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

 

Bits and Bites -- Food + Restaurant News

Events
-- Jack Allen's Kitchen in Oak Hill hosts the 6th Annual Lone Star Paralysis Fundraiser, 6 - 9 pm, $150/person, January 26th.
-- Eat East, a group of restaurants/bars promoting East Austin returns February 2nd (the first Tuesday of each month).  Check their events page for full list of participating restaurants. 
-- The Blind Cafe , a socially conscious dinner in the dark, is back at the American Legion, February 2 - 4. Great experience, see my post here! 
-- Central Market's Chocolate Fest (all locations) runs February 3 - 16; lots of sampling with their Chocolate Stroll on February 4th, 5 - 7 pm.

 -- The Hightower hosts Amadeo's Army, February 4th, which is a community dedicated to promoting awareness and fundraising for Becker Muscular Dystrophy; 20% of food sales between 5-10 pm will be donated. 
-- Olive + June hosts Col d'Orcia wine dinner, $100/person February 4th.
-- Sway hosts an Indonesian pop-up dinner, February 4th.
-- Coffee and donuts pop up bakery at Lenoir, February 7th, 10 am
-- Mama Fu's celebrates Asian New Year with $10 off purchases of $20 or more, February 8 - 12
-- Antontelli's and Emmer + Rye team up, February 8th for a five-course dinner, $75. 
-- Lenoir hosts a Valentine’s-themed wine tasting, February 11 from 5:30 – 7 pm, featuring winter reds and roses with Beverage Director Chris Kelly.
-- Former Austinite Scrumptious Chef will be visiting from NOLA with a pop-up Creole dinner at Tamale House East, February 27th
-- Austin Oyster Festival, benefiting HOPE Market, February 27th, $50/person at the French Legation.
-- One of my favorite events from last year, Lamb Jam from the American Lamb Board, will return to Barr Mansion, Sunday, February 28th. $60/person. 

-- The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas presents Roast + Toast, February 28th, $75/person. The event will celebrate Texas' growing wine industry with a sip and stroll tasting of the Texas Monthly's Best Texas Wines of 2015.
-- The Austin Food and Wine Festival is back April 22-24, tickets now on sale; I would love to see Ming Tsai!

Openings, etc.
-- Torchy's Tacos now open at South Congress and West Mary (the old Fran's).
-- Prelog's now doing Sunday family-style suppers.
-- The Carillon has new winter menu featuring "new American cuisine with a Texas focus and modern spin." 
-- Emmer + Rye now offering Happy Hour, Tuesday through Sunday from 5 - 7 pm. 
-- Austin-based fast casual Freebirds World Burrito has six dishes under 600 calories to kick off the new year (and actually, 4 of them are under 500 calories).
-- Pacific Rim Sushi + Yakitori Lounge now open for lunch.
-- Barley Swine has relocated to 6555 Burnet Road; now open for dinner. 
-- Isla open for Saturday and Sunday brunch.
-- Burn Pizza now open for lunch.
-- South Congress Hotel now has happy hour in the lobby bar. 
-- Dallas pizza restaurant Cane Rosso announced they will open in the old St. Philip spot in Sunset Valley, and also bringing local ice cream truck Cow Tipping Creamery to brick and mortar.
-- Flyrite Chicken at 2129 E. 7th opens February 7th.
-- Contigo has various options for Super Bowl Snacking (February 7th).
-- Fresa's has wood-fired wings and other snacks for the Super Bowl too.

Valentine's Day Specials

-- Andiamo: $70 dinner
-- Barley Swine: dinner
-- Cafe No Se: macarons available, 5 for $20
-- The Carillon: 5-course dinner, $80 with optional wine pairings, February 12-14

-- Contigo: 4-course dinner, $65

-- Dai Due: $85/prix-fixe dinner 
-- Dine: $69 dinner

-- drink.well: dinner
-- Emmer + Rye, 7-course dinner, $75
-- epicerie: brunch (new Chef de Cuisine, Keith Abate)

-- The Flying Carpet: dinner on February 13th, $50

-- Gardner: 4-course dinner, $65

-- Goodall's: 3-course dinner, $70

-- Isla: Paella special for two -- Jack Allen's Kitchen: Red velvet cake glazed with chocolate ganache

-- Jacoby's: Sunday brunch and Valentine's dinner (normally not open on Sundays)

-- Juniper: brunch, with half-off bubbles
-- Lenoir: pop-up brunch

-- Odd Duck: brunch and dinner 
-- Olaime: 5-course dinner, $100 with optional wine pairings, Saturday and Sunday

