Since 2004, the H-E-B-sponsored event has hosted dozens of events, served hundreds of wines, supported local chefs, and raised more than $2 million for local charities, according to Wine & Food Week founder Constance McDerby.
“We were the first multi-day event in this region,” said McDerby. “With the help of longtime partner H-E-B, we have helped elevate wine and food while launching many restaurants, wines, and craft beverages. It is extremely gratifying to look back and know that we have made a positive impact on a community we love, but we could not do it without a village of volunteers, sponsors and the support of chefs and wineries throughout the globe.”
New this year to the weeklong event is a yoga and breakfast event on June 5. The Yoga Aruba Fusion Sip, Stretch and Savor class led by Aruba’s premier Yogi Master Shanti will be followed by bubbles and a tropical power bowl from Aruba’s chef Urvin Croes.
Also, June 5, the annual fave Wine Around the World Wednesday provides a jet setting experience at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Convention Center. Guests will sip wines spanning the globe from Japan to Spain while learning about each industry from wine pros. A global selection of foods will be on offer at each pitstop.
Fashion designers and Houston-area top chefs will work together to produce the annual Get Frosted at Rosé Way fashion show June 6. Sparkling and rosé wines will be flowing at the pretty-in-pink event and culinary experiences from chef Aaron Bludorn and chef Austin Simmons will be touted via auction benefitting the Southern Smoke Foundation. The event will be capped off by Houston icon Chloe Dao’s fashion show and an appearance by artist Shelbi Nicole with COACH.
Women of the wine world will bring their expertise to the annual Ladies of the Vine event June 7 with a panel presenting and discussing wine pairings. Tasting stations will be followed by a multi-course wine meal at The Club at Carlton Woods.
Things get much more casual at the evening Sips, Suds, and Savor event June 7. Anticipate more than 20 local restaurants and 18 craft distilleries, plus craft beers, and wineries along with entertainment.
The week culminates June 8 with the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase starring 50 chefs and 500 wines to sample. One chef will win a $5,000 cash prize and the Chef of Chefs Award chosen by a panel of judges including Houston Chronicle’s Bao Ong, chef Austin Simmons, Goya’s Fernando Desa, and Texas Monthly restaurant critic Patricia Sharp. The event will also induct foodie couple Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown into its Hall of Fame. Cheers to all!
TRIS chef Austin Simmons
Master Sommelier Guy Stout
Crave and Maven's Carajillo cupcake, center, and Espresso Martini cupcake, topped with an ooey-gooey truffle
The truly craveable (and beautiful!) cupcakes await at Crave's Uptown Park and West U locations, as well as the coffee brand’s new outpost of Maven Coffee + Cocktails on Allen Parkway. The just-opened brick-and-mortar location inside the Thompson Hotel serves elevated bar classics, like G&Ts and tajin-rimmed margaritas, plus coffee-fueled specialty drinks including carajillos, espresso martinis, cold brew, and more.
Speaking of! The two new specialty Crave flavors are Espresso Martini and Carajillo. This Saturday, June 1, Crave and Maven host a joint promo, in collaboration with Tito's Vodka: When guests order both an Espresso Martini and a Carajillo cupcake, they will receive 15 percent off their total order, with a percentage of proceeds going to the Down Syndrome Association of Houston, celebrating the organization’s 50th year. One dollar for each cupcake sold at Maven will also be donated to the non-profit.
Perfect for the “non-dessert” person, the Carajillo cupcake is infused with Maven coffee concentrate, frosted with a Maven and Licor 43 buttercream swirl, and topped with house-made candied orange peels.
The Espresso Martini cupcake is also infused with coffee concentrate, then filled with Maven-and-Tito’s Vodka cream, frosted with a coffee-and-Tito’s swirl, and topped with a Maven truffle (so yummy, we were sad there was only one!).
"We are excited to see our coffee concentrate used for these exclusive cupcakes," says Juan Carlos Martinez de Aldecoa, Maven cofounder. "Partnering with other local entrepreneurs and introducing Maven to Houstonians in new, innovative ways is something we strive to do constantly."
For her part, Crave co-owner Elizabeth Harrison Cooper says that Maven's “dedication to utilizing only the highest quality ingredients aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to serve these new cupcake flavors that were created by local talents right here in Houston.”
Cooper’s bakeshop has announced two additional local partnerships with Sprinkle Pop and a certain ice cream brand famed for its small batch artisanal ice cream that sells out within minutes. Together, they will create new flavors that will launch throughout the summer season and will be available for a limited time only. The new flavors include Luau, Strawberry Lemonade, and Peaches and Cream, and will be available at both Crave locations.
“Our summer lineup of flavors inspired by Houstonians and their brands will be a fantastic way to keep our customers satisfied this summer,” adds Cooper.
