Cottonwood to host chili cook-off and other Houston bar news

Cottonwood [1] 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 [2].
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 [3], 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 [4].
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 [5].