-- The Peached Tortilla: pre-fixe menu $45/person

-- Peche: dinner specials 
-- Prelogs: dinner special, $75 
-- Russian House: dinner for two, $150; $280 for VIP caviar menu
-- Sagra: Valentine's brunch and dinner 
-- Sala + Betty: $40 dinner
-- Texas French Bread: prix-fixe, $65, Saturday and Sunday nights 
-- The Townsend: 4-course meal for two, $200
-- VOX Table: Saturday and Sunday specials 
-- Walton's Fancy and Staple: floral specials
-- Whislers: burlesque and boozy cocktails, Saturday and Sunday 

Image via Babble.com

The Last Bits and Bites Food News of 2015

Places for Christmas Dinner
-- Goodall's Kitchen, $44/person
-- Prelog's, December 24-26, $49/person
-- Sagra, Dec 22-24, Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner, $39.95/person + $25 for wine pairings
-- VOX Table (Christmas Eve), $89/person

Places for New Year's Eve Dinner
-- Arro, $50/person
-- The Carillon, $75/person
-- Contigo, $110/person
-- Dai Due, $95/person
-- Gardner, $65-115/person
-- The Hightower
-- Launderette, $65-85/person
-- Parkside, $90/person +$35 for wine pairings
-- Prelog's
-- Sala + Betty, $35/person + $15 for wine pairings
-- Texas French Bread, $50/person + $30 for wine pairings
-- VOX Table, $100/person
-- Weather Up, $145/person

Other Offerings
-- East Tiger has Stollen and Vörtbröd holiday breads.
-- Fresa's has tamales and posole through December 24th.
-- Santa Rita Tex-Mex Cantina has tamales through December 24th.
-- Gourmet By Numbers has a variety of meal kits/holiday gift packages.

Events
-- Sunday, December 20th, coffee and donut pop-up bakery in Lenoir's wine garden with their pastry chef, 10 am - 1 pm.
-- Monday, December 21st, Counter 3.FIVE.VII dinner with Apis and Apiary, $180/person or $300 with wine pairings.
-- Tuesday, December 22nd, Garbo's hosts a five-course dinner, $65/person.
-- Kitchen Underground has a full schedule of classes for December and January, all taught by local bloggers, chefs, home cooks, artisans, and professionals.
-- Oasthouse Gastropub now open for brunch and lunch.
-- SPUN liquid nitrogen ice cream now open.
-- The Prevention R3 Summit is coming January 15-16 at the Moody Theater; keep an eye on this space for ticket details and giveaways! 
-- Bacon + Beer Festival, January 24, 2016 at Fair Market. Tickets on sale. 

Openings
-- Central Standard, inside the South Congress Hotel, opened December 17th.
-- Chez Nada, a French brasserie and bakery will open in late 2016 at 110 San Antonio Street in the Northshore building, the latest from the New Waterloo group and Jesse Herman.
-- Amazon Prime now delivering food from participating restaurants to Prime customers.
-- Barley Swine moving to their new home on Burnet Road on January 2nd.

Closings
-- Blackbird and Henry
-- Congress (will make way for an expanded 2nd Bar + Kitchen)
-- Fork and Taco
-- Roll On Sushi
-- Short Bus Subs (trailers)

Happy holidays, y'all!!!

Bits and Bites and the Thanksgiving Round-up

Make your dining reservations or order your Thanksgiving meals NOW!
Places to Dine In
-- The Carillon, buffet seatings at 11 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm, 2:30 pm; $65/adults, $19.95/kids ages 6-12

-- Estancia Churrascuria, 11 am - 9 pm, $49.95 for the full experience, $24.95 just for the salad bar

-- Goodall's Kitchen buffet, 12 - 8 pm, $68/adults, $25/kids ages 12 and under

-- Southwest Bistro at the Hyatt, $65/adults, $30/kids

-- Kerbey Lane, from 11 am onwards at the Central, South Lamar, Northwest, University, Southwest and Round Rock locations; $14.95

-- Russian House, 11 am - 11 pm

-- Dine at the Radisson, $49/adult, $15/kids; buffet 11 am - 3 pm, three course meal after 4 pm


Places to Pre-order and Pick Up
-- Central Market's Holiday Hotline, you can now order online
-- Blue Star Cafeteria, order by noon on Nov 23rd 
-- Elaine's individual-sized pies, order by Nov 24th
-- Fresa's, order by Nov 20
-- Walton's Fancy and Staple, order by Nov 20
-- Wheatsville Co-op
-- The Austin Chronicle has a great list of places to get your pies!


Events
-- The Empty Bowl Project will be Sunday, November 22nd at the Marchesa, from 11 am - 3 pm. Come and buy a unique, locally made ceramic bowl, and get it filled with soup! Proceeds benefit children's programs at both the Capital Area Food Bank and Meals on Wheels + More.

-- Vivo celebrates it's first anniversary at the Linc, November 24th, 11 am - 9 pm.

-- Edible Austin presents its 9th Eat Drink Local Week, November 28 - December 5; various events including the Beekman Boys at the Paramount Theater, Harvest Dinner at the Palm Door. See Edible's website for all the details.

