Don’t Miss the Williams-Sonoma Culinary Kickoff Event

For foodies in Houston, the Williams-Sonoma Culinary Kickoff Event will be a special treat. Featuring high-profile chefs, this tasting event will be held at Williams-Sonoma Highland Village today from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $100, but the cost is more than reasonable given the fare that you'll be able to enjoy.

Chef Michael Mina joins forces with other culinary artists, including chefs Charlie Palmer, Adam Sobel, and Danny Trace at the Williams-Sonoma Kickoff Event. Each chef will whip up small bites that represent his or her specific style in the kitchen, and then the food is paired with fine wines from Charles Woodson. So come with a big appetite to the Williams-Sonoma Culinary Kickoff Event later today.

Pepper Twins: For all the Szechuan You Can Handle

If you're craving the sweet, spicy, and altogether enchanting flavors of some top-notch Chinese cuisine, you definitely need to make a visit to Houston’s Pepper Twins in the near future. This increasingly popular West Gray Street restaurant is making quite a name for itself, thanks to what it describes as “country-style organic Chinese food.”

The menu takes cues from the cuisine of the Sichuan province of southwestern China, which means the spiciness and use of garlic is not for the faint of heart. Yet it’s practically irresistible, especially when things like Berkshire pork belly and a dish called “Fish Loves Tofu” are on the menu. Adventurous eaters and Chinese cuisine fanatics must pay Pepper Twins a visit.

The 24th Annual Houston Iranian Film Festival Celebrates Art and Diversity

One of the biggest perks of living in a bustling metropolis is the diversity and culture that you encounter on a daily basis. You can really engage in the diverse city that you call home at the 24th Annual Houston Iranian Film Festival, running from January 20th through the 25th and hosted by The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH).

This annual festival has been part of the local arts scene since 1993, the first year that movie lovers convened at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston to view and discuss the cinematic works of emerging Iranian filmmakers. Today, the MFAH continues the tradition, screening movies created by talents from Tehran, the U.S., and Canada. Chances are you'll recognize some of the actors since several of them appeared in films at the famed Cannes Film Festival, and even if you don't, you'll still be delighted by the wide variety of films spanning a huge spectrum of genres. Most of the festival takes part at the MFAH, so don't miss it!

Beer Market Co.: A Local Destination for Great Brews and Good Eats

A must-visit for beer lovers, Beer Market Co. has a huge selection of ales that are sure to please even the most discerning fan. There are 24 beers on tap daily, and they vary in both taste and origin. Beer imported from all over the world is available here, including locally produced favorites and national brands. And that’s just on tap! With its extensive collection housed in the “Beer Vault,” all in all there are over 365 types of beer here. There’s a menu full of snacks, salads, and sandwiches to pair with your drink too. For the non-beer drinkers, there are specialty cocktails as well.

Beer Market Co. has a great atmosphere that you're sure to love, with televisions strategically placed around the interior for watching the big game and the outdoor patio where many patrons love to spend the evening. Beer Market Co. isn't far from Siena at Memorial Heights, so head over here to sample some great craft beer.

Peli Peli Kitchen: Try the Signature Rotisserie Chicken

Houston's Peli Peli Kitchen takes the term "fusion fare" to the extreme. Its menu combines elements of English, French, Dutch, Indian, and American cuisine. The result? An entirely new type of fare that, according to the people of Houston, is well worth a try.

The signature dish is the Peli, the eatery's take on South African peri-peri rotisserie chicken. Glazed with a sauce that emits both heat and subtle sweetness, the Peli chicken comes as wings or a half- or whole rotisserie chicken, and you can add sides to create a full meal. Pair your Peli with grilled cauliflower, truffle fries, and candied sweet potatoes to create a feast. You can also opt for one of the naan tacos (perhaps the smoked salmon or curried chicken) or dig into a classic banh mi sandwich stuffed with roast beef or pork belly. The options are eclectic and many at Peli Peli Kitchen in Houston, so you may want to return time and time again to try something new.

