Welcome to DiningOut’s Plate Full of News, where you’ll get a plateful of restaurant, bar, and chefs happenings each week.
The 411
Houston diners can make their January meals count thanks to two citywide initiatives supporting the Southern Smoke Foundation, which provides emergency relief and free mental health care to food and beverage workers nationwide. Houstonians can participate in Dine Out Rice Village, which encourages guests to explore prix-fixe menus and featured dishes at Rice Village staples including D’Amico’s, Hamsa, Hudson House, Mendocino Farms, Milton’s, and Navy Blue—with a portion of proceeds benefiting SSF. Meanwhile, Dry January with SSF + A Cut Above promotes mindful sipping, with participating bars and restaurants donating $1 from every signature zero-proof Cut Above cocktail sold in January.
After years of cultivating a devoted following through pop-ups around the city, Yuma—the Brazilian and Cuban sandwich concept from chef Mike Hartley and co-owner Miriam Leek-Meira—is putting down permanent roots. The duo will open their first brick-and-mortar location this spring, taking over the former Ninja Ramen space at 4219 Washington Avenue. The restaurant will expand on the cult-favorite sandwiches with a menu featuring more bar bites, rotating specialty sandwiches, and collaborations, all while continuing to celebrate Brazilian, Cuban, and Houston influences. The space will include a full bar, consulted by Jamie Diaz of Nancy’s Hustle, spotlighting Brazilian- and Cuban-inspired cocktails built around cachaça and rum. Ahead of the opening, Yuma will keep the pop-ups going, with appearances at Bobcat Teddy’s on January 17 and 19, Catbirds on Wednesdays and Axelrad on Thursdays throughout January, and Third Place on February 7.
The Truffle Masters, hosted by DR Delicacy, is set to return for its 11th year on Monday, March 9 at the Astorian, and has been reimagined as an elevated experience limited to VIP guests only. The evening will showcase extravagant truffle dishes through a star-studded lineup of James Beard-recognized and Michelin-starred chefs. Public ticket sales begin on Thursday, January 16 at the VIP price of $395.
Happenings
On Tuesday, January 20, Étoile Cuisine et Bar will celebrate the prized Perigord truffle with a special four-course Black Truffle Dinner, offered alongside its regular menu. Created by chef and co-owner Philippe Verpiand, the experience highlights the truffle’s deep aroma and intensity across dishes like mushroom and leek soup, truffle-laced risotto, veal ragout ravioli, and a dark chocolate mousse with truffle ice cream. The cost is $124 per person, with optional wine pairings available.
Guard & Grace Houston is launching a new monthly pop-up omakase chef’s counter, with 12 seats at the restaurant’s striking horseshoe bar reserved for an off-menu, eight-course journey hosted by chef-owner Troy Guard and executive chef Adam Vero. Courses unfold in real time with chef-driven storytelling and unexpected flourishes, and menus will evolve monthly. The inaugural dinner is on Tuesday, January 20 at 6 p.m., appropriately timed to National Omakase Day, with pricing starting at $145 per guest. Tickets can be reserved via OpenTable.
Zaranda is hosting its Guidova Wine Dinner on Wednesday, January 21, beginning with a 6 p.m. reception followed by a seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. The multi-course experience pairs Guidova wines with a bold menu that moves from passed bites during the cocktail hour into a thoughtful progression of dishes, including lime-cured shrimp aguachile, confit duck tacos, paprika-rubbed picanha, and warm date cake. Each course is intentionally matched with Guidova selections, offering guests a guided journey through the winery’s portfolio in an intimate, chef-driven setting. The cost is $130 per guest, and reservations can be made online.
On Tuesday, January 27, Bandista is hosting Dan Smith and Amy Lewis ofQueen Mary Tavern—ranked #63 on North America’s Best Bars list—for a one-night pop-up that blends British maritime drinking traditions with Bandista’s signature sense of theater. Expect a menu of five impeccably crafted house cocktails, including Queen Mary’s Navy Strength Old Fashioned and White Truffle Martini. Reservations are required and available for one-hour seatings between 6 and 10 p.m.
Traveler’s Cart will channel the energy of Tokyo’s famed fish markets on Tuesday, January 27, with a Tokyo Tuna Takeover, a one-night-only collaboration with Kaisen Sushi. The evening kicks off with a live bluefin tuna breakdown on the patio, with guests welcome to enjoy freshly prepared sashimi and rolls served throughout the night. Tickets include curated sushi and sashimi selections plus two Japanese-inspired cocktails or mocktails, with more available à la carte.
On the Menu
Torchy’s Tacos is ringing in the new year—and its milestone 20th anniversary—with a new value-driven special. Available for a limited time, the Double Feature bundles six of the brand’s signature street tacos with classic sides and drinks for a complete meal for two for $20. Guests can mix and match tacos like green chile pork, carne asada, and barbacoa, alongside shareable Mexican rice and refried pinto beans.
Street to Kitchen has introduced happy hour, offered Monday through Friday from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with food specials including $8 chicken wings with nam jim dipping sauce, $9 Thai fried oyster mushrooms with green chile lime crème frâiche sauce, and$14 laab tuna tartare.
Just in time for cooler days, Molina’s Cantina has brought back its seasonal carne guisada. Tender beef is slow-simmered with onions, peppers, and a well-judged blend of spices, then served alongside rice, refried beans, and housemade tortillas. The dish is available for a limited time at all locations for $15.95.
Buttermilk Baby is leaning into winter indulgence with the launch of the Boujee Bird, a January-only sandwich that gives classic comfort food a luxe twist. Juicy ground chicken is layered with mushrooms, melted gruyère, and a generous swipe of truffle mayo, all nestled into a toasted bun. The limited-time offering is $12.99 and is available through the end of the month.
Nobu Houston is giving diners two new ways to experience the brand’s signature polish with the launch of a new prix-fixe menu and a seasonal Winter Tasting Menu. The $75, four-course Prix Fixe—designed for both first-timers and loyal fans—highlights crowd favorites like Yellowtail Jalapeño, Crispy Rice with Tuna, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Slow Roast Short Rib Anticucho, finishing on a chef’s choice dessert. For a more elevated experience, the $130 Winter Tasting Menu pairs Nobu classics with refined seasonal creations, available nightly with a final seating one hour before close.
