Cottonwood will host a chili cook-off Feb. 2 with a $300 cash prize for the winner.
The event hopes to draw at least 30 teams that will be judged by local celebrities. The team entry fee is $25; attendees will pay a $5 tasting fee. Proceeds will benefit the Blue Line Bike Lab MS150 team.
Cottonwood’s sister bar, Liberty Station, will host its own MS150-benefitting chili cook-off on March 2.
Interested in signing up your chili team? Email liberty.cottonwood@gmail.com.
Cottonwood: 3422 N. .Shepherd, 713-802-0410
Liberty Station: 2101 Washington, 713-409-4888

Wine series at Phil’s Wine Lounge
Phil’s, the downstairs wine lounge at fashionable Philippe, is welcoming guest sommeliers for informal but focused tastings. Fred Jones will kick off the series Feb. 6 with a look at Austrian wines.: Michael Paulson : 29-95 Future guest sommeliers include Brennan’s Jason Sherman (cutting-edge California chardonnays), Uchi’s David Keck (syrahs) and L’Olivier’s James Watkins (sparkling wines). The tastings will be 6-7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday. Cost is $40 (plus tax and gratuity) and includes four wines and a cheese board. To reserve a spot, email kgarver@philippehouston.com.
1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713-439-1000

Brewery event supports U.S. soldiers
Have some beer and support America’s armed forces. Valentines for Soldiers will be 6-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at Saint Arnold’s Brewery, 2000 Lyons. Participants are encouraged to bring baked items, as well as “care package” items such a socks, protein bars and gift cards, which will be delivered to U.S. troops serving overseas. Craft tables will be set up so guests can create valentines for troops. Admission is $10 with half of the proceeds going to veterans organizations.
For information, go to valentinesforsoldiers.com.