June 25: Burger Bodega Pop-Up

Bludorn chef-owner Aaron Bludorn and Burger Bodega’s Abbas Dhanani are teaming up this Saturday (noon-3PM) in the backyard at Bludorn. Anticipate hot-off-the-grill smash burgers – a double patty with grilled onions, pickles and bodega sauce on a Martin’s potato bun – as well as sweet treats, ice cream and cool drinks at the bar.

June 29: James Beard Foundation’s Taste America

The kickoff of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America culinary series starring many Houston chefs takes place next week. The June 29 soiree at Silver Street Studios is the first of 20 events in this year’s series celebrating the chefs and local independent restaurants across America. Taste Houston will highlight the richness of Houston’s food culture, while spotlighting national chefs who are aligned with the Foundation’s mission.

Here’s a tease of the tasting menu from just a few of our Houston chefs: Top Chef finalist Evelyn Garcia and her biz partner Henry Lu will prepare ceviche with lemongrass leche de tigre, chili oil and sesame crisp, while Michelle Wallace of Gatlin’s is serving hickory-smoked catfish with deconstructed dirty rice. And Dawn Burrell of the forthcoming Late August will present cured salmon with tamarind “Tiger fry,” cucumber and crunchy salmon skin.

Expect an immersive experience with interactive stations, an installation from Houston’s innovative media lab Input Output, and music from DJ Seek. A portion of proceeds from each event will go directly to the participating chefs’ restaurants, with the remaining proceeds benefiting the James Beard Foundation’s national programming, including the Open for Good campaign. Purchase tickets (starting at $175) here before it’s too late!

June 26: Ferragamo Wine Dinner

Ferragamo is headed to Houston! The Italian design house is collaborating with Doris Metropolitan for an exclusive night with the Ferragamo family winery, IL BORRO, for the Ferragamo Wine Dinner ($325). The dashing Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the company’s founder, will be mingling with guests and signing bottles of IL BORRO. For reservations call 713.485.0466.

June 26-July 3: Lysverket Norwegian Dinners

Catch this! Golfstrømmen’s Executive Chef Christopher Haatfut will be flying in from Norway and bringing his acclaimed seafood concept Lysverket along with him for a one-week gastronomic takeover. The pop-up will include nightly dinners at Golfstrømmen alongside brunch offerings that will bookend the week of evening festivities. The dining sessions ($75-$175, 24 seats available) feature special collaborations, including a vegetable-centric dinner with Urban Harvest on June 28. See the menu breakdown and reservation info here.

June 29-Sept. 1: Earth Wine & Fire Dinners

The heat is on at Fleming’s with the new Earth, Wine & Fire three-course wine dinner experience. Guests can choose between two three-course menus: a plant-forward Earth Menu and a signature steak Fire Menu. Each menu is paired with three wines from the Wagner Family portfolio featuring Caymus Vineyards.