Houston Food Blog

© David Nathan-Maister and Oxygenee Ltd.

​Although it's taking place next month, spots will fill up quickly for Absinthe: Revealed, so we're doing you a favor by telling you about it now. On December 5 at 7:30 p.m., Avant Garden will be hosting a "celebration of tastings and truths" about one of the world's most misunderstood spirits. The evening will feature a two-hour long presentation on the history of absinthe by renowned historian Ted Breaux and master distiller Jay Hendrickson, followed by a tasting of several absinthes along with hors d'oeuvres and music by Two Star Symphony. Tickets are $20 for the entire event or $15 for the tasting afterwards and an RSVP is required.

The Guy Expo already got started today for those lucky bastards who don't have to work on Fridays. But for the rest of us, it will be going on all weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Tickets are only $8 and include such festivities as the Novemberfest Beer Garden and the Beer-A-Thon, where you can sample six beers for $5 and vote on your favorite. In addition to brews, there will -- of course -- be boobs. Hooters is sponsoring an Elvis Presley-themed chicken wing eating contest, and to encourage participants, anyone in an Elvis jumpsuit gets free admission to the Expo.

​If beer and mind-altering absinthe aren't your things, head over to the CenterPoint Energy Building at 1111 Louisiana, where Canstruction will be on display from November 9 through 13. Benefitting the Houston Food Bank, Canstruction is a showcase of sculptures made by local architects and engineeers, using primarily empty cans of food. Visitors are asked to make a donation to the Houston Food Bank when they stop by, as well as to cast their vote for their favorite Canstruction in several categories.

Local salad chain Salata is celebrating three grand openings this coming week: November 9 at Allen Center (in the tunnel underneath 500 Dallas); November 13 at Vintage Park (Highway 249 at Louetta); and November 14 at Katy Freeway (I-10 and Highway 6). Each location will feature live music from local band Moodafaruka, special lowered prices and the chance to win free lunch at Salata for a year. In addition, if you have a last name that's also the name of a salad ingredient, lunch is on Salata.

This Sunday marks the fourth throwdown since the original, impromptu Battle Michelada in May. Since then, we've born witness to the Fried Chicken Throwdown and the Pork Belly Throwdown. This time around, it's oysters: the Bivalve Throwdown will take place at the yet-to-be-opened Stella Sola at 6 p.m. on November 8. We'll have the full recap on Monday, but you can experience all the briny fun yourself for only $40. Tickets are still available, but will sell out fast.