Colossal Curry Cookoff

The Austin Food Blogger Alliance is hosting its inaugural Colossal Curry Cook-off, Saturday April 16th from 2 - 4 pm at Shangri-la at 1016 E. 6th Street. (Full disclosure, I am on the board of AFBA and the planning committee for the cook-off). The event serves as a fundraiser for AFBA so we can continue to bring awesome programming to our members and the Austin community.

We are still looking for a few more chef contestants; anyone who thinks they have a killer curry is welcome to enter, from home chef to professional. There's no fee to enter, contestants and a plus one/assistant receive free admission, the American Lamb Board is giving free lamb to any contestants who would like some, and Wheatsville Co-op is also offering a coupon. If you'd like to enter, email cookoff at austinfoodbloggers dot org. From Indian to Thai to Jamaican, meat or vegetarian, we want it ALL to be represented!

There will be prizes awarded by the judges to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers, as well as a People's Choice winner (so if you're entering, tell your friends to come!). And of course we need guests to judge the very important People's Choice category! Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door if they're not sold out; get 'em here!       

Thanks also to Whole Foods, Trace, ACE Restaurant Supply, and Johnson's Backyard Garden  for prizes and in-kind support.            

Hurry, hurry, get some curry!! #ATXcurryoff

Bits and Bites: The Easter Edition

Places for Easter Brunch (that's THIS Sunday!)

The Capital Grille, $49/adults + $15/children
The Carillon, $65/adults + $19.95/children
Eddie V's, $49/adults + $15/children
Estancia Churrascaria, $44.95
Hotel Ella, $65/adults + $27/children
Olive + June, 11a - 2p and 5 - 9p
Russian House, buffet
Sagra, $29/adults + $12/children
Tiny Pies has pies available

Events
-- Johnson's Backyard Garden's annual spring picnic is Saturday, March 26th.
-- Prelog's anniversary celebration is March 25-27, with various specials. 
-- Metier is hosting a pop-up breakfast with  Chef Tyler Johnson and Pastry Chef Kyle McKinney, on Saturday, April 2nd, starting at 10 a.m. until sold out. These two are teaming up to open Delicious, a neighborhood "groceraunt" coming soon to South Lamar.
-- Texas French Bread hosts a four-course dinner with Springdale Farms, April 3rd, $60/person + $40/optional wine pairings.
-- April 7th, the Austin Food and Wine Alliance presents Live Fire! a meat and wine extravaganza at the Salt Lick Pavilion, $85/person with $20 option for park + ride.
-- The Austin Food Blogger Alliance (of which I am a member) presents the first Colossal Curry Cook-off, April 16th, 2 - 4pm at Shangri-la, $15/person (adults only). Interested in flexing your curry-making skills? Email cookoff at austinfoodbloggers dot org for contestant guidelines, or buy tickets (free for contestants) at the link above.
-- Waller Creek Conservancy's pop-up picnic will be April 16th at 6:30 pm. 
-- The Austin Food + Wine Festival, April 22-24 has published their chef's showcase. 
-- May 11th, Sustainable Food Center's Farm to Plate Event with over 20 local restaurant chefs. Tickets and more info here.

Openings/Updates
-- Manana Coffee + Juice inside the South Congress Hotel is now open.
-- Italic now offering Sunday brunch.
-- Lick Ice Cream is moving their South Lamar location a few blocks north to Lamar Union.
-- Dine at the Radisson is now offering a prix fixe dinner menu, Monday through Wednesday for $32
-- From Jack Allen's Kitchen, comes Salt Traders Coastal Cooking, a seafood concept in Round Rock, coming soon....
-- From the folks behind drink.well, a new bar (conveniently next door to Ramen Tatsuya) called Backbeat at 1300 South Lamar. 
-- Mama Fu's fast casual Asian is opening new locations in Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bastrop, and Cedar Park.
-- Chef Sonya Cote is now offering farm to table catering. 
-- Chicon (the former Gardner) at 1914 E. 6th is almost open.
-- Central Market has launched small-batch artisan ice cream pints, with flavors like Saigon Cinnamon, Coconut Ginger, and Tahitian Vanilla.

Round Up
You may have seen my individual posts for the Austin Food Blogger Alliance's City Guide; if not go back a post or two for my Best of South Austin, Best of South Austin food trailers, and Best Mexican in town. Here's the link to the ENTIRE City Guide! Bookmark it for great reference and please SHARE! :)

The Best of South Austin Food Trailers

Click here to go to the AFBA's official City Guide page!

Welcome to the best of South Austin food trailers, part of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance's 2016 City Guide! This post is a roundup of my favorite food trailers/trucks in South Austin with permanent locations; I am (mostly) focusing on the area bordered to the north/south by Town Lake to William Cannon and east/west by IH-35 to Mopac.

Please remember with trailers, they can move! They might be at a weekend event, and then back in their regular spot during the week. Many are weather-dependent, and even personnel dependent, e.g. only one person can run the food line, so if that person is sick or injured, the trailer may not be open. Some are amazing at keeping up with their social media, and kudos to them! Hours can vary so check their social media or website.  

