5 Hot Houston Rehearsal Dinner Locations

Photo: Larry Fagala | Location: Bloom & Bee At The Post Oak Hotel | John Varvatos Pants, Inis Meain Sweater, Stubbs + Wootton Loafers: 29 North at The Post Oak Hotel

Rehearsal dinners are more than just an evening affair to “rehearse the wedding,” the night before your big day—it’s a wonderful occasion to meet members of the “other side of the family” or “ extended members of your new family” and bond with your loved ones in an intimate setting. It can be just as formal or informal as you like! Just remember to include everyone in your wedding party with their significant other and anyone who has traveled down specifically for your wedding as well as the officiant.

Start your wedding festivities off on a delicious note at one of these 5 hot Houston rehearsal dinner locations!

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Intimate Houston Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Artisans Restaurant

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Photo Courtesy of Artisans Restaurant

Located in midtown Houston, Artisans Restaurant is a rehearsal dinner venue that delivers an authentic French dining experience in a fine setting. 

Artisans Restaurant’s menu is classic yet innovative, focusing on creative dishes using fresh gastronomic products. Your guests will enjoy Chef Jacques Fox’s delectable French cuisines such as Le Filet de Boeuf au Poivre, a black pepper crusted beef tenderloin in green peppercorn sauce, and La Volaille et son Homard, a roasted frenched chicken breast in Americaine sauce. From the intimate 28-seat Table du Chef in the main dining room, which offers a front-row dining view of the kitchen, to the unique private dining rooms, Artisans Restaurant is an ideal spot to host your rehearsal dinner!

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5 Houston Hotspots For Your Bridesmaids’ Lunch

Sup on a lobster bisque. Savor a mimosa. It’s time for a pre-wedding bridesmaids’ lunch with your fave ladies! These five Houston hotspots will take care of you, and your crew, with fine food and drink, and flawless service.

CORDUA CATERING TILAPIA SHRIMP CEVICHE
Photo: Courtesy of Cordua Restaurants

1. CORDÚA RESTAURANTS: AMÉRICAS & CHURRASCOS

The Cordúa name is synonymous with bold Latin American flavors and warm hospitality—both of which are on delicious display at Américas and Churrascos, father-and-son team Michael and David Cordúa’s esteemed Houston eateries. Click here to read the rest of this post »

Chef Eric Aldis Debuts New Wedding & Celebration Menus at Agave Rio

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Above Photos: Ama Photo & Cinema

Tucked away in the lush forests of Katy lies one of our region’s most picturesque wedding venues: With Old World, Mexican-influenced charm, and state-of-the-art amenities, Agave Estates offers all-inclusive wedding ceremonies and receptions services that combine gracious hospitality with relaxed elegance. Joining Agave Estates’ popular Agave Real and Agave Road venues is Agave Rio—the Estates’ new on-site celebration space and restaurant, offering superb private dining options for engagement parties, bridesmaids gatherings and rehearsal dinners, along with a dreamy, rustic-chic backdrop for intimate ceremonies.

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Photos: Chuck Cook Photography | Photos 1 – 7: new featured menu items | 8: Executive Chef Eric Aldis

And here’s even more exciting news: At the helm of the new Agave Rio is Executive Chef Eric Aldis—a star of the Houston culinary scene. Chef Eric started his career at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, and has made a name for himself in culinary operations at such prestigious properties at the Bellagio Las Vegas and the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Locally, Chef Aldis has earned a reputation for bringing sustainable food practices to acclaimed restaurants including Mark’s American Cuisine, Mo’s and Corner Table.

We recently spoke to Chef Eric about his partnership with Agave Rio, and what wedding couples—and Houston foodies—can expect from Katy’s newest restaurant/celebration space. Here’s what we found out:

HWB: What makes Agave Estates special, and how does the venue and its setting inspire you?

Chef Aldis: Agave Estates is special because of the architecture, the beautiful landscape…and a professional culture to match. The venue and setting inspired me to create a menu of American cuisine using local and exotic ingredients.

HWB: What are some of the signature menu items you are creating for Agave Rio?

Chef Aldis: Oysters Agave (a hearth-roasted Blue Point oyster with salsa verde, lump crab and Mexican truffle, grilled at 900 degrees); Chauvinist Pig (a house-carved pork shoulder with bacon, prosciutto and brie, served on brioche bread)…and Shipley Donut Bread Pudding.

HWB: Yum! How does creating menus for wedding celebrations differ from creating restaurant fare, and what do you enjoy about developing personalized, special-occasion menus?

Chef Aldis: We pride ourselves on providing high-quality restaurant fare as well as menus for wedding celebrations. Preparation and planning are identical for both. I really enjoy developing personalized special-occasion menus. It gives me the opportunity to step outside the box and create—especially when cooking for guests with special dietary needs and providing a true 5-star experience.

HWB: What excites you most about your Agave Estates partnership?

Chef Aldis: This partnership excites me to be able to provide an entertainment venue for Katy, Texas—my hometown!

As enamored with Agave Rio—and all of Agave Estates venue and event-package offerings—as we are? (And really, how could you not be?) Call 281.665.3337 or email Agave Estates at to schedule a venue tour or book dining reservation for Agave Rio. And…dig in!