WHAT: The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center presents the annual Tapas on the Trails, back by popular demand. Enjoy tasty Italian tapas and perfectly paired wine and beer while supporting the Houston Arboretum. This special Valentine-themed evening features a romantic walk through the forest along softly lit trails.
Each guest will experience five food and beverage stations and take home a commemorative glass. Help raise funds for the Arboretum’s mission of conservation and nature education while enjoying the Arboretum’s most unique event of the year.
The Italian tapas menu has been crafted by the expert chefs of Cotton Culinary, Kelly Prohl of Double Decanted, and Lennie Ambrose of Saint Arnold Brewery. Vegetarian options are available at sign up.
WHERE: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
4501 Woodway Dr.
Houston, TX 77024
Alternate entrance: 120 West Loop North Frwy.
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (last trail admittance 7:15 p.m.)
Registration available in 15-minute intervals
WHO: The Houston Arboretum’s partners for Tapas on the Trails include Cotton Culinary, Saint Arnold Brewery, Double Decanted, and Any Occasion Tents & Events.
FOOD STATIONS:
- Welcome Drink VIP ONLY: Poggio Costa Prosecco Rose Doc Extra Dry
- Station 1: Fontina Arancini with Rustic Tomato Ragu
- Wine pairing: Umani Ronchi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- Beer pairing: Amber Ale
- Station 2: Toasted Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter & Crispy Sage
- Wine pairing: Poggio Costa Prosecco Doc Brut
- Beer pairing: Grand Prize
- Station 3: Italian Farmhouse Salad with Herbed Flatbread Crisp
- Wine pairing: Montecappone Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico
- Beer pairing: Lawnmower
- Palate Cleanser: Raspberry SorbettoStation 4: Red Wine Braised Short Rib with Creamy Polenta & Herb Gremolata
- Wine pairing: Redentore, Refosco dal Peduncolo, Delle Venezia IGT
- Beer pairing: Art Car IPA
- Station 5: Italian Cannoli with Ricotta Cream & Cocoa Nibs
- Beer pairing: Irish Hello
TICKETS: Tickets available for members and non-members ranging from $100 to $110. to https://houstonarboretum.org/event/tapas-on-the-trails/ and click on the registration tab to purchase tickets. The event is for ages 21 and up only.
Participants are invited to upgrade to a VIP Commemorative Glass for an additional $20 donation to the Arboretum. Each glass comes with a raffle ticket for a 1.5-liter magnum bottle of wine valued at more than $150. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 at the event.
PARKING: Parking is free for all guests during Tapas on the Trails, and cars left overnight will not be towed. Do not leave valuables in your car. You can park at either the 610 or Woodway Parking Loops and follow the signs to the McGovern Education Campus and Nature Center. The pathway from the Woodway Loop to the Nature Center is lit by permanent pathway lights and check-in is located inside the Nature Center building.
The Arboretum recommends using a designated driver, ridesharing, or taxi service for guests who drink alcohol. Drivers may pick up at the 610 (120 W. Loop N Fwy) or Woodway (4501 Woodway Dr) entrances, so please be aware of this when booking their services.
Link to high resolution photos here
Credit: Anthony Rathbun
Link to b-roll here
Photo caption: The Houston Arboretum presents Tapas on the Trails on Saturday, Feb. 10 with the promise of a romantic evening in nature featuring delicious food, wines and beers. Photo credit: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Anthony Rathbun
ABOUT:
The mission of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is to provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and as a sanctuary for native plants and animals. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, one of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas serves more than 600,000 visitors annually. The Arboretum also provides nature education for more nthan 10,000 children annually. For more information about the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and levels of membership visit houstonarboretum.org.