-- Metier has a variety of upcoming events, including a Thanksgiving wine tasting, pie workshop with owner Jessica Maher, pop-up shops from Dude Sweet and I Knead That, and their own Black Friday sale. See their events page for details.

-- Slow Food Austin and Antonelli's Cheese host their annual cheese tasting with 512 Brewing, December 3rd, $60/adults, $50/SFA members

-- Opal Divine at Penn Field holds its 13th Whiskey Festival December 3rd, $45 in advance, $50 at the door; a portion of the proceeds goes to Meals on Wheels and More.

-- Kettle + Brine has a variety of events and pop-ups coming; Coffee Sock on November 28th and Coterie Market, November 28 - December 4th; see their website for details.

-- Serena Lissy Chocolates and Coco Paloma Desserts will hold a holiday pop-up sale, Saturday, December 5th, 11 am - 3 pm. These are Serena's pumpkin spice truffles that I recently got to try -- beautiful (they're hand painted!) and delicious! Check out her website for pre-ordering info. 

-- Odd Duck is having a trailer throwback party to benefit the garden at Zilker Elementary; December 9th 5 pm, $25

-- Prevention Magazine's third R3 Summit will be January 15-16 at the Moody Theater.

Misc 
-- Slow Food Austin has re-launched their Emergency Farmer/Rancher Relief Fund for farmers affected by the recent floods, and are accepting nominations until November 23rd. 
 
-- Texas Hill Country Olive Oil Company is now offering offers tours every Friday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m, $5/person or $15 with lunch.

-- Joining the local food delivery ranks is Harvest  and regional grocery powerhouse HEB 

-- And for cocktail delivery, Sourced, which I got to try out! You pick from a menu of cocktails, how many you want, and when you want them, and a mini-barrel with all the makings are included. Plus the delivery person/bartender can make your first round for you. They'll pick up the barrel the following day. Easy and delicious! We had Moscow mules, complete with copper mugs and the good pellet ice!

Openings/Updates
-- Your Mom's is back in the burger business, now with a stuffed burger home delivery kit.

-- The Three Little Pigs trailer has found a new home (it's previous landlord, East End Wines has closed) at the Aristocrat Lounge (formerly Poodle Dog Lounge) at 6507 Burnet Road.

-- Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt opened November 17th.

-- Stinson's is opening another location at 3300 N. IH-35.

-- New fall menus from Finn + Porter and Scarlet Rabbit; Juniper has a new happy hour

-- Sala + Betty just launched reverse happy hour Monday through Saturday, 8pm to close, featuring 50% off all bottles of wine.

-- Launderette and Bangers now open for lunch.  
 
-- Dollar nights on Tuesdays at Pacific Rim Sushi

-- Urban Outfitters on the Drag is getting into the food business, with the counter service-only opening of Chef Michal Symon's new Symon's Burger Joint.

-- Central Standard will open at the South Congress Hotel in mid-December, serving classic American bar and grill food.

-- The Roosevelt Room offers Monday movie night, Tuesday all night happy hour, and Wednesday discounted whiskey.

-- In and Out Burger opened on South Lamar

-- Fast-casual Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers announced their Famous Fry Sauce is now available for retail purchase at all locations or online.

Closings
-- St. Philip
-- Mann's Smokehouse BBQ
-- Noodle and Company have closed all five area locations.

Bits and Bites -- Austin Food News

Now Available
-- Coterie Market has unveiled their new Coterie Sampler boxes, a thoughtful collection of locally curated food items that you can buy on a one time or monthly subscription basis. For subscribers, items include a "Chef Feature," a single-run, chef-made item that is an exclusive. They have boxes with  ready to eat food stuffs as well as artisan craft items and they start at $39.95. These are great for thank yous, housewarmings, celebrations, holidays and for just the sheer appreciation of delicious, quality items. Bookmark their website, as these are fantastic boxes! The September box contained:

• Organic fruit-infused water from Sway
• Jam from Confituras (and more on them in a moment!)
• Kale chips from Sarah's Kale Chips
• Shortbread tea biscuits from Skull + Cakebones
• Lavender bug repellent from Lavande Farms
• Finishing salts from Lenoir restaurant
• Large furry, helpful cat not included
• Disclosure: we were given boxes at the media launch party last week; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Events
-- The Les Dames d'Escoffier of Austin hold their annual Food Fight fundraiser, Sunday, October 4th, $50/person benefiting their culinary scholarships.

-- VOX Table and Schramsberg Vineyard collaborate on a five-course tasting dinner, Wednesday, October 7th, $140/person.

-- Edible Austin's annual Chef Auction is Thursday, October 8th, benefiting Urban Roots and the Sustainable Food Center.
 
-- Central Texas BBQ documentary "For the Love of Meat" screens at the Violet Crown Theater October 8th; two showings.

-- Russian House celebrates their third anniversary on Saturday, October 17th.

