Monday, September 30, 2013

Gateway Guesthouse Offers Holiday Cooking Classes & New Year’s Delight - Austin, Texas

Gateway Guesthouse Offers Holiday Cooking Classes & New Year’s Delight


Celebrate the Holidays Hassle-Free with Chef Bess

Nestled in a historic neighborhood just south of the lake, Gateway Guesthouse, Austin’s über-cool-ultra-relaxing bed and breakfast, is offering a new Classic Tuscan cooking class and two Fearless Feast Cook and Carry courses to make the upcoming holidays a little less stressful.

Inn keepers Blaise Bahara and Bess Giannakakis have made food an integral part of Gateway Guesthouse and it begins with Chef Bess, who for more than twenty years worked in some of the best restaurants in Minneapolis; founded the Colossal Cafe, which was featured on the Food Network; and is now entrenched in the explosive culinary scene in Austin.

The Fearless Feast series provides patrons with an opportunity to learn from a master how to prepare a traditional holiday feast without all the hassle. On November 27, Chef Bess will be in the kitchen showing the class how to make a turkey (rubbed with a Tex-Mex flair), cornbread and sausage stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and more—including pumpkin pie with homemade crust—for a stress-free Thanksgiving to enjoy. On December 23 & 24, Bess teaches the group how to prepare a standing rib beef roast with horseradish cream gravy, sides, an arugula and roasted beet salad, homemade bread buns, and bourbon pecan tart with whipped cream. Christmas dinner has never been so easy. The Fearless Feast meals are made in-house with Bess, and patrons take everything home to cook on that special day. A hotline number is available for emergency questions.

Bess and Blaise are always eating at new restaurants and trying new things, and a recent trip to Italy inspired them to create a new cooking class: Classic Tuscan. Two sessions are scheduled for January 11— Making Pasta: Bolognese and Risotto: Carbonara or Minestrone. Other course offerings include everything from sharpening knives and de-boning a chicken to making a béchamel sauce and baking biscuits. Additional hands-on classes—no televisions and mirrors—will be scheduled for the last week of January as needed. Courses, which run about 2 hours, are $65 per person.

The inn keepers take it up a level for those who really want to get a taste of the robust food scene in Austin and feature a Shop, Cook, Dine event on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Patrons caravan to nearby farms, seafood markets and Whole Foods to purchase ingredients for a meal they prepare alongside Bess and then savor poolside after a hard day in the kitchen. For those who want to let Bess do the shopping, the Cook and Dine series takes about half the time and is offered almost any day of the week.

With food comes entertaining, and Gateway Guesthouse is putting on one of the city’s most coveted New Year’s Eve parties. After cocktails at 6 p.m., Greek dancing and songs commence while Bess and Blaise serve a five- to six-course Greek spread with wine pairings. Champagne finishes off the meal at 10 p.m. Overnight guests ring in 2014 with a midnight toast.

Gateway Guesthouse is located at 1001 E. Riverside Drive, Austin TX 78704. To purchase gift cards (perfect for the holidays) or for room rates, cooking class schedules, and more information, call 512-326-2646 or go to gatewayguest.com.

ive the Sweet Life at the 24th Annual La Dolce Vita Food & Wine Festival - Austin, Texas

ET READY TO LIVE THE SWEET LIFE AT THE
24th LA DOLCE VITA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL



Sip and savor with Central Texas’ top chefs and wineries

The Contemporary Austin is pleased to announce the full lineup for the 24th Annual La Dolce Vita Food and Wine Festival, presented by Merrill Lynch, which is returning this fall with a dynamic lineup of award-winning chefs, select Austin restaurants and prized wineries from across Central Texas.  Held along the beautiful shores of Laguna Gloria, La Dolce Vita provides guests with an opportunity to sip and savor special culinary presentations on Thursday, October 24th from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

The 2013 Honorary Chef for the event is Executive Chef David Bull of Congress, Bar Congress and Second Bar + Kitchen. At the helm of these restaurants, Bull was named “Chef of the Year 2012” by Austin Monthly, and Congress, among its many accolades, was acknowledged as the “Best New Restaurant in Austin.”

