Events

Upcoming and recently passed events that are cool enough to mention.

Foodie Foto Featurette /// Thanksgiving 2011

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The holidays can be crazy! Everyone is trying to get gifts and cook extravagant meals.

I plead guilty to the previous statement. I love a little hoopla – no drama, just hoopla. It can make the ocassion a little more boysterous.

But last year I may have gone too far.

Long story short, we attempted a huge meal for 9 adults and 5 children. Sage-infused turkey, honey-glazed ham, white cheddar, truffle mac and cheese and a slew of other that leave my mind at this moment.

Earlier that morning, my dad talked about how he watched a video on kitchen fires.

In the end we overstuffed the oven, the marshmallows on the candied yams fell over and caught the oven on fire.

In comes my dad: patient and well-versed in the ways of putting out a kitchen fire. He followed the steps to a ‘T’ and no one was hurt. Thanksgiving dinner was a mess but the house was okay.

This year we opted for a stress free meal. My aunt Lori suggested we grill. Given her training at the French Culinary Institute in New York, I thought this was a great idea.

No arguements, no fire and lots of smiles.

I think I will just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Fun Fun Fun Food 2011 Day 3

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What a way to end the festival. Here are a few items that we learned about at the fest this year.

  1. Most large entree items run about $7
  2. Snacks run about $4
  3. Fun Fun Fun Fest serves mixed mixed mixed drinks!
  4. Don’t try and sneak in your own liquor if Slayer is playing. You are going to get the pat-down!
  5. Slayer inspires people to create: Slayer dog by Frank and Progress Coffee roasted and packaged bean to the sweet tunes of Slayer
  6. Don’t mock the Slayer dog! [More on that soon enough]

At the same time, we got to see some great bands, such as Hum, Del the Funky Homosapian, Baths and Tiffany’s new favorite, Austra!

Tiffany: “Not Austra! My favorites were Lykke Li and Passion Pit!”

And nothing goes better at a festival than new food.

I began the day by taking a wager on Blue Ribbon BBQ. Although I hadn’t realized it at the time, I have had their BBQ before. Blue Ribbon has a store front on 4th Street, at the base of the Frost Tower. Sadly, the sandwich never looks as good as it does on the picture. At first glance, I was disappointed with my selection. The presentation was sub-par but what could I expect, I am at a festival.

After my first bite, my mind quickly changed. 3 generations of BBQ purveyors had done me right. The brisket BBQ sandwich made my taste buds dance.

Tiffany here! I ate my first meal of the day at home, but while Antonio was waiting for his Slayer dog, I stopped over at Snowie for the sweet potato and black bean quesadilla. I loved the flavors of black beans and mashed sweet potato, but I must admit I couldn’t really find the cheese it spoke of. It came with a red pepper sauce to dip it in, which also complemented the flavors nicely.

Next time, I want to try what they call the Neptune—sauteed zucchini, squash, black beans and cheese. I am a big squash and zucchini fan—yay, fall! Snowie primarily sells snow cones and fair food, but I guess they figured out the secret to success—have something for the veggie-tarians!

 

Blue Ribbon BBQ
120 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701 
(512) 369-3119

 

 

November Courtyard Event

Cocktails & Drinks, Events 0 Comments

We’re hoping you’ve already heard about this and RSVPed, because if you haven’t, well, it’s too late to do anything about it now. Today, Launch 787 sent out an email saying the first 100 people to RSVP got to attend the November Courtyard event on Thursday, which includes nibbles from The Meat House and a little drinky from Waterloo Gin. It’s free to those who RSVPed, with the hopes that you’ll donate a few bucks to Austin Involved. If you were quick on your fingertips and RSVPed, we’ll see you there. If you weren’t, we can’t help you get in, but we do hope to post a few pics here post-event.

Either way, we hope you’ll check out Austin Involved, because it’s a movement we can get behind—a volunteer movement. Visit the website or Facebook page to see how you can get involved. The idea is simple: Members donate $25, which goes to the charity that the most Austin Involved members choose each month by vote, and then they put in time to do a volunteer project as well.

Eat, drink, be merry and share the wealth!

Fun Fun Fun Food 2011 Day 2

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Antonio with his Steak Frite Sandwich from Aquarelle

Day 2 of the festival was better than the first.  We had the opportunity to taste some great food.