-- Boneshaker, an organization dedicated to encouraging healthy lifestyles and activity in children is hosting their Move to Taste event, Sunday, October 18th, 7 pm, at the Austin Speed Shop, $100/person.

-- Johnson's Backyard hosts their annual Fall Potluck and 5K Harvest Hustle on October 24th.

-- Counter 3.Five.VII hosts their next 15 course dinner and teams up with Chef Ek Timerek of Kin and Comfort, Monday, October 26th. $180/person, $300/with wine pairings.

-- Texas Monthly's BBQ Fest will be Sunday, November 1st at the Long Center, $80/person and come hungry!

-- Austin Alfresco has been postponed to April 1 - 3, 2016.

-- Looking for some private event space for dinners, corporate events, receptions, holiday gatherings and more?

• Uchiko has a private room that can hold up to 34 people, or it can be split into two smaller spaces accommodating 14 each.  
• Liberty Kitchen's room holds up to 24 people for a seated event.
• Estancia Churrascuria will have completed an expansion by mid-October, and will be able to accommodate up to 200 guests for a private event. 

Kickoffs/Awards/Opportunities
-- Confituras, the local, award-winning jam maker has announced their Kickstarter launch to raise funds for a jammin' retail shop and community kitchen! Jam and biscuits, people! I've kicked in a little; please take a look and help out!

Image courtesy Confituras

-- The Vegan Yacht has won best food truck and $10,000 from Progressive's Flo's Fabulous Food Truck contest.

-- You have until October 2nd to apply for one of the Austin Food + Wine Alliance's culinary grants.

Open/New/Moving/Upcoming
-- Arro has revamped their space and menu; huge new patio space too.

-- Bridget Dunlap's latest, a pizza joint called Burn, opens any day at 1802 E. 6th.

-- Cafe No Sé at the South Congress Hotel is now open for B/L/D.

-- LA BBQ is moving to 1906 E. Cesar Chavez/Aztec Food Park by Stay Gold Bar, and will also now be open for dinner!

-- Cuban spot Guantanamera has a new patio, great for sipping mojitos!

-- Argus Cidery has reopened its tasting room on Saturdays.

-- Rumor has it that the old Popeye's at South First and Oltorf will become a Starbucks.

-- It has been announced that the St. Elmo Market will open in 2018 on South Congress and St. Elmo. Modeled after the Pike's Place Market in Seattle, it will feature a 40,000 square foot public market, as well as over 200,000 square feet of mixed-use retail, office space, and the new home to the Saxon Pub.

Image courtesy St. Elmo Market/Juice Consulting

-- Fareground, a food hall space, will open at 111 Congress Avenue in the One Congress Plaza building in 2017.

Closed
-- St. Philip closed their bakeshop, but the restaurant remains open.

Bits and Bites -- Austin Food News

Openings/What's New
-- My Fit Foods has launched a series of salad bowls: Southwest Chicken, Asian Beef, Mediterranean Shrimp and Vegetarian with quinoa.

-- Goodall's Kitchen at the Hotel Ella has completed a remodel, featuring classic American bistro fare and handcrafted cocktails. They are also offering a tailgate buffet for UT football home games, $50/person.

-- Shake Shack is now open at the Domain.

-- Royal Jelly is coming to 704 St. John's (at Lamar); no menu info as of yet.

-- Toss Pizza and Pub is coming to 2901 S. First (just south of Torchy's at El Paso St.).

-- New home meal delivery service in Austin, Nimble Foods, which brings fresh cooked foods to your doorstep.

-- New corporate meal delivery service, Foodee, which partners with local restaurants.

-- South Congress Hotel prepares to open September 8th, and along with it, their all-day cafe, Cafe No Se will be open from 7 am - 2 am daily. Coming soon to the space will be Paul Qui's sushi bar Otoko; Central Standard, an American bar and grill; and Manana a coffee shop and cold-pressed juice bar.

Events/Happenings
-- Prizer Gallery's Artist as Farmer exhibit runs August 29 - September 13th, 2023 E. Cesar Chavez.

-- Tailor Made Treats (vegan chocolates) will have a pop up sale at Metier, Saturday, August 29th from 11 am - 2 pm.

-- Shawn Cirkel's latest project Bullfight is getting close to opening at 4807 Airport; they're hosting a preview benefit for the Sustainable Food Center August 29th, $75/person (no menu details as of yet).

-- Contigo Catering and Austin Beerworks are hosting a dinner featuring roast goat, August 29th, $55/person at the brewery.

-- Texas French Bread is hosting a 4 course dinner with pate, grilled shrimp, quail and apple tart, Sunday, August 30th, $50/person.

-- Counter 3.Five.VII and Qui are teaming up on a 15-course dinner, Monday, August 31st, $180/person $300 with wine pairings.