"I am very excited to be this year's Honorary Chef,” said Chef Bull. “I love that this event combines the culinary community and the art community.  La Dolce Vita is a one of a kind evening that exemplifies what can be achieved when you pull these two communities together. No question, this is one of the best parties of the year with a great venue, great food and a great cause. I am honored to be a part of this and look forward to contributing what I can to support La Dolce Vita."

During La Dolce Vita, tastemakers will dance to the Flying Turns, a 5-piece ensemble spinning the most eclectic of vinyl.  Renowned restaurants with the likes of celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey’s Searsucker Restaurant and hotspot Ramen Tatsu-Ya, bring a sophisticated bite to tantalize guests palates along with Austin’s favorite Ranch 616, helmed by the colorful Kevin Williamson, while Kome offers Japanese chic to La Dolce Vita. The highly anticipated laV, set to open later this fall, will preview its cuisine for those who have not yet visited the new establishment’s temporary food truck located behind Las Vegas Lounge.


Libations will be equally as satiating with a handcrafted cocktail lounge by Tipsy Texan, David Alan, featuring Midnight Cowboy, Drink.Well., soon to be opened Halfstep and San Antonio’s Bohanans. Recognizable wineries from Pedernales Cellars to long-time favorites such as Becker Vineyards and McPherson Cellars bring their multi-award winning wines to elevate guests’ senses at this vibrant event.  Newcomer 4.0 Cellars from Fredericksburg will also add to the lengthy list of reputable wines at La Dolce Vita. Multiple wine sampling booths with national and international flare are carefully curated by Twin Liquors.


La Dolce Vita will take guests through a festive evening while enjoying “the sweet life”, as they experience and taste the creations of over 50 bright culinary teams and wineries, each presenting an evocative taste of their establishment. Tickets for the festival are available for $200 per person for access to the exclusive cocktail lounge and $150 per person for general admission. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at www.thecontemporaryaustin.org/2013/la-dolce-vita-2013/.

Laguna Gloria is located a 3809 West 35th Street. Stay up to date with La Dolce Vita happenings and updates on Facebook @LaDolceVitaATX and Twitter @LaDolceVitaATX, and join the conversation using the hashtag #ladolcevita2013.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Fun Fun Fun Fest Announces Food Lineup w/ Taco Cannon Ammo By Tamale House - Austin, Texas

FUN FUN FUN FEST ANNOUNCES FOOD VENDOR LINEUP 
FFF Food Curator & BBQ Legend John Mueller And Team
Have Chosen A Delicious Variety of Austin Food Stops and Culinary Top Spots

FUN FUN FUN FEST (FFF Fest) is excited to announce the full lineup of food vendors on location at the festival Nov 8-10 in Austin. Through a delicate selection process, festival food curator and BBQ legend John Mueller of John Mueller Meat Co. worked with the FFF team to hand-select this year's festival food offerings.

The chosen food purveyors represent a variety of the city's best eats, including guilty pleasures and healthy alternatives. Perfect for a festival offering punk, hip-hop, indie rock, electronic and much more, the food lineup also brings a delicious mixture of flavors, including artesian sausages, crepes, fresh juice, homemade tamales, and of course BBQ.

Those who purchase the USP (Ultimate Smooth Pass) will also have access to La Condesa's new taco truck, El Cubico, as well as Beetnik Foods. These additional food options are included in the many perks for USP pass holders, which also include craft drink options, shorter lines, comfy leisure zones, premium sight lines at every stage, an old-school arcade lounge, and more.

The food vendor lineup includes:
Austin Daily Press
Austin's Pizza
Black Sheep Lodge + Haymaker
Blue Ribbon BBQ
Boomerang's Pies
Chi'Lantro
Crepe Crazy
Frank
The Grilled Cheese Truck
Hey Cupcake
Kebabalicious
Tiff's Treats
JuiceLand
Flat Track Coffee
Austin Land and Cattle Co.
Lard Have Mercy
Yeti Frozen Custard
Tamale House

USP Area Food Vendors:
El Cubico (La Condesa's taco truck)
Beetnik Foods


This year's music lineup includes M.I.A., Slayer, MGMT, Jurassic 5, Snoop Dogg, Descendents, Ice-T, Television, FLAG (Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, Dez Cadena, Bill Stevenson and Stephen Egerton), and many more. Among the 2013 comedians are Tenacious D, Patton Oswalt, Craig Robinson, and Doug Benson. The new FFF Nites lineup has also just been released. For a complete list of FFF Fest performers, visit funfunfunfest.com.

