The heat will be on Saturday when nine of the city’s most popular eateries compete in Cook-off for Kids. The jalapeño-and-serrano pepper cooking contest will be noon-4 p.m. at Hughes Hangar, 2811 Washington.
Participating in the cook-off will be BB’s Cafe, Beaver’s, Bernie’s Burger Bus, Block 7, Community Bar, Quattro, Sammy’s Wild Game Grill, Shade and Sorrel Urban Bistro.
Tickets are $30 at the door and benefit Child Advocates, which works to give abused and neglected children a voice in the courts system.
Purchase advance tickets at childadvocates.org.

Chefs for a Cause
Houston’s restaurant industry is known for rallying around its own. From 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 19, more than a dozen chefs will don aprons for “Chefs for a Cause” at Sorrell Urban Bistro.
The event will benefit fellow chef Jason Miyamoto, who is undergoing treatment for oral cancer.
Participating chefs include Michael Nutt and Soren Pedersen of Sorrel, Hugo’s Ruben Ortega, David Cordua of Churrasco’s, Charles Clark of Ibiza, Massraff’s Dominic Juarez, Katsuya’s Dave Kaufman, John Sheely of Mockingbird Bistro, Scott Tycer of Kraftsman Bakery, Polo Becerra of Post Oak Grill, Marcelino Cardenas of Post Oak Grill, Sorrento’s Abbas Hussein, Philippe’s Philippe Schmit and Dylan Murray of Local Foods.
The event will feature small bites, wine tastings and specialty cocktails. Tickets are $85 (available at all the restaurants) or $100 at the door.

Now open : Katy Cajun
Katy Cajun has opened in the former digs of Swampy’s on Grand Parkway. The restaurant has a brother/sister team in the kitchen and front of house. On a recent visit, the gumbo-and-boudaBoudin and gumbo as served at Katy Cajun.: Syd Kearney : 29-95in lunch combo delivered good flavors and nice spice, but a po’boy was dry and fried green tomatoes were unappealing. We’re going to give it another go, however, as the service was enthusiastic and eager to make things right.
406 W. Grand Parkway in Katy, 832-437-2716

Oyster Mondays at Grappino
Grappino, the lovely wine bar located behind Vincent’s and Nino’s, is offering an oyster special every Monday 4:30 p.m.-close. Get a half-dozen oysters — on the half shell or char-broiled — and a glass of wine for $12. While you’re there, check out the new gelato bar and Italian market inside the Mandola-family restaurant compound in the 2800 block of West Dallas.
2817 W. Dallas, 713-528-7002