-- HAAM Benefit Day (Health Alliance for Austin Musicians) is September 1st, and a number of participating restaurants will feature live music and donate at least 5% of profits that day to HAAM. ABGB, Amy's, Whole Foods and lots more.

-- The soon to open Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt has hired Jennifer Keyser as Chief of Bar Operations; she will host a bar takeover at Midnight Cowboy September 1st to showcase her drinks.

-- Metier will host a pop-up bakery with Odd Duck's pastry chef Susana Querejazu, Saturday, September 5th beginning at 10 am until sold out; cash and credit cards accepted. And Metier will be having a sale!

-- Knife sharpening demo with a master of Japanese knives, at Metier, Thursday, September 10th at 11 am.

-- The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas will hold their annual Tour de Vin fundraiser at Fair Market on September 17th; Andrew Wiseheart of Contigo serves as honorary chair and will include chefs from Bribery Bakery, Kin and Comfort, Juliet and VOX Table. Tickets $70/person.

-- Patron Tequila tasting at the Coppertank Event Space, Friday, September 18th, 8 pm.

-- Edible Austin's annual Chef Auction will be October 8th at Allan House, $85/person. From the press release: Benefiting Sustainable Food Center and Urban Roots, the live auction is your chance to bid on exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime dinner packages prepared by Austin’s hottest chefs while supporting two nonprofits who truly “walk the walk” of strengthening our local food system. Participating chefs are from Contigo, Eden East, Franklin BBQ, Justine's, Lenoir, Ramen Tatsuya, Travassa, Uchi/ko and Wu Chow.

-- Central Market will debut a new event, Garlic Fest at all locations, September 16-29, with all kinds of garlic creations, demos, and cooking classes.

-- Thundercloud Subs is holding an art contest to design the upcoming poster/t-shirt for the 25th anniversary Turkey Trot 5k to be held on Thanksgiving Day; submissions due September 15th.

--Austin Alfresco, an exclusive food and wine overnight glamping retreat and festival with some of the areas top chefs, will be at Carson Creek Ranch, October 16-18, and they have currently dropped their price to $895/person.

-- The Carnivore's Ball returns Thursday, October 22nd, $72; as it sounds, probably not suited for vegetarians! Three different meat courses plus dessert, paired with St. Arnold's beers.

-- Tickets are on sale for the Austin Fermentation Festival, October 25th at Barr Mansion, $20+ /person. 

Bits and Bites -- Austin Food News

Events
-- Friday, July 24th, Art + Tequila at Mexic Arte Museum, $20/person in honor of National Tequila Day.

-- Summer Rose dinner at Lenoir, $110/person, Friday, July 24th.

-- Saturday, July 25th, 11 am - 5 pm, Hops + Grain's Bike Affair, $15/person, benefiting 1400 Miles, a non-profit that educates about prostate health.

-- TenOak hosts a Russell's Reserve whiskey pairing, Wednesday, July 29th, $30/person.

-- The Hill Country Food Truck Festival will be Saturday, August 1st in Luckenbach.

-- Saturday, August 1st is the 3rd Annual White Linen summer party, in the 2nd Street District downtown; $30/advance, $50/VIP, the event benefits Urban Roots and white attire is encouraged. Participating establishments: Austin Eastciders, Bob's Steak+ Chop House, Bribery Bakery, Cantina Laredo, Con Olio, CRU, Finn + Porter, Frank, Goose Island Brewery, Hilmy Cellars, Karbach Brewing Company, Numero 28, Spicewood Vineyards, TenOak, The Bonneville, Twisted X Brewing Company, and W Hotel Living Room.

-- Gardner hosts a 6-course dinner Tuesday, August 4th, with Chef Matt McCallister of Dallas, $75/person with optional $35 for wine pairings.

-- Central Market celebrates its 20th Hatch Chile Festival at both Austin locations, August 5 - 18. Both locations will have all kinds of in-house made products from scones in the bakery to meatballs at Chef's Case to commercially made products like Austin Slow Burn's Green Chile on Queso in the Dairy; regular demos throughout the event and the North Lamar Cooking School will have various cooking classes featuring the famed New Mexico green chiles.  

--The 5th Annual  Pay it Forward with Daniel Curtis at the AT+T Conference Center, benefiting the Lone Star Paralysis Foundation, $75- $125/person, Thursday, August 6th. 

-- Sunday, August 16th is the annual Slow Food Grub Trivia event at Saengerrunde Hall.

-- The annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival is August 23rd.

-- Thursday, September 17th, the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas present their annual Tour de Vin wine tasting event at Fair Market, $70/person.

-- This year's Austin Fermentation Festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 25th at Barr Mansion; tickets start at $20.

-- A number of East Austin eateries have joined together for Eat East, every Tuesday through Labor Day, with cocktail and appetizer specials; join The Hightower, La V, Silo, Salt + Time, Gardner, Tamale House, Spartan Pizza, Gemelli Gelateria, Buenos Aries Cafe, Weather Up, and Jacoby's.

