The Ultimate Cocktail Experience – one of the world’s largest charity cocktail events – is back for its eighth year.

The festivities will take place October 13 at Harlowe MXM, the Deep Ellum spot with one of the city’s best rooftops.

Each year, the event carries a unique theme. This year, the theme is ALL STARS, where winners from the past 5 years will be battling it out for the championship. Each returning winner will captain one of the bars and will be responsible for creating an original concept and menu of drinks.

The bar captains are:

· Kyle Hilla, The Statler

· Zach Smigiel, Billy Can Can

· Andrew Stofko, Te Deseo

· Ravinder Singh, Beverley’s

· Megan McClinton, The Usual

All proceeds from the Ultimate Cocktail Experience will benefit Trigger’s Toys and go toward reducing the financial and emotional stress on chronically-ill children and their families. Through the event, the organization is able to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to assist those in need.

At Dallas Cowboys training camp this past Saturday, Mark Wahlberg attended as part of an announcement that Wahlburgers will open its first restaurant in Texas this fall at The Star in Frisco – the Dallas Cowboys World Corporate Headquarters and Training Facility.

The popular casual dining burger and bar concept founded by brothers Mark, Donnie and Chef Paul Wahlberg will bring its diverse lineup of burgers, sandwiches, sides and specialty drinks to one of most popular entertainment districts in North Texas.

“We are all huge sports fans and to be able to open our first Texas location in tandem with a legendary organization like the Dallas Cowboys is icing on the cake,” said Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg attended the practice as a special guest of the Cowboys to watch them take the field and also spend time speaking with players, coaches and ownership.

“On behalf of the Jones family, we are excited to team up with the Wahlbergs and bring their successful Wahlburgers restaurant to The Star in Frisco,” said Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones. “Working together with family to create a solid business with strong values is something both the Joneses and Wahlbergs have in common, and we’re thrilled that our fans and visitors alike will be able to enjoy everything Wahlburgers brings to our campus.”

Created by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg, the chef-inspired menu features an emphasis on made-to-order, high-quality, delicious food that represents a selection of his family’s favorite dishes they shared together.

The brothers’ favorite burgers include:

• Donnie’s choice: BBQ Bacon Burger, described as a “spiced-up weekend barbecue on a bun,” topped with white cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, fresh jalapeños and barbecue sauce
• Mark’s choice: Thanksgiving Day, “like Thanksgiving leftovers on a bun,” made with fresh ground seasoned turkey, stuffing, Paul’s house made orange-cranberry sauce, roasted butternut squash and mayo
• Paul’s choice: Wahlburger’s signature Our Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, government cheese, Paul’s signature Wahl sauce and pickles “just like Dad used to grill in the backyard”

In addition to its line-up of burgers, sandwiches and Wahlbowls, Wahlburgers also provides a full-service bar that makes for a perfect gathering spot for guests, offering a wide selection of cocktails, wine and beer, including its signature Wahlbrewski, a custom brewed unfiltered Pale Ale from Boston-based Harpoon Brewery.

Stampede 66 by Stephan Pyles at Delta Hotels Dallas Allen continues their monthly pairing dinners with a five-course sangira dinner featuring Messina Hof Winery.

On Monday, August 12 at 6:30pm, Tiffany Hand of Republic National Distributing Company will guide guests through the summertime sangria pairing choices as Chef Pyles and Executive Chef Race describe each course.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

First Course – Shared Appetizers: Ash Baked Brie with Chipotle-Raspberry Jam and Local Goat Cheese Dip with Crudité
Wine: White Apple Peach Sangria

Second Course – Tapas Style: Steamed Mussels, Fried Olives, Pan Con Tomate, Pickled Carrots, Blistered Padron Peppers
Wine: Classic Red Sangria

Third Course: Fried Calamari Taco with Lemon-Garlic Aioli
Wine: White Orange, Lemon & White Grape Sangria

Fourth Course: Grilled Flank Steak, Cilantro Chimichurri, Spicy Chorizo Risotto, Roasted Summer Heirloom Vegetables
Wine: Cherry Blood Orange Red Sangria

Fifth Course: Grilled Summer Fruits, Fruity Pebbles Macaron, Chocolate Salami
Wine: Pink Strawberry Raspberry Sangria

Space is limited. Spots can be reserved for $65 plus tax and gratuity. Please reserve your spot by calling Stampede 66 directly at 469.675.0800.