Tiffany and I made our way to the Handshake tent at the “top of the afternoon.” Although the weather has been cool here in Austin, the mid-afternoon sun was hot enough to justify a milkshake. After working through our choices, we agreed to an oatmeal shake with chocolate chips and blueberries. Sadly, our mix-ins got left out, but hearts were filled with joy when we tasted this shake. You couldn’t come closer to an oatmeal cookie wit out… well… err… eating an actually oatmeal cookie. The service was fun and we are definately heading to Handshakes for their grand opening next week!

Between Donald Glover, Ra Ra Riot and Kool Keith, Tiffany reminded me that this was going to be the only time in our schedule to get a decent meal and relax for a moment. Tiffany chose to wait in line for Crepe Crazy. Crepe Crazy may have the largest selection of items at the festival, divided into sweet and savory selections, for whichever your heart desires in the moment. While she really wanted the Banana Nutella, she chose a proper dinner item – the Sun-dried Tomato Veggie Crepe, smothered with monterrey jack cheese, sliced tomatoes, spinach, sauteed mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoe pesto. Before you order, know that you will be pointing out what you would like on the menu unless you know sign language. This trailer is impressive with their fluid efficiency – despite being one of the more popular tents, the wait is not long and it’s fun to watch them expertly make crepes and fold in the fresh ingredients.

For myself, after waiting in line for 10 minutes, I learned that Franks had run out of bratwurst. I was offered a hot dog but I thought I would wait for the much anticipated Slayer dog, offered only on Sundays!

In a moment of desperation, I hopped over to the Linda Chan’s. The line moved fast and service was quick. In the end, I picked up the chicken with fried rice. This was a game time decision which I began to second guess myself as the words fell from my lips. I managed to order the one food that is often under-seasoned and quickly dries out. But Chan’s surprised me in all the best ways.

By the end of the evening, Tiffany and I needed a pick-me-up. We swung by the Progress Coffee tent for two cups of joe.  However, we were the last cup – as in singular cup. The staff at Progress was nice enough to grati our cup for the inconvienence.

A few bands later, I was hungry again.

In a hunt for a nibble, I selected the Steak Frites Sandwich from Aquarelle. This Sandwich was over the top and bursting with flavor. Who can say no to stripped steak, pom frites, covered with pepper and parmesan all stacked between a bun. I submit that you cannot. Plus, this late in the evening, the staff at most places are tired and severly overworked. But not Aquarelle, our server Kylie was over the top! Good job, guys! Tiff and I need to stop in soon for a full dinner!

All in all, it was a good day for food! Let’s do it again at Fun Fun Fun Fest. These spoonies are ready!

Aquarelle Restaurant Français
606 Rio Grande Street, Austin, TX
(512) 479-8117

Crepe Crazy

Handshakes Trailer
1104 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702

Linda Chan’s Chicken

Progress Coffee
500 San Marcos Street, Austin, TX
(512) 493-0963

Fun Fun Fun Food 2011 Day 1

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Festival season is upon us once again. And somehow it feels like it never ends. I mean, seriously, didn’t Halloween feel like it lasted 4 days this year? Next year Halloween will be on a Tuesday. Will that mean Halloween will be a 5 day festival? Time will tell.

But our little heart putters in excitement for Music Festivals. Because festivals bring good food.

And Fun Fun Fun Fest is no stranger. This year they have brought out the big guns to help kill off your cravings.

Tiffany and I weren’t able to break away until late in the afternoon from work, so we only enjoyed dinner at the fest.

Black Sheep Lodge has a great list. I joined the Black Sheep regime by getting their Carnitas Sandwich with spicey green chili and coleslaw.  The best part was when I got the offer to add tater tots for $2 more.  I gave in, since my arm was twisted by the sweet people at Black Sheep. I must say, the tots were splendid – prefect and crisp! The sandwich was suprisingly moist. Truth be known, I often anticipate having heat-lamp-dry food at a festival. But the sandwich is fully flavored and great! Well done sheeps!

Tiffany fell for mmmpanadas by getting their mushroom and spinach specialty.  What sent empanada into greatness was the chipotle mayo. The food was great although I think that Tiffany would have enjoyed it more if the she had the opportunity to scoop/pour her mayo on her empanda.

