Monday, May 26, 2014

Bits and Bites

Events/Happenings
-- I had the pleasure of seeing a preview of the new movie Chef, written and directed by Jon Favreau, and includes and all star cast. Overall, it's a feel-good movie which will leave you very hungry for a Cuban sandwich. I'd say the story line is a bit predictable, and I am not sure that I feel a lot of chemistry between the characters, but it works. Additionally, our fair city plays a nice cameo in the film with nice shots from around town -- the 360 Bridge, Franklin Barbecue (complete with an Aaron Franklin appearance), Homeslice Pizza, and the Guerro's outdoor stage with Gary Clark Junior. Alamo Drafthouse (Slaughter) will be doing a dinner on June 4th for $40 -- the menu looks spot on!
-- Andiamo is hosting an Italian winemaker dinner on Tuesday, May 27th with the Cosimo Maria Masini Winery, $50/person.
-- Les Dames d'Escoffier of Austin is holding a kitchen sale at the Mueller Farmer's Market, on Sunday, June 1st from 10 am - 2 pm, with items donated from local culinary professionals and Les Dames members. All proceeds benefit their culinary scholarship programs.
-- Greenhouse Craft Foods is hosting a winemaker dinner with Becker Vineyards on June 1st,  four courses for $40.
-- Swift's Attic turns two on June 1st, and from 8 pm onward, they're celebrating with a party!
-- Foreign and Domestic will host Executive Pastry Chef Bill Corbett from the Absinthe Group in San Francisco for Indie Chefs Week on June 16th, $100-$125.
-- Both locations of Central Market will have Beerfest from June 11-24. 
-- In partnership with Citygram magazine, Pleasant Storage Room presents their "Summer of Rum" cocktail series, where a new "how to" video will be released each week, leading up to National Rum Day on August 15th.  The first video installment is here (love the music!).
-- The June issue of Southern Living magazine features all things food related, and includes the  "A to Z's" of southern favorites, including local standouts Jester King Brewery ("B"), Aaron Franklin/Franklin Barbecue ("Q"), and Yeti Coolers ("Y").
-- Dripping Springs own Argus Cidery has debuted Tepache Especial, a wild fermented sparkling pineapple wine. I had a taste of it at Central Market Westgate -- great aroma, dry and minerally, lightly oaked. Additionally their tasting room reopens on May 31st by reservation only.
-- Dishcrawl Austin held their first 2014 event last week. This progressive/secretive dining experience (where guests don't know where they're going when they sign up) made stops at Scholtz Garden, Goodall's, and Teji's Indian.

Openings
-- One of my favorite spots in Austin (shhhh, it's my secret!), Travaasa Resort and Spa, has opened a bar adjacent to their main dining hall, complete with a new bar program. What a better way than to relax than with a delicious cocktail and a stunning hillside view!
-- Odd Duck is now open for Sunday brunch. 
-- Punch Bowl Social has opened at the Domain, now making three operations nationwide (Denver and Portland). From their press release, "they are centered on culinary integrity, 'old school' entertainment and a craft beverage program."
-- The Scarlett Rabbit, a Texas bistro which promises "an immersive trip down a culinary rabbit hole", will open in Round Rock from the chef behind Greenhouse Craft Foods.
-- Jo's on SoCo has happy hour Monday - Thursday,  4 - 9 pm, and the downtown location, Monday - Friday, 4 - 7 pm with food and drink specials.

Closings
-- Your Mom's Burgers, Paggi House and Garrido's closed this past week. Your Mom's sold their contract to the folks behind Pho Thaison. Paggi unfortunately will become surrounded by new condos (booooo), and Garrido's sold to an Austrian restaurant group; more details from the Chronicle.