This week in gluttony

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Steak at Al Biernat's restaurant in Dallas

Steak and wine are on the menu this week.

Al Biernat's Facebook

First and foremost, friendly reminder that Mother’s Day is this Sunday. (You’ll find the list for Mother’s Day dining here.) But there are multiple opportunities to treat Mom (or other loved ones, or yourself) all week long. Tasty events range from a $21 popcorn and beer pairing to a $300 multicourse whiskey tasting. Save room for fresh gnocchi, Wagyu and wine, and a festival dedicated to local craft beer.

Tuesday, May 9

Garrison Brothers Distillery Bartender Face-Off at Local Yocal BBQ and Grill
Local bartenders will go head-to-head to create the best Garrison Brothers bourbon cocktail during this tasting event in historic downtown McKinney. Taking place at the Local Yocal BBQ and Grill, the event will welcome Garrison Brothers co-founder Charlie Garrison as one of the competition judges. Tickets are $50 and include three exclusive cocktail samples, Garrison Brothers tastings, bites and passed appetizers, live music, raffle prizes, and valet parking. Doors open at 6 pm and the cocktail competition begins at 7 pm.

Wednesday, May 10

Omakase at Kessaku featuring Glenfiddich Yozakura
An exclusive unveiling of Glenfiddich Single Malt Whiskey’s limited edition 29 year-old Grand Yozakura will take place during this multicourse tasting event. The spirit is the first-ever single malt to be finished in rare Japanese Awamori casks. A selection of sake and cocktails also will be offered. Reservations are $300, plus tax and gratuity, and the event begins at 6 pm.

Thursday, May 11

Icons of Eataly at Eataly Dallas
This month’s Icons of Eataly restaurant takeover features gnocchi al pesto Genovese, a pillowy potato gnocchi with fresh pesto Genovese pasta that’s well suited for the start of summer. Enjoy fresh gnocchi-making demonstrations and the chance to make your own pesto during this evening event at La Pizza & La Pasta, one of Eataly’s restaurants. The evening will include live music and freshly cracked wheels of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The featured gnocchi dish will be $30 and the event will run from 5-10 pm.

Robert Mondavi Wine Dinner at Al Biernat’s North
Partake in a variety of wines from Robert Mondavi paired with four courses during this dinner at Al Biernet’s North location. Menu highlights include Wagyu beef and lamb meatballs paired with Pinot Noir and center cut filet mignon paired with Cabernet. Dinner is $195, plus tax and gratuity. Arrive for a reception with passed appetizers at 6:30 pm followed by dinner at 7 pm.

Wagyu and Wine at Fodo de Chao
All locations of the South American-inspired steakhouse will offer at side-by-side tasting of bone-in ribeye and Wagy ribeye paired with Fogo’s Trilogy Wines, which include two red blends and a malbec. The $45 price also includes hors d’oeuvres like Brazilian empanadas and bacon-wrapped chicken. Reservations may be made starting at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, May 13

Raclette + Wine Tasting at Trova Wine + Market
On the eve of Mother's Day, treat mom to complimentary Raclette cheese, paired with wines from Mayfield Selections, poured by Kelsey Collins Keener. Don't miss out on roasted potatoes, onions, cornichons, and prosciutto topped with melted Raclette cheese. And of course, wine. Reservations are recommended (make them on Open Table), but walk-ins are also welcome. 1-4 pm.

Beer + Popcorn Pairing at TUPPS Brewery
The downtown McKinney brewery will partner with neighbor Mom & Popcorn for a unique pairing. Try five flavors of gourmet popcorn paired with five different craft beers. Popcorn varieties include sea salt with cracked pepper, chili con queso, pizza, loaded potato, and classic caramel. Tickets for pairings are $21 and will be available at staggered times of 12 pm, 2 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm. There’ll also be live music from 1-4 pm.

Strassen Beerfest DFW 2023
More than 30 local breweries will participate in this annual German-themed tasting event, set to take place at Texas Live! in Arlington. Guests can partake in multiple food stations, drinking games, and music. Tickets start at $25 for entry and three pints of beer along with a stein. The event, which starts at 2 pm, is 21-and-up, but dogs are welcome.

dinner chefs news-you-can-eat

Downtown News

Mom-and-pop Italian grocery in downtown Dallas closes after a year

Ari's

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A buzzy grocery store in downtown Dallas has closed: Ari’s Pantry, the small local chain specializing in Italian groceries and to-go foods, has closed its location in the heart of the Central Business District at 1800 Main St.#124.

A statement from the owners called it "a difficult decision." The closure is effective July 15.

"We are truly grateful for the welcome Ari's Pantry received from the downtown Dallas community. You have supported our business and shared in our passion for Italian food and hospitality. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our Downtown Dallas location effective today," their post said.

The closure comes a little over a year since they opened in May 2025.

Downtown was the third location for the small mom-and-pop market, which debuted in Winnetka Heights in December 2023 to fulfill owner Ari Lowenstein's passion for all things Italy, with pastas, gourmet goods, dried foods, produce, plus meals for dining in or to go.

They opened a second location in Trinity Groves in 2024, which is currently marked on their website as "closed for the summer," although it does not list a re-opening date. Lowenstein was unavailable for comment.

The downtown location was originally a joint venture between Lowenstein and Alan Kearney, a downtown enthusiast who owns businesses nearby such as The Crafty Irishman and Patrick Kennedy's Irish Pub, as well as Cannon's Corner Irish Pub in Oak Cliff. However, Kearney withdrew from the store after it opened.

To accommodate the needs of downtown workers and residents, Lowenstein added a coffee shop and gelato stand. It was open for coffee at 7 am and until 9 pm, with a dining area where customers could have wine and cheese.

The location at 1800 Main St. seems to be in a favorable spot, surrounded by residential buildings and hotels such as the AC Hotel and Statler Dallas. Who has not spent a night in a hotel and longed for a market nearby with snacks and wine? It's also across the street from Neiman Marcus, whose imminent closure in September has provoked some pearl-clutching about the prosperity of downtown. But the downtown population does not always support local businesses.

Ari's was not the first to find the location challenging: It was previously occupied by the well-mounted Berkley's Market, which closed in 2024 after six years in the space.

The owners stated that they would "continue focusing on our locations in Coppell and Bishop Arts as we look ahead to the next chapters of Ari's Pantry," before thanking "every customer who stopped in for coffee, lunch or gelato, picked up dinner, discovered a new favorite ingredient."

downtown closings