This year's athletes participating in the growing skateboarding and BMX portion of the weekend include BMX vert ramp pioneer Mat Hoffman, legendary skater Christian Hosoi and many more. The Fest is also introducing for the first time an impressive vert ramp for bigger air and exciting new demos.

All festival passes and tickets, including weekend passes, single day tickets, USP passes and student discount tickets are available at funfunfunfest.com. For those purchasing the student discount tickets, they will be claimed at will call and will require a valid student ID to be redeemed.

Fun Fun Fun Fest would like to thank all of the 2013 partners and sponsors who help make the festival possible, including Shiner, Absolut, Red Bull Sound Select, smart, and Seagate.

Follow the fest at facebook.com/funfunfunfest and on Twitter @funfunfunfest for updates and special promotions.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Freshest Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the World Arrives at Con’ Olio - Austin, Texas

Freshest Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the World Arrives at Con’ Olio, 
Just in Time for Con Olio’s New Store Opening


The purveyors of Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars—the first premium olive oil tasting bar in Austin—know the absolute importance of freshness. That’s why they bring in only the freshest extra virgin olive oils from around the world, and print the harvest date on every bottle. This season, Con’ Olio is highlighting 12 unique and freshly pressed extra virgin olive oils from the Southern hemisphere, which has an opposite growing season to the traditional Fall harvest of the Northern Hemisphere, all pressed within the past few months. The arrival of the new oils coincides with the opening of Con’ Olio’s third location this October at 12918 Shops Parkway in the Shops at the Galleria.

Some extra virgin olive oils coming to Con’ Olio later this season include those from Chile and South Africa. Currently available in store and online are three extra virgin olive oils from Australia, and three from Peru, all of varying flavor and intensity. The Ultra Premium Picual EVOO from Australia, which won the coveted Best of Class award at the 2013 International New York Olive Oil Competition, features green tomato and tomato leaf flavors and grassy, herbal notes that contribute to its complexity. Also from Australia is the Ultra Premium Hojiblanca EVOO, a mild and aromatic early harvest oil with notes of green banana, apple and stone fruit mingled with green floral and grassy flavors. The Ultra Premium Manzanillo EVOO from Australia has a medium intensity, with green strawberry, green apple, melon and jam notes, and a peppery finish.

Con’ Olio’s Ultra Premium Organic Barnea EVOO from Peru has a robust intensity, and won the gold medal at the 2013 International New York Olive Oil Competition. This early harvest oil features a strong herbaceous aroma and flavor, with notes of crushed parsley and fennel, and an incredibly peppery finish. The new Ultra Premium Organic Coratina EVOO from Peru also features a robust intensity, but a remarkable balance, with aromas of green grass and green herbal notes, green almond and apple flavors. The robustly intense Ultra Premium Organic Picual EVOO from Peru is an early harvest oil highlighting aromatic notes of parsley and unripe stone fruit, with a lingering pepper finish. All of Con’ Olio’s new Southern hemisphere extra virgin olive oils are ideal for cooking or finishing any meal.
 
Con’ Olio is located at 215 Lavaca St. in the Second Street District, and at 10000 Research Blvd., Suite 130, in the Arboretum. For more information about Con’ Olio’s oil and vinegar products, please call (512) 495 – 1559 for the Second Street District location, or (512) 342-2344 for the Arboretum location, or visit www.ConOlios.com.

Friday, September 20, 2013

La Condesa Debuts New Taco Truck - Austin, Texas

LA CONDESA DEBUTS NEW TACO TRUCK


‘EL CUBICO’ TO MAKE THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT THIS FALL

La Condesa is excited to announce the debut of their new taco truck, El Cubico. El Cubico will make its official preview at the Sustainable Food Center (SFC) opening party on Tuesday, September 24 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

The taco truck will be on the festival circuit for the rest of the fall season and guests will be able to catch it at Fun Fun Fun Fest and the Formula 1 US Grand Prix this year. El Cubico will provide menu items such as their famous Mexican street corn and carnitas tacos.

