Del Grande to be honored at tasting event
Robert Del Grande, the first Houston chef to win a James Beard Award (1992’s Best Chef: Southwest), will be inducted into the Wine & Food Week Chef of Chefs Hall of Fame on June 6. Del Grande is the chef behind RDG + Bar Annie and the Grove.
The induction ceremony will take place during the Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.
The Grand Tasting caps five days of dining and tasting events featuring 50 restaurants and more than 500 wines. At the end of the night, one chef takes home a check for $5,000 and the Waterford crystal Chef Award.
Tickets for the 7-10 p.m. grand tasting start at $125. (A designateddriver ticket is $75.) Special VIP tickets include early entry to a premium wine lounge.
Other Wine & Food Week highlights include:
• It’s a Guy Thing: Sample bold wines and craft beer 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Crave Luxury Auto in The Woodlands. Tickets are $45.
• H-E-B Wine Walk at Market
Street: Enjoy live music, small bites and international wines 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 4 as you shop for handmade items and books. Tickets start at $35.
• Sips, Suds and Tacos: Chefs will compete for the title of tastiest taco while you sample wines and craft brews 6-9 p.m. June 5 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Tickets are $20.
Find a complete list of events at wineandfoodweek.com.
Hotel Derek pool party
Hotel Derek wants to make a splash with the locals. The last Friday of each month, beginning this week, the hotel invites folks over for a float and a flick. You can unwind at the pool and, when the sun sets, catch a film on the hotel’s movie wall. Admission is $25 per couple and includes towel service, popcorn and two signature adult beverages from Revolve Kitchen + Bar. First film up: “Jaws.” Tickets are limited. Reserve ladyderek@destinationhotels.com or 713.297.4327. The hotel is located at 2525 W. Loop S.
Olive Garden opens
Fans of this casual Italian chain should pay a visit to its newest Houston-area restaurant at Greenway Plaza. The 240-seat restaurant incorporates the latest design elements including artwork, fabrics, lighting and seating. It’s the first of its kind in Texas.
2929 U.S. 59, 713-527-8671