They are all small, local businesses, so please show them your love! Trailers listed by geographical area. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments below! 

Along South First Street

Torchy's Trailer Park @ 1311 S. 1st Street
Holy Cacao -- Cake balls and desserts
Torchy's -- These two trailers are some of the longest operating trailers, and both have other locations as well.

Next to Elizabeth Street Cafe @ 1503 S. 1st Street
Gourdough's -- They've taken outrageous donuts and turned them into an empire. 
Mellizoz Tacos -- Torchy's seems to get all the love, but I think Mellizoz is equally worthy.

Across from Elizabeth Street Cafe @ 1502 S. 1st Street
40 North -- Great Neapolitan-style pizza! This was a special with butternut squash + caramelized onions.

Regal Ravioli -- They are one of my favorite trailers; here's the roasted beet ravioli with pecan pesto; I also LOVE the sweet potato gnocchi with bolognese sauce.

Four Brothers @ 2201 South First Street

This Venezuelan trailer serves up some of the best food I've had from a trailer. The original arepa with shredded pork was huge (14 ounces, I weighed it when I got home with it!), tender, and delicious. Somewhat surprisingly, vegan options also available.

South First Food Court (at Live Oak) @ 603 W. Live Oak
Gravy -- biscuits and gravy (almost as good as my own biscuits!)

Snolabs -- Shaved snow desserts (also seasonal, open March through October roughly); all the rage in Asia, these are tasty and refreshing when you need to cool down.

Tommy Want Wingy -- chicken lollipops (wings) with choice of sauce

South First and Oltorf  @ 504 W. Oltorf Street

Cheke's Takos -- I finally discovered this Mexican street food trailer this past year. Tortas, tlacoyos, and more. Full of flavor.

Pie Plante -- A one-man operation, Mark makes his crusts from scratch, the sign of a good pie! Coconut cream is my fave, check out his social media for daily flavors. 

The Flying Carpet -- Moroccan souk food; the owners have become friends of mine, and their food is delicious and unique, and they put their heart into every thing they make. They also have indoor space where you can eat, and it's available as a rental for private events (they've got a great catering menu!). Pictured below is the Moroccan: beef kefta with scrambled egg, and a savory tomato sauce. Don't forget the L'afrique sauce for your wrap or fries!

Along South Congress Avenue
Mrs. P's Electric Cock @ 1101 South Congress 
The fabulousness that is Ms. P's fried chicken! Great name, great people, great freaking chicken!

Burro Cheese Kitchen @ 1221 South Congress 

Not your everyday grilled cheese sandwiches; try the Via 206 with cheddar, gouda and apricot fig jam on sourdough.

Along South Lamar
Luke's Inside Out @ Gibson Bar, 1109 South Lamar 

A staple for 5+ years on the ever-changing South Lamar, Luke's has great griddled sandwiches and daily specials.

Brown's BBQ @ Corner Bar, 1901 South Lamar

Nice barbecue, really loved the chicken thighs as they are smokey and not dried out.

Tibetan Momos @ 2323 South Lamar
The one time I tried to go, they were closed, but I have heard good things about their momos (dumplings).

Along Barton Springs Road (at The Picnic food trailer park, 1720 Barton Springs)
Brunch Haus
All breakfast all the time, like this stuffed challah bread French Toast with berries. Almost healthy!

Hey You Gonna Eat 

Known for their Monte Cristo!

Kebabalicious 

Turkish meat wraps; the picture doesn't do this beef and lamb kebab justice; they have other locations too, including brick and mortar on E. 7th

The Midway Food Park -- 1905 S. Capital of Texas Hwy (360)
Dock 'n Roll -- lobster rolls and lobster mac + cheese

Gebby's BBQ -- a newer truck, they served up some pretty fine meats.

Thai Kitchen Express Food Truck (aka Eat Thai or Die) -- these are Phuket pork buns, which were really nice.

What are your favorite trailers in South Austin?

Bits and Bites

Events
-- Bullfight is opening up early for soccer (futbol!), 8:30 am on Saturday, February 27th for Real Madrid vs. Athletico Madrid.
-- Scrumptious Chef returns to Tamale House East on Saturday, February 27th for a Creole dinner pop-up, along with a rare St. Arnold's beer tapping.
-- The American Lamb Board's Lamb Jam is Sunday, February 28th at Barr Mansion. Tickets are sold out!
-- Swift's Attic hosts a wild hog dinner on February 28th to benefit Operation Turkey, which provides meals and supplies for the homeless around Thanksgiving. $100/person.
-- Metier hosts a book signing of Bien Cuit: The Art of Bread, March 2nd, 5 - 7pm.
-- Farmgrass presents Farm to Feast fundraising dinner, March 3rd, $120.
-- SPUN Ice Cream is holding a tasting in conjunction with Slow Food Austin on Monday, February 29th and an event at Metier Cooking Supply on March 5th.
-- Celebrate Texas Independence with Jack Allen's Kitchen 6th annual Republic of Jack party, with $6 Republic Tequila specials. March 2nd, 5 - 10 pm.
-- Central Market's bacon extravaganza will run at all locations March 2-15; sorry vegetarians!

