Embark on a culinary journey around the world this week with culinary events influenced by Italy, Germany and Canada. A taste of Texas is also on the menu thanks to a two-day barbecue festival at AT&T Stadium. End the weekend with a modern Mexican Sunday brunch inspired by the flavors of fall.
Tuesday October 3
Bendt Distilling Rye Release Dinner Pairing with Whiskey Cake Plano
Local company Bendt Distilling Co. will be present at this five-course whiskey pairing dinner, which will be accompanied by a preview tasting of Bendt’s new release, Unbendt Rye. The menu is rich in fall flavors with dishes like an apple and shaved fennel salad with duck fat croutons, the “High Society Thanksgiving” with roast duck and sage stuffing, and a toboggan. bone marrow with canned smoked tomatoes. Dinner costs $100 per person, plus tax and tip, and starts at 7 p.m.
Thursday October 5
Piroshky Piroshky Bakery Pop-up at Outfit Brewing
The Seattle-founded bakery will stop in Dallas on a tour through Texas, offering its signature Russian hand pies with delicious fillings like beef and cheese, cabbage and onion, as well as vegan mushrooms and potatoes. The full menu is
online, and pre-order is required before October 3 at 4 p.m. There is a minimum order of $50. Collection at the brewery takes place between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday October 7
Canadian Thanksgiving at Maple Leaf Diner
Canadian Thanksgiving is Monday and the Maple Leaf Diner is celebrating all weekend long. Visit Saturday, October 7 through Monday, October 9 for holiday specialties including a Thanksgiving plate with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, acorn squash, carrots, green beans, sweet potato pie and a bun ($17.99), turkey poutine. ($12.49) and Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pancake Wrap ($11.99). Dining hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, but the Thanksgiving plate and baked goods will be available for pickup until 6 p.m.
Q BBQ Fest at AT&T Stadium
Arlington will get a little smoky when more than 30,000 pounds of brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs are served over two days at AT&T Stadium. Hosted by the Dallas Cowboys and Miller Lite, the Q BBQ Fest will feature pitmasters from across Texas and the country. AYCE tickets start at $69 (alcohol not included). Or go VIP ($129) and enjoy an open bar plus access to exclusive lounges and VIP-only pitmasters. Tickets are $35 for young adults ages 13-20, and children under 13 get in free. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Note that tickets are sold in three and four hour time slots.
Frisco Oktoberfest at the Star in Frisco
The fourth annual Bavarian celebration features competitors hoisting steins in the Biergarten, brat tasting competitions, keg rolling races, stein relays, live performances from authentic German bands and local talent, and Oktoberfest favorites such as pretzels, sauerkraut, funnel cakes, brats, bavarians. sausages, kaiser rolls, apple strudel, baklava and German bee sting cake, plus selections from The Star La Parisienne, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, The Common Table, and more. Plus beers for Oktoberfest. 11am-9pm.
DFW Italian Heritage and Food Festival
An inaugural celebration of Italian culture with food, wine tastings and musical performances, this festival will take place at Las Colinas at 5220 N. O’Connor Blvd. from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Foods to purchase from local vendors will include everything from New York-style pizza, parmigiano fries and meatball sandwiches to arancini, tiramisu and ice cream. Guests can also sip on frozen bellinis and Aperol spritz cocktails. The event is organized by DFW Italians, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote, celebrate and preserve the rich heritage and culture of Italy. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for young adults ages 11-20, and children 10 and under get in free.
19th Annual Oktoberfest at Sons of Hermann Hall
The historic German dance hall will host a 20-piece polka band to celebrate German culture with food, beer and merriment. The $18 ticket price includes a traditional German brat plate. The party will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday October 8
Basic Brunch B*#ch at La Neta Cocina y Lounge
The Las Vegas-based modern Mexican restaurant will dive deep into fall flavors with a fall-themed activation featuring photo ops, fall decor, live music and special menus. Visit for pumpkin spice espresso pancakes with brulee meringue, apple cinnamon French toast and cocktails like apple cider mimosas, espresso martinis brown sugar and pumpkin spice margaritas. Brunch will be served from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and reservations are recommended.