We have a big day ahead of us!  Time to try some specialty crepes and milkshakes.

Lets move onward Fun Fun Fun Foodies! Spoon away!

mmmpanadas
4209 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 788-2228

Black Sheep Lodge
 2108 South Lamar Blvd # A, Austin, TX
(512) 707-2744

Foodie Finds

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Friday, Nov. 4 @ 7 p.m.
Casa Chapala, 101 San Jacinto, 78701

Includes:

Tequila Tasting Tour ~ More than 45 Tequila Selections
Live Music ~ Yummy Food ~ Tequila Awards
Benefits the Homeless Coach

Purchase Tickets Discount code: amigo101 gets you $5 off tickets

 

Film + Food + Focused on Good
Friday, Nov. 4 @ 6 p.m.

Includes:

The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, The Sustainable Food Center, Farmhouse Delivery, The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, in.gredients, the Natural Epicurean Culinary Academy, Johnson’s Backyard Garden, Slow Money Texas, Slow Food Austin, Greenling Organic Delivery, and HOPE Farmer’s Market

With Delicious Food, Wine, and Specialty Drinks from Deep Eddy Vodka, The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas, Amy Ramm of the Natural Epicurean Culinary Academy, Amanda Love-the Barefoot Cook, Amity Bakery, Pie Fixes Everything, Pate Letelier, austiNuts, NXNW brewery, Madria Sangria and more

And hear Film + Food insights from:
Elizabeth Winslow of Farmhouse Delivery, Brad Stufflebeam of the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Brian Nunnery of in.gredients and more

Proceeds benefit Lights. Camera. Help.!
Other sponsors and supporters: Vintage IT, atxhipsters, Edible Austin

Get tickets

 

~FREE EVENT~
Edible Austin hosts Ellen Sweets
Friday, Nov. 4 @ 7 p.m.
BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar Blvd.

Includes:

Author Ellen Sweets ~ Tastings from recipes from her new book, “Stirring It Up with Molly Ivins” ~ Seasonal craft beer courtesty of Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Learn more on Edible Austin’s website.


Fun Fun Fun Fest

Friday–Sunday Nov. 4–6
Auditorium Shores
This is where you can find the OhSpooners this weekend! We are big music fans! We’re looking forward to Passion Pit, Lykke Li, Spoon, Slayer, Hum, and, of course the food vendors! Last year’s find was Boomerang’s pies. Yum! Yum!
Includes:
Live music ~ FFF6 Poster Show ~ Retail and nonprofit vendors
Food vendors
  • Austin’s Pizza
  • Austin Daily Press
  • Aquarelle
  • Black Sheep Lodge
  • Blue Ribbon BBQ
  • Boomerang’s Pies
  • Chi’Lantro
  • Crepe Crazy
  • Frank
  • Handshakes
  • Hey Cupcake!
  • Juiceland
  • Kebabalicious
  • Linda Chan’s
  • Lucky J’s
  • Mmmpanadas
  • The Parlor
  • Snowie
  • Thai BBQ
  • Tiff’s Treats
  • Progress Coffee

Foodie Foto Featurette /// Gypsy Picnic 2011 ATX

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Sometimes, you can only mention how much fun you had in a picture.  From time to time, we will post a Foodie Foto Featurette as a sort of food porn for your enjoyment.  What a great way to start the weekend!

Festivals Galore

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The Gypsy Picnic has its own festival trailer at the entrance.

This weekend has been filled with festivals for Austin, Texas. The Austin Film Festival, the Texas Book Festival, the Cedar Park Fall Festival (where Antonio and his band Dear Science played!), and, of course, the second annual Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival at Auditorium Shores.

We lined up a mere 45 minutes early—just to be sure we got all the best stuff. My mom kept trying to sneak in; I’m pretty sure that was her favorite part of the day.

By the time 11 a.m. rolled around there was quite the crowd gathered. Trying to be a bit too much like ACL, they played the “Star Wars” theme song as they opened the lines. But that’s where the cheesiness ended and the fun began.

While everyone stayed to the left of the park, I headed across the field, rogue-style making a quick stop at Tenderland for a portabello sandwich, followed by The ZubikHouse for a caprese kolache and then to Holy Cacao for a frozen hot chocolate. Yum yum.

The ZubikHouse's kolaches are made of sweet bread.