-- Russian House is hosting a smoked meats class, March 7th, $10/person.
-- The Takedowns are back with the Meatball Takedown, March 13th at Shangri-La.
-- Fast casual chain Blaze Pizza will celebrate (pizza) pie day on 3/14 with $3.14 pies.
-- Fado Irish Pub will have a variety of events leading up to St. Patrick's Day, see their calendar for details for the luck of the Irish!
-- The Austin Food and Wine Alliance will host legendary chef Jacques Pepin at the Long Center, June  5th.

News
-- Sweet Ritual Ice Cream needs your help with their Kickstarter! They have just days left to make their goal.
-- Need an early spot for breakfast? Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe is now offering breakfasts weekdays from 6 - 10:30 am; migas, flapjacks, even chicken fried steak with eggs!
-- All locations of Kerbey Lane now have a spring menu; I got to try some of the items at a media tasting. Banana bread French toast was delicious, as was the lamb kebabs on this Mediterranean plate.

-- Oasthouse Gastropub introduces "Lunch Duets" with a choice of two lunch menu items for $10.
-- Greenhouse Craft Foods will be partnering with the Round Rock Express at theDell Diamond to offer more wholesome gameday foods.
-- Ramen Tatsuya (both spots) is now open from 11 am - 10 pm daily, with 2 - 6 pm "slurping hour" specials. Additionally, all broths will be offered.
-- Kettle and Brine launches an e-commerce site.

Open/Close
-- Vinaigrette opened at 2201 College Avenue (South Congress and Live Oak Streets). See my review here.

 -- Growler USA opens at 609 W. 29th Street (at Guadalupe); apparently they will have lots of local beers on tap, which apparently was one of the downfalls of the recently departed World of Beer on South Lamar.
-- Paul Qui's Otoko opens at the South Congress Hotel in early March.
-- Gardner to close on March 11th; a new concept from the same team called Chicon, featuring wood-fired cooking, will open (hopefully) at the end of March.
-- Space 24 Twenty at Urban Outfitters on the Drag will be starting a food truck residency with East Side King, Lucky Lab Coffee and Little Lucy's Donuts.

And.... the Austin Food Blogger Alliance's annual City Guide will officially be published online starting next week! You may already be seeing posts from different bloggers, and I will have guides to the best Mexican in town and restaurants and trailers in South Austin. #ATXBestEats

 

First Look at Vinaigrette

The new Vinaigrette opened on Wednesday at 2201 College Avenue (really, it's Live Oak and South Congress, the former Treehouse Grill). A New Mexico import, they have locations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque (which I've been to), and they are so committed to locally sourced items, that they bought a farm in Bastrop to grow their produce for their first Austin location. You might guess by their name, they are salad-centric, so a bounty of produce will be in order!

Their concept is a salad base with your choice or proteins: chicken, pork, steak, duck confit, tofu, tuna, scallops, shrimp, roast veggies, there's something for everyone. There are some other veggie-based bar snacks, soups, and sandwiches available too, plus a nice drinks menu with both alcoholic and virgin concoctions.

I rarely go to new restaurants in the first month or two of operation, but a friend had heard me talk about Vinaigrette and wanted to go for our dinner date on Friday night.  When I arrived, I found her at the bar, drinking a Kale Mary, a potent and spicy kale, celery and vodka cocktail that she was thrilled with. When we moved to a table, I ordered a virgin ginger turmeric tonic, requesting strong on the ginger. After tasting mine, my friend ordered one too, though hers seemed to have more a more gingery punch than mine. Hopefully, consistency will reign once they get into their groove.

My friend ordered the mushroom soup, which seemed very wintry, and almost beefy in flavor, but apparently it's got miso in it adding to the umami punch, along with a blend of mushrooms.

I ordered the Asian chopped salad with duck confit. At first glance there didn't seem to be a lot of confit, but as I kept eating, I discovered more and more. Unfortunately, they skipped the dressing -- the actual VINAIGRETTE! -- when the salad was brought over. No wonder it was fairly bland. Once I pointed this out to the waitress, the peanutty miso dressing changed everything, and I really enjoyed it. You sort have to fight your way through the crispy rice noodles, but they do add a nice textural crunch to the salad.

We split a piece of carrot cake for dessert; all desserts are made in house, and this was one of the best pieces of carrot cake I've had in a long time! The frosting was not overly sweet, which I think made it for me.

Vinaigrette is a large space, with a high vaulted ceiling, walls of windows, and a beautiful looking patio under the huge live oak tree. Green tile accents the bar and one wall inside, and they are not without their sense of humor, as evidenced by the restroom markers. Clearly my pictures don't do it justice, but I had to use the flash a little on my camera. I've seen some daylight shots of both the interior and exterior, and it was really nice.

It seems to be a comfortable and unpretentious spot, and I look forward to Vinaigrette as a South Austin addition. Hopefully the small glitches will even out over the coming weeks.