Get a Pre-Valentine’s Rush at this Hot Spot’s Wine & Dine Series

Get a Pre-Valentine’s Rush at this Hot Spot’s Wine & Dine Series

Navy Blue's branzino (photo by Caroline Fontenot)

WINE, CANDLES AND FINE cuisine — almost all the elements needed for a romantic evening. Not into the crowds or strict reservations this Valentine’s Day? When you want to woo your loved one your way, consider Navy Blue’s Mondays with Molly.

The monthly series is for wine- and food-lovers, and the next one is Feb. 12, which means you can duck the Valentine’s Day frenzy by attending. Molly Austad, the sommelier for Navy Blue and Bludorn, takes a deep dive into wine and food pairings and educates guests on wine varietals and the art of tasting wine. Four- or five-course meals and pairings are usually kept a delightful surprise, so it’s a little like opening a box of chocolates.

The superstar sommelier kicked off the four-part monthly wine club dinner series back in October. Her topic for the evening was “How to Sound like a Wine Expert” in an intimate and interactive dinner setting. Tables are set up the private room at Navy Blue, so you won’t have to compete with the main dining restaurant activities. You can be sure that restaurateur-chef Aaron Bludorn will include fresh seafood on the menu!

If you can’t make it Feb. 12, both Navy Blue and Bludorn will offer an a la carte specialty menu Feb. 14, as well as delectable desserts from pastry chef Marie Riddle. Guests also have a chance to add a bountiful bouquet for their significant other or a bottle of Champagne ahead of time.

Molly Austad (photo by Julie Soefer)

Key lime pie (photo by Caroline Fontenot)

Photo courtesy Children's Museum Houston

ON SUNDAY, JUNE 16, the Children’s Museum Houston celebrates Juneteenth with a special Juneteenth Freedom Fest, an afternoon of art, poetry, literature, and music where children (and grown-ups!) can learn more about this important holiday, the oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery. It also celebrates the vast contributions of African Americans to the social, political and cultural life of the United States.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Courtesy of Sol Diaz-Peña

SUMMER’S HERE, AND the pop-up art exhibits have begun. Maybe it’s a response to the relentless heat and unpredictably weird weather, but during June through August, the city’s more forward-thinking (and often relatively young) art mavens embrace an approach to curation and presentation that is both cost-conscious and community-centric.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment