Tripping the Night Away

When Houstonist told our 11 readers about the first-ever flavor-tripping party (a.k.a. Miracle berry party) to be held in Houston, we received several comments and emails from readers lamenting the fact that they'd missed the sold-out event.

Never fear! Houstonist is here for you, babies. Flavor-tripping is back, and it's back in a big way.

The next flavor-tripping party to be held in Houston will be even bigger and better than the event held a few months back at La Strada. This time around, the Houston Chowhounds will be hosting the party to benefit the James and Katharine Koonce fund (in support of the Brennan's employee and his daughter who were badly burned during the recent, devastating fire at the restaurant).

The event will be held at the Saint Arnold Brewery on November 7th -- which will be one of the last times you'll be able to visit before they move to their new downtown digs, in fact -- and the beer and food will flow freely, allowing you and your friends to experience the Miracle berry's full effects.

To recap, the Miracle berry (scientific name Synsepalum dulcificum) is a small, tart, red berry native to West Africa. Eating the flesh of the berry alters the chemical receptors in your tastebuds for up to two hours, drastically changing the way that certain foods taste, hence the term "flavor-tripping." Jenny Wang, also known as The Berry Fairy, is the Chowhound in charge of the event and describes the parties thusly:

flavor tripping parties are willy wonka-esque taste altering experiences for your tastebuds. party-goers get a fresh miracle berry and then help themselves to a bacchanalian banquet of food and naughty beverages.

miracle berries are only good for 2-3 days after they are picked and so they are very rare, expensive, and hard to obtain. likewise, it is hard to get a large volume of them. flavor tripping parties sell out very quickly!

Unlike the last flavor-tripping event, both fresh berries and the more potent tablet form of Synsepalum dulcificum will be available for purchase. Although the cost of the berry is included in your ticket, the tablets themselves are extra. Why should you buy one? Because not only will it allow you to get the Miracle berry experience in a portable format, but -- as we mentioned above -- a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the tablets goes towards the James and Katharine Koonce fund.

What's more, your ticket to the party gets you not only a berry and a huge spread of food, but unlimited, all-you-can-drink (within reason, people...) Saint Arnold's beer and root beer. Heard enough? Then here are the details:

Flavor-Tripping Party
Friday, November 7th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Saint Arnold Brewery
2522 Fairway Park Drive
713.686.9494
Cost: $35 per person (includes one berry and unlimited food and drink)

Remember that the parties sell out quickly, so act fast if you want to get in on the Miracle berry (and Saint Arnold) action. Tickets can be purchased online, and online only. We'll see you there!