Tenderland’s portabello sandwich was good, but not great. It was a good call adding grilled onions, cheese and some sort of sauce, but it could definitely use a little something else for pizzazz—tomato slices? Basil? green chiles? I also think they would make a better impression with homemade buns. That being said, I appreciate their vegetarian option and it was good sized for the price.

The ZubikHouse’s caprese kolache was very yummy, with a very sweet bread, topped with cheese, basil and tomato.

Holy Cacao's frozen hot chocolate is scrumdiddlyumptious!

But the winner of the three from my point of view was the frozen hot chocolate by Holy Cacao. ‘Holy Cacao!’ is right! This drink has all the tastings of hot cocoa except for the temperature. We were all blown away and dear Antonio drank about half of mine, even though I was really just trying to share a sip with him.

Tips for next year:
• Get there early
• Map your route
• Don’t dilly dally
• Grab a few things at once

The Crown of The 2nd Street District

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This weekend, I surprised Tiffany with tickets to see elBulli at the Violet Crown Cinema. Granted, we had seen a flick there a time or two before, but this was the first time we had the opportunity to enjoy the bar.

Milcampos Tempranillo is our new fave!

Conveniently, located in the Second Street District, the atmosphere at the Violet Crown is simple, yet chic. If you are worried about parking downtown, the Crown will validate your stub—up to 3 hours—for the AMLI parking garage directly behind the venue.

While we have other dine-in movie theatres in Austin, Violet Crown falls in an exclusive niche for independent, documentary and international films. Granted the ticket price is a couple of dollars more but, upon purchase, you reserve your specific seats in the theatre.

At first glance, the menu above the snack bar seems traditional—candy, popcorn and hummus and pita bread. However, the real gem lies in the bar menu. Here you will find an array of drinks, everything from ginger pork tapas to cake balls. I let Tiffany take the lead in ordering and we got the avacado spring rolls. The rolls were fresh, the penut sauce was delightful and the presentation was far more than I expected.

This particular evening, they were hosting a Spanish wine promotion to coincide with elBulli. We had the opportunity to try the 2009 Milcampos Tempranillo. Our hearts lept for joy, as this wine was remarkably easy to drink. This tempranillo drinks with dark fruit first followed by a smooth finish. The best part is, you can pick this up from most wine vendors for roughly $12 a bottle. A wonderful recommendation by the staff at the Crown.

Avacado Springs Rolls at the Royal Crown

While you can order food at the bar, keep in mind that the wait staff will not deliver your meal inside the theater. You can bring the food in the theater with you, where lecture-style table tops are attached to nice, leather seating. The tops are small, thus creating a balancing act if you have wine, water and food.

I do need to mention, the Violet Crown has amazing service. Everyone on staff seems excited to show you to your seat, pour a glass of wine or simply give you your ticket. It seems hard to come across great service in Austin and VC stands out from the pack.

Overall, each experience at the Violet Crown has been  pleasurable. The service is always great and has such a unique selection of films, I would highly recommend making a trip out!

Now I just need my friends at the Crown to pick up this film!

Royal Crown Cinema
434 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX
(512) 495-9600

 

Food Fight In Austin

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UPDATE: The auction raised $13,518 to benefit local culinary scholarships and farm-to-table initiatives. Way to go Les Dames d’Escoffier Austin and friends!

Monday, Oct. 17 marked the beginning of Food Fight Austin, an online auction running Oct. 17–28, 2011.

Why the Food Fight?

Les Dames d’Escoffier Austin is a group of professional women leaders within the food, fine beverage and hospitality industries. This year is the 3rd anniversary of Food Fight Austin, as the group is hoping to raise $10,000 for culinary scholarships and garden-to-table initiatives.

Last night, Austin chefs and food celebrities–Josh Watkins of The Carillon, Sonya Cote of East Side Showroom, Alma Alcocer-Thomas of El Alma’s, David Garrido of Garrido’s and Mason Arnold of Greenling engaged in a pie-throwing battle with Austin Food Bloggers, including Natanya Anderson, Kathryn Hutchison, Virginia Belle, Michelle Fandrich and Jennie Chen.

The media event took place on the rooftop of Whole Foods in Downtown Austin. What a great way to “throw” this event into the public and raise new funds for a good cause!

Bid now and bid often!

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