-- Antonelli's Cheese is offering more than just cheese classes in August. Check out their Adult Summer Camp series on their calendar of events for classes in shrub/bitters, chocolate and fermented vegetables, all with local experts. 

-- Full schedule of the Sustainable Food Center's cooking classes at the Happy Kitchen is online.


Openings/Misc
-- Billie Jean's Burger Pub, 6501 S. Congress just north of William Cannon.

-- Dine from David Garrido at the Town Lake Radisson (old Chavez spot).

-- Lick Ice Cream opened a second location at 6555 Burnet Road.

-- Frozen banana shake currently available at Hopdoddy through August 2nd.
-- 4 courses for $38 at Gardner, Tuesday - Sunday for a summer prix fixe.

-- Corner Restaurant at the JW Marriott now offers weekend brunch from 11 am - 3 pm.  

-- Monger's Market + Kitchen, Wednesday oyster specials and happy hour.

-- Estancia Churrascuria is now offering lunch on Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 am - 3 pm, $29.95 for the full meat experience or $19.95 for the salad bar.

-- Gusto Italian Kitchen offers a Sunday Antipasti Buffet for $16.75/person. 

-- Rocco's Grill in Bee Caves is now holding Tuesday's Ladies Nights and Sunday brunches, as well as live music on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.


Closings
-- Barley Swine announced they will close their South Lamar location when they open their new, larger space at 6555 Burnet Road later this year; they will continue to use South Lamar for events. 

Bits and Bites -- Austin Food News

Here's what's coming up on the Austin food scene:

Events:
-- The Texas Olive Festival, slated for May 28 - 31 has been postponed due to the recent floods in the Hill Country.
-- The Flying Carpet hosts Austin2India, a fundraising dinner May 30th, 7 pm, $25/person to help raise money to build a library in India. Pie Plante, Patika Coffee and Deep Eddy Vodka will also provide food and drink. 
-- Alcomar hosts a brunch benefiting the Austin Food and Wine Alliance, Sunday, May 31st, 11 am - 3 pm, reservations recommended.
-- Sunday May 31st, in.gredients is hosting Farming, Foraging, and Homesteading with workshops, vendors, samples, and more. 10 am - 2 pm
-- The Scarlet Rabbit hosts a McPherson Wine dinner, May 31st, 6 pm, $45/person.
-- Swift's Attic is celebrating their third birthaversary, May 31st, 8 pm.
-- Natural Epicurean hosts vegan chef Ayinde Howell, June 1st, 6 - 9 pm, $89/person.
-- June 1 - 7 is Negroni Week, where restaurants + bars around the world donate a portion of their Negroni cocktail sales to a charity of their choice; check the Austin participants here, including The Hightower, who will donate proceeds to ColorCancer.
-- Cafe Josie hosts Wine Me Dine Me, a five course farm to table event with Lewis Wines, June 2nd, 6:30 pm, $85/person
-- Olive + June hosts a Buglioni Wine dinner on June 3rd at 7 pm, $150/person.
-- Kick off the summer with family day at The Midway Food Park, Friday, June 5th from 2 - 7 pm, sponsored by Do512 Family.
-- Slow Food Austin celebrates the tomato with a Tomato Dinner at Springdale Farm, June 9th, $100/person.
-- Central Market's Beers Across America, will be two week event at all CM's, June 10 - 23. Both Austin locations will feature a beer stroll (lots of samples!) on Thursday, June 18th from 5 - 8 pm, $10/person. Register here for North Lamar and here for Westgate.
-- A Taste of North Austin will be held at the Domain on June 13th, 11 am - 4 pm, $20/person; get tastes from over 15 restaurants!
-- A Pinor Noir and cheese pairing class will be held at Epicerie, June 14th, 5:30 pm, $40/person
-- The 54th Stonewall Peach JAMboree will be June 19-20 in Stonewall, TX; who will be crowned this year's Peach Queen?!
-- Isla holds a First Day of Summer Pig Roast, June 21st, 5 pm; tiki apparel encouraged.
-- Father's Day fried chicken picnic at Lenoir, June 21st, 11 am - 3 pm, $30/person.

Misc:
-- It's my favorite time of the year, as Texas peaches (this link shows the Hill Country growers and what's available) have come into season, and picking them is in full swing! If you drive out Hwy 290, you can find many stands along the way in Stonewall and Fredericksburg.

-- Opal Divine's is moving towards a locally-sourced, seasonal ingredient menu. From the press release:
"All of Opal’s egg dishes are made with organic eggs sourced by Austin-based Farm to Table, LLC. Their beef comes from Creekstone Farms Natural Black Angus Beef, and Opal’s is now sourcing natural pork from Sterling Silver."
-- Blackbird + Henry is now offering a Community-Supported Restaurant program, where patrons make a one-time donation of $1000 to the restaurant and receive house credit of $1250 towards all food, beverages and events.
-- At this writing, Austin Bakes has raised nearly $8500 for AmeriCares relief efforts in Nepal!  Online donations are still being taken through May 31st.

