With cooler weather upon us, it’s time to take to stuffing our faces outdoors. Whether you choose to gnaw on a turkey leg at the State Fair of Texas, wander the grounds of a culinary festival, hit a farmers market with your reusable bag, or simply sip your craft beer on a patio, there are plenty of options for you this weekend.
Friday, October 17
Burgers, beer, and birthday cake are the theme at Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House on Friday. It’s their third anniversary bash and if you had the chance to stop by last year’s celebration, you know this is one party you won’t want to miss. Bands hit the stage starting at 7 p.m. with performances from Slick 57, Wesley Geiger, and Texas Gentleman. Enjoy the patio weather with one of the specialty beers for the night: Firestone Walker XVII, Avery Lilikoi Kepolo, Founders KBS, Real Ale 18th, and Avery Twenty One.
State & Allen is celebrating a decade in the neighborhood with their own version of a birthday bash. The night begins at 8 p.m. with food, cocktails and dancing.
In recognition of “national pasta day,” Cucina Neighborhood Italian Restaurant in Preston Center will offer a complimentary dessert with all entrée pasta dish orders.
Saturday, October 18
White Rock Local Market’s fourth annual chili cook-off kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs until 12:30 p.m. Locals are invited to compete and/or taste a variety of homemade chillies. Categories include traditional, spicy, vegetarian, and “wild card.” It costs $25 to compete and $5 to taste. This year’s judges are Alice Laussade, Sharon Hage and Nancy Black.
Chipotle’s Cultivate Festival makes its third stop in Dallas at Lake Carolyn in Irving from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Attendees will enjoy chef demonstrations from big names like Matt McAllister, listen to live music from big pop names like MS MR and Amos Lee, preview new Chipotle menu items, and sip on a specialty Farmhouse Ale from Lakewood Brewing Company. The festival is intended to get people thinking and talking about food and food issues, but we won’t judge you if you’re intention is just to eat everything Cultivate has to offer. Oh, and did we mention that it’s free?
Flying Saucer’s fifth annual BeerFest takes place under the big tent next to Saucer on Lake Ray Hubbard starting at 1 p.m. With forty breweries, sixty craft beers, and limited-release beers on tap throughout the day, expect to call a cab home. General admission and pre sale tickets are $35, or you can buy tickets day of for $45 (if they don’t sell out). Tickets include admission, a taster card for twelve beer samples, and a 2014 BeerFeast tasting glass.
Sunday, October 19
Couldn’t get enough of the free festival yesterday? Venture on over to Reverchon Park in Dallas for The Texas Veggie Fair to learn a thing or two about our plant-based community and what this lifestyle has to offer. In its fifth year, the event will showcase vegan food and products, a local beer garden, live music, chef demos, yoga, and guest speakers. It all goes down starting at 11 a.m.
Monday, October 20
Make your Monday a little less bleak with a dinner crawl at a surprise destination in Trinity Groves. The Greater Dallas Restaurant Association event kicks off at 3015 at Trinity Groves at 6 p.m. for appetizers and cocktails. Then the group will move to an undisclosed location. After dinner everyone will head back to 3015 for dessert and a nightcap. Tickets cost $65 for GDRA members and $75 for nonmembers.