“La Condesa is now mobile and can come to your home, office, tailgate or private event space.  El Cubico will have the capacity to cater events from 25 to 500 guests and will feature made-to-order tacos and other La Condesa classics,” says Director of Marketing and Events Alexis Lanman.

El Cubico is now available to rent for private events, with pricing starting at $1,000. To book the taco truck for your next private event, email tacotime@lacondesa.com.

La Condesa is located at 400 W. 2nd Street. For updates and more information about La Condesa and the taco truck, please visit www.lacondesa.com./austin. Follow La Condesa on Facebook @lacondesaaustin and on Twitter @lacondesaaustin.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Austin's Hill Country Hideaway: Inn Above Onion Creek

Unwind in the Texas Hill Country at Luxe Boutique Retreat


Newly Renovated Inn Above Onion Creek Located Just Outside Austin, TX   

For the ultimate Hill Country getaway, head to the  newly-refurbished Inn Above Onion Creek, a luxe boutique inn nestled on nearly ninety acres of lush terrain outside the Capitol City. It’s the spot to relax, unwind, recharge, and reconnect.

Two visionary dot-commers from Austin—Eric Goldreyer, the founder of  BedandBreakfast.com, and John Banczak, the president of the company—purchased the Inn Above Onion Creek in 2012 and reconfigured everything, from the infrastructure and operations to the decor and details such as mini-fridges stocked with made-in-Dublin-Texas beverages. The result is a well-conceived concept and property with careful attention to conservation, design elements, luxurious furnishings, and natural aesthetics.

The inn features fourteen guest suites that are undergoing a restoration (three of which have already been completed), from flat-screen TVs to stylish finishes and chic beddings. Four  private cottages feature amenities ranging from a gourmet kitchen with stainless-steel appliances to a decadent bath with river stone flooring and a view of the double-sided fireplace from the stand-alone tub. Oversized porches and a private hot tub in secluded nearby woods provide excellent vantage points to take in the natural surroundings. The attention to detail also extends to the grounds, where extensive rainwater and greywater catchment systems irrigate the property and where pathways made of crushed granite lead to hammocks, miles of hiking and birding trails, and a garden that is home to many herbs and vegetables used in the kitchen.

After an elaborate breakfast, spend the day lounging at the pool, where a 3,000-square-foot deck has been added; reading in the well-stocked library; napping in a hammock; exploring the native habitat and bird watching (walking sticks and water provided); or playing bocce, horseshoes, or washers. Or stop by the spa, which offers a menu of treatment options and a knowledgeable staff focused on therapeutic techniques—an incredible space to reenergize.

If a trip off-property is in store, there are nearby wineries, microbreweries, water activities, boutiques, and restaurants. Dinner is served in the award-winning main dining room at the Inn Above Onion Creek with views of the sunset toward the west. After dessert, guests can unwind on the porch, relaxing and rocking while the sun sets over the overlook, which sits eighty feet above Onion Creek and looks out onto two thousand acres of undeveloped land. As night falls, learn about the constellations from a naturalist during a star party and then while wrapped in a warm Mexican blanket, huddle around the huge custom outdoor fire pit—the absolute perfect ending to a perfect day in the Hill Country.

The Inn Above Onion Creek is centrally located in Texas at 4444 W. FM 150, Kyle, TX 78640. The property is easily accessible by car, and an onsite landing spot for helicopters is under development. A gourmet breakfast and three-course dinner are included in an overnight stay, which starts at $199 a night during the low season. For more information and rates, call 512-268-1617 or 800-579-7686 or go to innaboveonioncreek.com.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary - Austin, Texas

MOONSHINE PATIO BAR & GRILL
CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY


Celebrations Include City Proclamation and Free Red Velvet Cake

Join Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary this September. To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, Moonshine will be gifting a classic favorite, one mason jar of red velvet cake to each table throughout the month of September. Additionally, Moonshine will receive a City of Austin Proclamation on Thursday, October 3 at 5:30pm at City Hall.

Founded by Chuck Smith and Larry Perdido, Moonshine has had 10 years full of success. “We like to compare restaurants to songs, you may have a song to sing but are uncertain who will listen,” said Chuck Smith. “Success is truly based on those willing to sing along. It is a blessing when a restaurant is embraced by its guests and team members. Our success comes from putting others first, expressing our gratitude and giving back. We appreciate all that have visited us for the last 10 years and are very thankful.”

