40th Anniversary Wine Dinner Featuring Turley Wine Cellars - Oct 11 (SOLD OUT)
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Featuring Turley Wine Cellars
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
6 pm Reception ~ 6:30 pm Seated Dinner
In 1983, the first mobile phones were introduced to the public by Motorola, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel into space, the video game Mario Bros. debuted in Japan and “Ghandi” won the Oscar for Best Picture. And closer to home, Tracy Vaught and her uncle Jack Blalock opened Backstreet Cafe.
What started out as a casual “watering hole” with simple soups, salads and sandwiches – and a popcorn machine in the bar! – is now a top restaurant owned by one of the city’s most-respected restaurateurs and a James Beard Award-winning chef. The menu has grown and evolved through the years to be a perfect reflection of diverse Houston, with Southern, Cajun, Creole, Hispanic and Asian influences, among others.
Former geologist Vaught opened the restaurant with no experience in the industry but, through hard work, struggles and a knack for recognizing and nurturing talent in others, she created a Houston dining landmark. Here, Vaught found her calling as a restaurateur, Chef Hugo Ortega started as a dishwasher and discovered his natural talent as a chef and began his American Dream, and Pastry Chef Ruben Ortega perfected his skills, and countless others found a home and career path. And some – like Tracy and Hugo– even found love.
We are honored to celebrate 40 years of serving generations of Houstonians, and know that it would not be possible without our incredible, hardworking employees and our loyal customers whom we love so much. To celebrate this special occasion, we will have a special anniversary wine dinner on Wednesday, October 11 featuring Turley Wine Cellars and a 4-course menu created by Chef Hugo and his brother, Chef Ruben. Christina Turley, owner Larry Turley's daughter and the Director of Sales & Marketing for Turley Wine Cellars, will be joining us for the dinner. We hope to see many familiar faces along with new customers who are visiting us for the first time. Cheers to 40 years Houston!
PASSED BITES RECEPTION
Rosé Zinfandel - special offering, only available at the Turley winery
1ST COURSE
Scallop Crudo
shaved apple, lemongrass, ginger
2020 Turley "The White Coat" White Wine Blend - special offering, only available at the Turley winery
2ND COURSE
Truffled Mushroom Risotto
wild mushrooms, Parmesan
2021 Turley Juvenile Zinfandel
2020 Turley Judge Bell Zinfandel
3RD COURSE
Duck Leg Confit
butternut squash, melted leeks, fig demi-glace
2020 Turley Pesenti Zinfandel
2021 Turley Estate Zinfandel
DESSERT
Backstreet Birthday Cake
chocolate, coconut, Mandarin
Jack's Smooth Landing ~ special cocktail named after Jack Blalock, beloved uncle, co-founder of Backstreet Cafe and pilot
Aged Dominican rum, Frangelico, Nutella-espresso syrup, coconut syrup, topped with steamed milk and toasted coconut, created by bartender Luis Nuñez
please inform us of any dietary restrictions beforehand, thank you
$139 per person plus tax & gratuity
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!!!