Openings:
-- The Ommelettry has reopened at 4621 Airport Blvd.
-- Galaxy Cafe will open its fourth location at 8127 Mesa Drive on June 1st.
-- Medici  coffee house also opens their fourth location at Lamar Union, 1100 South Lamar, on June 3rd.

Bits and Bites -- the Mother's Day Edition

Where to eat on Mother's Day (It's this Sunday, May 10th! Hurry up and make a reservation!)
-- Finn and Porter, 11 am - 3 pm, $55/4 courses
-- Due Forni, a la carte, 11 am - 3 pm
-- The Carillon, 4 seatings: 10:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 1:30 pm, $65/buffet, under 12 years old, $19.95
-- Sagra, $28.99/buffet
-- Daily Grill, a la carte
-- Gardener, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm, $30/set menu
-- Bribery Bakery has baskets for breakfast in bed available, from $45
-- La Patisserie has baskets starting at $36, place orders by May 8th

Events
-- Central Market's Passport Greece event continues through May 12th (both locations)
-- La Condesa's 7th Annual Cinco de Mayo block party celebration, May 5th,  5 - 9 pm; live music and Mexican Street foods
-- MexicArte's Taste of Mexico, May 5th, 6 - 9 pm, $50 - 7, various chefs/restaurants 
-- Teachers eat for free at CiCi's Pizza for National Teacher Appreciation Day.
-- Forrest Wine dinner at Olive + June, Wednesday, May 6th, $100
-- Salvation Pizza's Rainey Street Grand Opening Celebrations, May 7 - 10; proceeds benefit the Glimmer of Hope Foundation
-- Metier is hosting "Ice Cream and Cocktails" in conjunction with Lick Ice Cream and Genius Gin, May 9th, 1 - 3 pm 
-- Wheatsville Co-op on South Lamar is holding a chocolate truffle workshop (great for Mother's Day!), May 9th, 10 am  - 1 pm, $35
-- Sustainable Food Center's Farm to Plate Dinner, May 14th at Barr Mansion, various prices; a sip and stroll event with bites from over 30 of Austin's top chefs
-- The Texas Olive Festival runs May 28 - 31, with various tastings, tours, vendors, chef demos and vineyards represented at different times.
-- Trailer Food Tuesdays return to the Long Center: June 9, July 7, and August 4
-- Cooking Light and Health magazine's Fit Foodie 5K Race Weekend will be June 12 - 14, with tastings, cooking and fitness demonstrations, a yoga/Pure Barre class, 5K, and more. Benefits the American Diabetes Association.
-- Early bird tickets for the Austin Food Blogger's Alliance (of which I am a member) conference Byte of Texas (October 10 - 11 at Saengerrunde Hall) have just gone on sale through May 31st, $40 - 120.

Openings
-- VOX Table at Lamar Union
-- Shake Shack at Lamar Union
-- Jack Allen's Kitchen on 360
-- Via 313 Pizza in Oak Hill 

Bits and Bites -- Austin Food News

I attended a media tasting at Malaga last week; new Chef Mario Medina (formerly of Parkside and Chavez) has revamped the menu and the restaurant is more focused on local and seasonal products. The staff was wonderful and they outdid themselves with the ambitious number of items we sampled! Two of my favorites on the evening:

Gambas al Ajillo -- Shrimp in a garlic broth had the most wonderful tasting liquid. I could have inhaled a whole bowl of just the broth.

Rossejat -- a paella made from fideo rather than rice. Studded with garlic crema and shrimp, this was seemingly simple and delicious.

If you haven't been to Malaga in some time, go check them out! They even have valet parking out front, which definitely helps in downtown.

And on to Bits and Bites!

Events
-- Amy's Ice Cream is holding a contest where the lucky winner will receive free ice cream for life! Enter to win at any of their stores, November 19th - December 31st and the winner will be announced in January.
-- Con' Olio Oils and Vinegars celebrates their 5th anniversary with a special happy hour at each store, Thursday, November 20th,  4 - 7 pm. 
-- Trattoria Lisina is holding a 5 course wine pairing dinner with William Chris Vineyards, Friday, November 21st, $75/person.
-- Jack Gilmore will be signing copies of his new book Jack Allen's Kitchen: Celebrating the Tastes of Texas at BookPeople, Friday, November 21st at 7 pm.
-- The Austin Meatball Festival is Saturday, November 22nd, 12 - 5 pm, at Winflo Osteria. Over 10 area restaurants are competing for top balls! Live music. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of event; proceeds benefit Lifeworks.
-- Metier is hosting a release party for the 3rd issue of Sugar and Rice magazine, Sunday, November 23rd, 3 - 5 pm. They are an independent magazine telling the food stories of the Gulf Coast.
-- Wine and Swine is Sunday, November 23rd, 1 - 4pm, at Star Hill Ranch,  $85/person. See their website for the chef lineup! Benefits the Austin Food and Wine Alliance.
 -- Metier will also host a coffee class in conjunction with Casa Brasil, Friday, November 28th, 1 - 2:30 pm where they will teach you to make the perfect cup of coffee using a Chemex coffee maker. Additionally, Metier's neighbor, Dolce Neve Gelato will provide affogatos for participants.
-- Central Market on North Lamar will be offering Gingerbread House workshops, Nov 28th - Dec 6th; reservations required; $65/one adult + one child.
-- A Downtown Abbey Christmas Supper Club will be held December 2nd, 7 pm, at the Camp Lucy event space in Dripping Springs, $149/person. Period clothing is encouraged!