An Austin staple, Moonshine takes you back to a simpler time. Serving up great cooking with an innovative take on classic American comfort food, Moonshine’s menu satisfies even the big city taste.

Signature menu items include Moonshine Original Corn Dog Shrimp® with honey mustard & blueberry swirl; Broiled Rainbow Trout with corn bread stuffing and Chile sage butter; and Texas Flat Iron Steak with blue cheese butter and port wine sauce.

Moonshine is located at 303 Red River Street and is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00am to 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 11:00pm and Sunday for brunch from 9:00am to 2:00pm and for dinner from 5:00pm to 10:00pm. For more information, visit www.moonshinegrill.com. Follow Moonshine on Facebook @MoonshineGrill and on Twitter @MoonshineGrill.

Friday, September 13, 2013

8th Annual Katy Wine Fest - Katy, Texas


Friday, November 8, 2013 from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Katy, Texas 

The Tuscany Villa
3330 FM 1463
Katy, Texas 77494
Phone: 281-241-9463

Cost: $25 - $150
 
Please join the Cinco Ranch Rotary on Friday, November 8, 2013, for an evening highlighting wines from the Italian wine regions of Tuscany, Peidmont, Campania, Silicy, Veneto, Puglia, and Umbria.

The Katy Wine Fest will offer unlimited wine tastings, light bites from more than 12 Katy and West Houston eateries, musical entertainment by Chris Austin Martinez and an exciting raffle and live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items you won't find anywhere else.

Space is limited so purchase your ticket early. If the event sells out before Thursday, November 7, no tickets will be sold at the door.

Proceeds directly benefit The Brookwood Community and the new Brookwood Center for Learning.

Ticket Information:
DESIGNATED DRIVER ADMISSION - $25
ADVANCED GENERAL ADMISSION- $60
VIP DESIGNATED DRIVER ADMISSION* (10 available) - $60
VIP ADMISSION - $150 (50 available)

Designated Driver Admission
-Designated Driver admission includes complimentary valet parking, water/soda service, and unlimited appetizer tastings.
*Designated Drivers desiring access to the VIP Lounge must purchase a Designated Driver VIP Admission ticket. The regular Designated Driver Admission ticket will not allow a guest access to the VIP Lounge, even if they are accompanying a VIP guest.

General Admission
-General Admission includes complimentary valet parking, water/soda service, a souvenir wine glass and unlimited wine and appetizer tastings.

Designated Driver VIP Admission
-Designated Driver VIP Admission includes complimentary valet parking, water/soda service, access to the
VIP Lounge, unlimited appetizer tastings, and a VIP welcome bag (wine glass not included).
-Includes one invitation to the Pre-Event VIP Wine Dinner and Tasting on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 5 pm. The Pre-Event VIP Wine Dinner and Tasting will be held at The Cellar Door in Katy and will feature a three course meal, an exclusive wine tasting of wines not being served at the Katy Wine Fest and the ability to purchase your favorite wines by the case at a discounted rate.
-Includes one complimentary entry into the Katy Wine Fest raffle

VIP Admission
-VIP Admission includes complimentary valet parking, water/soda service, unlimited food and wine tastings, access to the VIP Lounge with an extended selection of wines and light bites and a VIP welcome bag that includes a commemorative event wine glass and other goodies from our sponsors.
-Includes one invitation to the Pre-Event VIP Wine Dinner and Tasting on Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 5 pm. The Pre-Event VIP Wine Dinner and Tasting will be held at The Cellar Door in Katy and will feature a three course meal, an exclusive wine tasting and the ability to purchase your favorite wines by the case at a discounted rate.
-Includes one complimentary entry into the Katy Wine Fest raffle

For more information or to purchase your tickets, please visit our website, www.katywinefest.com.

Join Riedel for Red Wine Tasting XL Glasses $50 - incl 3 XL Glasses - Dallas, Texas


Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dallas, Texas

Miele Center Dallas
1700 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 200
Dallas, Texas 75207

Phone: 214-741-3535

Cost: $50 incl three XL Glasses

Tuesday October 8th 6pm-8pm
Join Riedel & Miele for an educational and entertaining program that will change your wine life forever!

