — The Edge — which overlooks The Star. The event features signature cocktails, tailgate-inspired culinary dishes, and tunes by DJ SC. Tickets are $35, and the event kicks off at 6:30 pm.

Dallas Chocolate Festival VIP Party at Fashion Industry Gallery
On the eve of the 10th annual Dallas Chocolate Festival, VIPs are invited to gather for a first chance to explore, shop, and sample all weekend offerings. Think light bites, adult beverages, and even a swag bag. Tickets are $75, and the party starts at 7 pm.

Saturday, September 7

Dallas Chocolate Festival at Fashion Industry Gallery
This two-day, family-friendly expo aims to tell “The Story of Chocolate,” for the 10th year. More than 3,000 attendees are expected to learn, taste, shop, and experience quality chocolate from more than 60 chocolate makers from around the world. Guided tastings and chocolate making classes will be available for an extra charge. Tickets start at $35, and the festival starts at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday.

Dallas Observer BrewFest at Dallas Farmers Market
This outdoor beer-sampling event and festival features hundreds of local, international, and craft beers. There will also be live music and plenty of food from Tutta's Pizza, Fletcher's Original State Fair Corny Dogs, Philly Pretzel Factory, and Taqueria Taxco. Tickets start at $30, and the event starts at 7 pm.

Monday, September 9

Summer Thai Kitchen Cooking Class at Sur la Table Dallas Knox District
Learn how to bring in fresh, summer flavors to some of your favorite Thai dishes as the class learns its way around a wok. The menu includes perfect pad Thai, lime and brown sugar glazed salmon, green mango and cucumber salad with peanuts, and coconut lime sorbet. Tickets are $69, and the class starts at 1 pm.

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Skewer News

Vila Brazil to bring affordable Brazilian steakhouse to Cedar Hill

Photo courtesy of Vila Brazil

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A Brazilian steakhouse known for its low-for-steak prices is coming to Garland: Called Vila Brazil, it's part of a small local chain and will open in Cedar Hill, at 305 W. RM Rd. 1382 #316, in the former Crab & Bar space, in late 2025.

Vila Brazil was founded by restaurateur Roberto de Sa, who opened the first location in Irving in 2011, as a home-grown rendition of churrascaria-type restaurants such as Fogo de Chao. A second location opened in Garland in 2024.

According to co-owner Gabriel de Sa, the Cedar Hill location will feature the same menu, including rotating chef specials at the buffet.

Vila Brazil features a lower-cost version of churrascaria, a Brazilian style of serving cuts of grilled meat from giant skewers onto diners’ plates. They offer eight cuts of meat including picanha steak, sirloin, chicken, lamb, and pork.

There’s also a salad bar buffet featuring rice, salads, vegetables, and Brazilian-inspired dishes such as cheese bread rolls and cinnamon-grilled pineapple.

Weekday lunch is $25 and dinner is $40 daily. For the buffet only, it’s $18-$21.

They own other restaurants including VB's steakhouse in Arlington and Casa Pollastro, a Brazilian-Italian concept in North Dallas. But Gabriel says they take a different approach with Vila Brazil than some of the other more expensive churrascaria restaurants in town.

"Instead we offer homemade food at an affordable price with great quality and flavor,” he says. "Our guests on average visit our store three times a month — much more frequently than your typical churrascaria."

The Cedar Hill location will be fairly large, in a 6,528 square-foot space, with an approachable casual dining atmosphere.

“We choose the Cedar Hill community for the same reason we opened in Garland, to serve an underserved community,” Gabriel says. “A fusion between a fast casual buffet and a Brazilian Churrascaria Vila Brazil is accessible to all members of the community with high value.”

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