It's a great week to try new things, like making your own New Orleans-inspired dinner or fresh mozzarella from scratch, learning to play mahjong while partaking in tea and scones, or trying some of North America's most-noted cocktails by way of a Mexican bar takeover. Pickle lovers, pucker up for a sour soiree this weekend.

Thursday, September 4

Bar Takeover at Customs Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy
Customs Cocktail Lounge & Speakeasy, located above the newly opened ELLA Dine + Drinks in Preston Hollow Village, will host a guest bartender takeover with Mexico City’s Hanky Panky, ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars in North America. Sponsored by Condessa Gin and Cazcanes Tequila, the takeover will feature four unique cocktails created by two Hanky Panky bartenders. Tickets are $25, plus tax, and include one cocktail and a seating time of either 6 pm, 8 pm, or 10 pm.

Friday, September 5

Bourbon Street at The Cookery
Create your own taste of New Orleans during this hands-on cooking class. The menu will include spicy Cajun crawfish bread with pickled mirliton slaw, jambalaya with corn and pepper maque choux, and bananas Foster with vanilla ice cream. Hurricanes and wine pairings are included in the $125 ticket price. Class will run from 6:30-9:30 pm.

Saturday, September 6

Pickle Fest in Downtown Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie’s annual pickle-themed party will feature creative pickle-inspired food and drinks, pickle-eating and juice-drinking contests, a pickleball tournament, and even a pickle costume contest. The briny celebration will take place from 10 am-2 pm on Main Street in downtown Grand Prairie. Admission and parking are free.

Hands-On Cheesemaking Class at Mozzarella Company
Learn to make fresh ricotta to form mozzarella and queso Oaxaca during this hands-on class. This session includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mozzarella Company and ends with a wine and cheese tasting. Class is $85 and runs from 12-2 pm.

Mahjong Tea & Social Hour at Ritz-Carlton, Las Colinas
Combining the latest craze in social game play with afternoon tea service, The Ritz-Carlton in Las Colinas is launching Mahjong Tea on Saturdays. The experience is in partnership with The Mahjong Line of mahjong sets and features seasonal teas, bubbles, Asian-inspired bites, and lively gameplay. Menu items include Asian dumplings, bao buns, tea sandwiches, tarts, macarons, and more. Tickets are $75, plus tax and gratuity, and the event runs from 1-3 pm on Saturdays through October 18.