Bits and Bites

Random bits of food-related news!

Celebrity News
-- Colt McCoy, yes, the football player, has invested in Dunkin Donuts, which will be opening 24 area donut stores in the coming months. I prefer a good Dunkin cake donut or holes over Krispy Kreme anyday!
-- Justin Timberlake is going to bring his Southern Hospitality Memphis-style BBQ restaurants to Austin in 2013. Bring on the baby backs!

Restaurant News
-- The Carillon is continuing with their 3 course, $29 menu through December, which includes a salad, pork loin, and a dessert with beets and goat cheese!  
-- Foo Swasdee is back at her Satay restaurant after an extended trip to Thailand.

Open, finally
-- Sway, the new Thai spot from the La Condesa restaurant family at South 1st and Elizabeth Streets,
-- East Side King, at Hole in the Wall on the Drag, the first brick and mortar installment from Paul Qui, building on his ESK food trailer empire.
-- Unfortunately, Jax Neighborhood Cafe, where former Artz Ribhouse owner Art Blondin was tending the BBQ, has closed. I ran into Art this past week and he said he's got some options to explore.

Holiday Gift Ideas
-- Looking for that perfect gift for your favorite foodie? Edible Austin has put together an awesome holiday guide filled with local ideas and products.
-- Places like Central Market have pre-made gift baskets or you can shop for your own favorite items!
-- Lots of restaurants and purveyors offer gift cards!
-- Local online shopping can be done through merchants like Confituras  (amazing & award-winning jams, sauces, and now salts!) and Cocoa Puro (artisan enrobed cacao nibs), both farmers' market regulars who have branched out! 

Winners
-- The Austin Food and Wine Alliance announced the winners of their $20,000 culinary grants this past week: Argus Cidery, Tecolote Farms, and Connally High School Culinary Program. Congrats to all!

Searching...
-- I received a press release for a new reality tv show that's casting for the Late Night Cooking King or Queen. If you or someone you know operates a bar, food truck or other establishment into the wee hours of the  morning, and are interesting in applying, shoot me an email {southaustinfoodie@gmail.com}, and I can forward you the email that was sent.

And finally...
-- I've got one reader who is looking for locally made plum pudding. If you know anyplace, would you leave a comment here or drop me a line? Thanks!

Peace and good eating to you all this holiday season!