Oh, so you thought because the State Fair is over you get a breather from the food fests? Not so much. This week is jam packed with wine dinners, culinary competitions, Farmers Market fun and much more. Unlike last week, when the majority of the events were free, you will have to cough up some cash to eat your way through this week’s lineup.
Wednesday, October 22
Family-style Beer Dinner at Victor Tangos
Join Victor Tangos for a five-course Belgian beer dinner with Duchesse De Bourgogne and St. Bernardus. Dinner starts at 7:30 pm, and courses include black bass with celery root broth and oxtail stew. Cost is $65 per person, and you can make reservations by calling 214-252-8595.
Thursday, October 23
Come As You Are Wine Dinner at The Grape
In honor of the restaurant’s 42nd birthday, chef Sarah Snow creates a three-course dinner to complement wines from the Old World (think France, Italy, Spain and Portugal). The dinner costs $64 per person, and reservations are available from 5:30-9:30 pm. Reserve your spot online.
A Celebration of Louisiana in Texas at The Foundry
Join Garden & Gun and the Louisiana Office of Tourism for a Louisiana culinary and musical throwdown of Texas proportions. This unforgettable evening features Louisiana chef Cory Bahr of Cotton and Dallas chef Tim Byres of Smoke, as well as live music by The Deslondes and Feufollet. The event runs from 7-10 pm. Tickets are $125, and you can buy them online.
Friday, October 24
42nd Anniversary Celebration at The Grape
Chef Sarah Snow prepares a special anniversary menu for $42 per person with an optional wine pairing upgrade. Courses include oxtail ravioli with celery root puree, roasted mirepoix and beurre rouge; pork Milanese with onion risotto, cassava, watercress and lemon-caper beurre blanc; and caramel pot de crème with bourbon sabayon, charred fig and bacon candy. The à la carte menu is also available nightly, and reservations are recommended. Call 214-828-1981 or visit the website.
Saturday, October 25
The Dinner Detective Dallas at Crowne Plaza
Make your weekend one to remember with the Dinner Detective, an interactive murder mystery dinner show. Actors are hidden among the customers, making everyone a suspect. Admission is $59.95 per person and includes a four-course meal and dinner show. Reserve your spot online.
Sunday, October 26
Chefs for Farmers Big Oyster Bash at Dallas Farmers Market
Join Chefs for Farmers at the Dallas Farmers Market from 2-6 pm for oysters from Texas and the coasts shucked onsite, an oyster-slurping contest, wine and cocktails, tarot card reader, tunes from DJ Souljah, and more. Participating chefs include Jon Alexis of TJ’s Seafood Market, Matt McCallister of FT33, Kyle McClelland of Proof + Pantry, Jack Perkins of Slow Bone, Stephen Rogers of Gemma, Jon Stevens of Stock & Barrel, John Tesar of Knife, and Randy Rucker of Briar and Bramble. The event is BYOG (bring your own glass) and costs $85. A portion of proceeds benefits Chefs for Farmers and Foodways Texas. Buy tickets online.
XXII Annual Caesar Salad Competition at Westin Galleria
Nine chefs serve their renditions of Caesar salad accompanied by an amuse-bouche while you, the judges, assess the creativity, presentation and taste. Participants include Thomas Holt of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Chad Kelley of Cafe Pacific, Andrea Maricich of Second Floor, Antonio Marquez of Lazaranda Modern Kitchen, Mark McDaniel of ReMARKable Affairs Catering, Kenny Mills of Chop House Burger, Brandon Moore of Ocean Prime, Stan Rodrigues of Whiskey Cake, and Julio Peraza of Komali. The fun starts at 2 pm, and tickets are $70 each or $600 for a table of 10. Buy them online.
Monday, October 27
Poderi Aldo Conterno Wine Dinner at Knife
Starting at 6:30 pm, chef John Tesar and special guest winemaker Franco Conterno take guests through five courses such as beef cheek ravioli and skate piccata paired with six wines from the Poderi Aldo Conterno collection. The Conterno family has been making wine since the 19th century on a small farm in Italy’s Piedmont region. The dinner is $225 per person, and reservations are required. Call 214-443-9339.
Seventh Annual Pumpkin-carving Contest at Libertine Bar
At Libertine’s annual pumpkin-carving contest, winners get cash: $100 gift certificate for first place, $50 for second place and a $25 gift certificate for third. Sign-up is $10 at the bar for one pumpkin and one draft beer. Carving starts at 6 pm; the judging begins at 9. All proceeds go to Lindsley Park Community Schools.
The Grape celebrates 42 years in Dallas with various events throughout the week.
Salmon at Bar LouieCourtesy photo