MAX's Wine Dive isn't your typical wine bar. Instead of cheese plates and tapas, this wine bar invites you to pair your merlot or pinot with Southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or a juicy brisket-short rib burger. Champagne and fried chicken make a natural pair at MAX's—just try the fried chicken salad with champagne dressing for proof.

Somehow, the mix of homestyle fare and fine wines works perfectly at MAX's Wine Dive. Perhaps that's because the classic Southern fried chicken takes a while to deep-fry, allowing you plenty of time to enjoy a glass or two of wine before it's ready. The chicken marinates in jalapeño-infused buttermilk before chefs deep-fry it "low and slow" in order to retain as much juiciness as possible. Then the kitchen team serves it alongside mashed potatoes, collard greens, and Texas toast smothered in a slightly spicy chipotle honey butter.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Don LaVange

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is at the forefront of finding the cure for cancer, particularly those types that tend to afflict children most frequently. If you're interested in helping its researchers find a cure, there's an easy way to help. Participate in the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer on Saturday, September 24 in Minute Maid Park. It's only $10 to sign up, but chances are you'll contribute much more than that to the cause. You can fundraise as an individual or a team to help St. Jude meet its goal of $250,000. Months before the event actually unfolds, local teams are already well on their way to crushing the fundraising goal.

Every dollar you fundraise could represent a child who beats cancer and a family who doesn't go into financial distress over the course of his or her treatment. That's because since St. Jude opened in 1962, it has never billed a family for treatments, housing, or even travel. St. Jude covers every expense and still has helped boost the childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% in the past five decades. Help St. Jude continue its work by being part of its Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer in September.

St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer
When: Saturday, September 24
Where: Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002
Cost: $10
fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?fr_id=57397&pg=entry

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr shannonb

Friends, family, and fun are the cornerstones of life according to the people behind Sambuca, which is why all three are welcome at their downtown Houston eatery. Tucked away on Texas Street, this upscale restaurant offers live music and gourmet American fare every night of the week.

Whether you're looking for a simple glass of wine or a full meal, you'll be able to find it at Sambuca. Patrons praise the hickory-smoked prime pork chop, served with charred tomato sauce, prosciutto, and mac and cheese on the side. You can also opt for something from the sea, such as shrimp and crab scampi, or dig into a meat-free dish such as the Mediterranean veggie lasagna. Pizzas and small plates are available here too, if you just want something light to enjoy while you sip.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Evan Wood