Open for Thanksgiving
-- Fresas is offering Thanksgivings to go, order by Friday, November 21st for pick up after 10 am on November 26th. Thanksgiving menu here.
-- Travaasa's Preserve Kitchen + Bar is offering family-style Thanksgiving, 3 - 9 pm, $55/person, reservations required.
-- Texas Land and Cattle locations will be open, offering an $18.99 meal, reservations suggested.
-- The Statesman also has an extensive list of open places!

 Misc.
-- Salvation Pizza is opening a second location at 51 Rainey Street in December. 
-- Gourdough's Public House has a new fall cocktail menu and new $5 happy hour offerings.
-- Waterloo Ice House has a new menu and is now offering cocktails along with beer and wine, and they continue to source their ingredients from farms across Texas.
-- Easy Tiger has announced plans to expand to The Linc (the old Lincoln Village, across from Highland Mall of IH-35) in 2015.
-- Lulu B's Vietnamese trailer will go brick and mortar next year, at the old El Flaco at 3632 South Congress.
-- Taste of Ethiopia will open a second location at 3801 South Congress. 
-- The former T + S Seafood will reopen at the Chinatown complex with a new name -- New Fortune.
-- El Chile on South First Street is going to rebrand as Alcomar and focus on Latin seafood.
-- New food invention show holding a casting call Dec 3rd - 4th -- could this be you?!

Bits and Bites -- Austin Food News

 Upcoming Events
-- The Scarlett Rabbit is running Oktoberfest specials, October 6-26, the culmination of which will be an outdoor party with lots of food and live music on the 26th from 4 pm onward.

-- Mandola's Italian in Bee Cave is celebrating their 5th anniversary with a pizza party on October 13th beginning at 11 am.

-- Art Bites, an evening of art-inspired culinary creations from area chefs, Tuesday, October 14th, at Russell Collection Fine Art (1137 W. 6th) benefiting the Austin Food and Wine Alliance, $50/person.

-- Marye's Gourmet Pizza on Bee Caves Road is throwing a two year anniversary party, Wed., October 15th, 5 - 7 pm.

-- Meet local brewers at Thunderbird Cafe and Tap Room, October 15th, 6-10 pm, also serving as a benefit for the culinary grant programs of the Austin Food and Wine Alliance.

-- Prevention Magazine's R3 Summit is October 17-18 at the Long Center; see my previous post for a coupon code for $20 off tickets!

-- Swift's Attic Sunday Supper Series on October 19th will feature a benefit for LIVESTRONG. $75/person or $100 with wine parings.

-- Truck by Truckwest, October 21-26. Buy a 1-day, 2-day, or 6-day pass and get bites to eat at a slew of food trailers. Vote for your favorite trailer and the winner gets a $10,000 prize, to be awarded at the last Trailer Food Tuesday of the season, October 28th at the Long Center.

-- Carnivores Ball, and as the name implies, not really for the vegans; October 23rd, 5:30 pm, the old Brodie Homestead (you know, sandwiched in between strip malls on Brodie Lane in Sunset Valley -- the old barn is now an event space), $55/person. Organized by Aussie blogger Burger Mary, it will feature meats from Salt + Time, The Slow Bone Crew (from Dallas), Freedman's, Fried + True, beer from St. Arnold and bourbon from Garrison Brothers.

-- Estancia Churrascaria is celebrating their 3rd anniversary October 24-26 with a complimentary dessert for their patrons. 

-- Come one, come all to Homeslice's 9th Annual Carnival of Pizza, Saturday, November 22nd, 12 - 7pm!  Games, contests, pizza, and the event serves as a fundraiser for the Austin Bat Cave, a local non-profit for youth to develop their creative writing skills.

-- Wine and Swine (always one of my favorite events!) for the Austin Food and Wine Alliance, will be Sunday, November 23rd at Star Hill Ranch; details TBA.

-- Delysia Chocolatier is opening a brand new culinary facility in Cedar Park (2000 Windy Terrace, #2C) later this month.