This Week in Gluttony

These are the 10 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Join Zaytinya in Frisco for a Greek wine dinner on September 10.

Photo courtesy of Zaytinya

Food event fans, we hope you are hungry. This week is jam-packed with wine dinners and food festivals galore. There are restaurant grand openings and sneak peeks. There are even celebrations dedicated to salsa and the State Fair of Texas. From a Greek wine dinner to California wine harvest celebration, this lineup is spectacularly specific.

Tuesday, September 10

Nosh Bistro Grand Opening
Renowned chef Avner Samuel is hosting a grand opening celebration complete with complimentary wine and passed hors d'oeuvres. There will also be a cash bar. The grand opening affair is from 5-10 pm, come and go, and admission is free. RSVP here.

Greek Wine Diner at Zaytinya
Explore the world of Greek wines with chef Jon Thompson at this five-course dinner featuring specially selected pours to complement each course. Courses include crab dolmades, grilled quail, seared lamb belly kavourmas, spit-roasted A Bar N Ranch ribeye, and myzithropitakia. Tickets are $125, and the dinner starts at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, September 11

California Harvest Celebration at Del Frisco's Grille
In honor of Crush, the annual grape harvest in California, Del Frisco's Grille is presenting a walk-around tasting that showcases 20 California wines and passed hors d'oeuvres of restaurant favorites like ahi tacos, artichoke beignets, cheesesteak egg rolls, steak crostini, and charcuterie. Guests can expect wines from Duckhorn Vineyards, DAOU Vineyards & Winery, Orin Swift Cellars, and more. Tickets are $65, and the event starts at 6:30 pm. To reserve your spot, call 972-807-6152.

Thursday, September 12

Corks and Canvas at Frisco Fine Arts Center
Join the DFW chapter of the NFL Alumni for socializing and networking for the betterment of the area. Sample food, wine, and other spirits while exploring and experiencing different artists. There will also be a live and silent auction and lots of other surprises throughout the event. Funds raised go toward children's charities. An after party will follow at Tavern on the Square in Frisco. Tickets start at $50, and the event kicks off at 7 pm.

Grapefest at Historic Downtown Grapevine
This annual event features four days of wine-infused fun that allows North Texans to indulge in several sips from local wineries and beyond. Signature events include the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic, Texas Wine Tribute honoring Spicewood Vineyards, GrapeStomp, Grapefest Golf Classic, live music and entertainment, and more. Tickets start at $8 for adults, and the event kicks off at 10 am. For a full schedule of the long weekend of wine tasting events, click here.

Taste of Hall at Hall Arts
Chef Eric Dreyer and Hall Arts Hotel presents this event featuring local restaurants, specialty cocktails, Hall Wines, entertainment, and a sneak peek of the hotel's signature restaurant — Ellie's. Participating restaurants include Flora Street Café, Miriam Cocina Latina, Musume, Playwright Pub, and The Artisan. Proceeds from this event benefit AWARE, which is a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease in North Texas. Tickets are $75, and the event starts at 6 pm.

CEO Breakfast Speaker Series at Al Biernat's North
This CEO Spotlight with David Johnson returns with real estate mogul Lucy Billingsley to kick off the fall speaker series. The event allows guests to network with other attendees while noshing on a variety of passed breakfast items and buffet stations. Billingsley is slated to talk for approximately 30-45 minutes, followed by a short Q&A. A raffle drawing for a business lunch for four at Al Biernat's North will cap off the event. Tickets are $50, and the event starts at 7 am.

Friday, September 13

Fair Food Fest at Trinity Groves
Time to get in the State Fair of Texas state of mind with this fun food festival featuring oversized “fair-inspired” food, fun games, drink specials, live music, face-painting, and more. Participating restaurants include Souk Kebab House, Luck, Chino Chinatown, V-Eats Modern Vegan, The Hall Bar & Grill, and more. Tickets are $5, and the event starts at 6 pm.

Saturday, September 14

Downtown Salsa Showdown at Grand Prairie Farmers Market
Individuals, businesses, and organizations from across Grand Prairie will compete for the title of Salsa Showdown Champion. Attendees will sample and vote for whomever they think has the best salsa in town for the "People's Choice" award, and there will also be a first, second, and third place winner from the official judges. The winners are awarded prize money for their charity of choice in addition to a trophy. Tickets are $5, and the event starts at 10 am.

Brunch for Hope Brunchin' in N'awlins at 2616 Commerce Events Center
Celebrity chef Blythe Beck of Pink Magnolia is cooking up delicious cuisine, while Bree and The Fellas entertain with live jazz music at this soulful event benefiting Dallas Hope Charities. Speaker Matthew Riemer, co-author of We Are Everywhere, will serve up the keynote address. VIP Access entitles guests to a signed copy of Riemer’s book, access to a VIP reception with Riemer and Beck, and premier seating. Tickets start at $75, and the event starts at 10:30 am.

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Hummus News

Upscale Mediterranean restaurant to open in Centrum Dallas building

Babel

A new upscale Mediterranean concept from a familiar Dallas name is coming to the Centrum building: Called Babel, it's a project from veteran restaurateur Mo Kamal, and it'll open at at 3180 Welborn St., in the former Steel restaurant, which closed a few months ago after many years in that space.

According to a release, it'll open in late November.

Babel will be rooted in generations of family tradition and inspired by the unique flavors of Lebanon, which is surely the best Middle Eastern cuisine of all. It'll build on the success of Kamal's popular restaurant Open Sesame — capturing the essence of Lebanese hospitality.

Open Sesame has been open since 2017, and has become a go-to for excellent Lebanese food with pita sandwiches and dishes such as kafta, which is ground beef with onions and parsley.

Babel promises to be its upscale sibling, with a more profoundly personal touch.

“Dallas has been missing a culturally authentic, upscale Mediterranean restaurant,” Kamal says in a statement. “With Babel, I wanted to create something that feels personal — a place that honors my family’s recipes, Lebanon’s rich culinary heritage and an elevated experience that guests will appreciate. Every detail, from the food to the atmosphere to the service, will tell that story.”

Details on the menu are still scant but the kitchen will be led by chef Zeina Kamal, Mo's sister, who will bring authentic Lebanese recipes passed down through generations.

She'll combine traditional spices and techniques with a refined presentation — featuring tastes from Beirut to Marrakesh including mezze, grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.

Designed as a modern Babylonian retreat, Babel's interiors will feature soft curves, flowing drapery, and a warm neutral palette, evoking the beauty and the Mediterranean coast.

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