Urban Eats Is a Go-To Spot for Sophisticated Comfort Food Near You

The next time you’re craving some sophisticated comfort food, make plans to visit Urban Eats on Washington Avenue. The menu is full of crave-worthy American fare that is familiar to any frequent bar-goer but elevated by the chefs here. All items on the menu are either made in-house or by one of Houston’s popular bakeries. Popular items on the menu include the macaroni and cheese, the glazed Brussels sprouts, and the different slider and fry combinations that are available.

In addition to food, guests can order drinks from a full bar. Urban Eats serves brunch, lunch, and dinner and is open every day of the week for your dining needs. Note that the restaurant is only a half-mile from Siena at Memorial Heights. Will you be visiting this popular eatery soon?

Don’t Miss the Day for Night Music Festival

Winter isn't typically music festival season, but that's one of the perks of living in Houston—music festival season never really ends. On December 17th and 18th, the Day for Night Music Festival keeps the fun going in the city. From Björk to Chet Faker, the roster of performers is eclectic and lengthy.

Tickets start at $100 for a one-day pass, but you can also splurge on a full-weekend pass if you want to see the entire show. In addition to the headliners, Travis Scott, Kaskade, Odesza, and other indie performers are also part of the line-up. Music isn't the only thing on the itinerary, either. There are also displays by digital artists to complement the tunes, so allow some time to enjoy other kinds of art at the Day for Night Music Festival.

Day for Night Music Festival
When: Dec. 17 – 18
Where: Barbara Jordan Post Office, 401 Franklin Street, Houston, TX
Cost: $100
www.dayfornight.io
www.visithoustontexas.com/event/day-for-night-music-festival/43652

Check Out the Family Art Studio: Paper Marbling Workshop at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts

The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts always has masterpieces on display, but on Wednesday nights, you can actually make your own art. Coming up on Wednesday, December 14th, the Family Art Studio at the Pearl Fincher Museum presents an interactive workshop on paper marbling.

The 90-minute session is offered twice that evening, so you can attend at 4:30 or at 6:30 p.m. The instructor will walk you through the basics of paper marbling, which is exactly what it sounds like: printing marble-inspired designs on sheets of paper. The pretty paper can then be used for cards, art prints, and more—a perfect craft for the holiday season. Keep an eye on the upcoming workshops for more fun at the museum.

Family Art Studio: Paper Marbling Workshop
When: 4:30 – 6 p.m. and 6:30 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14
Where: Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX
Cost: $8+
www.eventbrite.com/e/family-art-studio-dec-14-2016-paper-marbling-tickets-28933525955
www.pearlmfa.org

Dine in Style at The Pass

As the vision of two chefs who were charged with running Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, The Maze, the best way to describe The Pass is unique. After you are escorted through a secret door and are seated, you have a choice between several menus, including vegetarian options. After that, the wait staff will bring you between five and eight courses throughout the evening. Come hungry and ready for a culinary adventure because none of what you will be served is traditional fare but rather a conglomeration of regional and international cuisine—the vision of the restaurant's owners.

The Pass is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. and is located in the same space with Provisions. Reservations are suggested, so be sure to claim your table today!

Praia Urbana Takes Over The Hive with Electronic Music on Saturday, November 26th

Annually, Houston is home to a giant outdoor electronic music festival, which is known as Praia Urbana. The festival generally occurs in the summer, but to satisfy the thirst of electronic music lovers, Praia Urbana is putting on an awesome show at The Hive on Saturday, November 26th. Technasia, a globally recognized artist, will headline the concert, and other electronic artists will accompany Technasia. The concert runs from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Tickets are required for entry to this sure-to-be-awesome show. Available tickets are $20 per person. Note that the show is expected to sell out, so be sure to purchase your tickets sooner rather than later. Tickets are available online. Grab your friends and head out to this exciting show this month.

Praia Urbana at The Hive
When: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 26
Where: The Hive, 4701 Nett Street B, Houston, TX
Cost: $20
www.facebook.com/events/349708475363356/

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