In a unique and fascinating wine glass tasting, Riedel representative, Tommy Leman, will demonstrate the relationship between the shape of a glass and our perception and enjoyment of wines.

At the MIELE Gallery
1700 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75207

Visit Event Website: www.riedelusa.net/riedel-wine-glass-tasting-october-8-2013-dallas-tx.html

Bluebonnet Wine Trail, October Wine and Sausage Trail: Oct. 5-6 and 12-13 - Montgomery, Texas


Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Montgomery, Texas

The Nine Member Wineries Along the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, just about one hour NW of Houston
21123 Eva Street, Suite 100 (Cork This Winery)
Montgomery, Texas 77356
Phone: 936-597-4030

Cost: Single Ticket: $30 or Ticket for Two: $50 plus taxes and handling fees. Save $$$ when you buy one Ticket for Two (TICKETS VALID ALL DATES and includes a commemorative tasting glass)

The Texas Department of Agriculture has designated October as Texas Wine Month. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the crisp Fall weather and the NINE wineries that make up the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail. Your October Wine and Sausage trail ticket price of $30 for a single ticket or $50 for a Ticket for Two includes two select wine tastings, paired with a unique sausage dish at each winery PLUS a Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail glass.

When you arrive at your first winery, you will receive a 12 oz. commemorative wine glass to use and keep for all of your tastings. In addition, visit ALL NINE member wineries and each ticket holder will receive a commemorative Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail two-stage professional wine opener. The value of this ticket, with goodies, is over $85 per person!

Your trail tickets are good on any of the dates, October 5-6 and 12-13, 2013, regardless of when you purchase them. Blaze your own trail and pick where you want to start and where you want to end.  You have four days over two weekends to visit all NINE wineries. The official hours for this event are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday for each trail weekend.

All wineries are open during the official trail hours. Several wineries open earlier or close later than the official hours, so please check the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail website for specific winery hours. The Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail wineries remind you to drink responsibly and designate a driver. Our NINE member wineries include, Bernhardt Winery, Plantersville, Texas, Cork This! Winery, Montgomery, Texas, Messina Hof Winery, Bryan, Texas, Peach Creek Vineyards , College Station, Texas, Pleasant Hill Winery, Brenham, Texas, Retreat Hill Winery & Vineyard, Navasota, Texas, Saddlehorn Winery, Burton, Texas, Texas Star Winery, Richards, Texas and Windy Winery, Brenham, Texas.

Visit Event Website: www.texasbluebonnetwinetrail.com

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Benji's Cantina Opens for Sunday Brunch Service - Austin, Texas


Benji’s Cantina, quickly being known for its fresh, exceptional take on Tex-Mex cuisine and its unparalleled rooftop dining space overlooking downtown Austin, is opening for Sunday brunch service. Beginning Sept. 8, Benji’s will serve up Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring an ample menu of tried-and-true brunch dishes with a Benji’s twist, as well as some Benji’s originals guaranteed to become Austin brunch classics.

Brunchers can start their Sunday morning right with Benji’s sangria and horchata pitcher specials, and follow it up with a variety of sweet and savory small plate brunch specials ($10 per plate, $25 for three plates per person). Signature brunch specials include Biscuits and Gravy, two made-from-scratch jalapeño and cheddar biscuits smothered in Benji’s homemade chorizo gravy; the delectable Sopapilla French Toast, a Southern-style French toast casserole stuffed with cream cheese filling and topped with a Mezcal-berry compote; and Benji’s take on Chicken and Waffles, a dish of crispy buttermilk fried chicken thigh atop a jalapeño and cheddar waffle with a side of arbol maple syrup.  

Other Benji’s brunch specialties include Sopa de Pazole, tender pork and Rancho Gordo hominy in a Gaujillo chili broth, served with shredded cabbage, radishes, cilantro and lime; Oyster en la Concha, eight oysters served on the half shell with a spicy Yucatan-style cocktail sauce, Atomic Horseradish, lemon and lime; Fried Green Tomato and Lump Crab Benedict, a Southern favorite done Benji’s-style with a crispy fried green tomato and wilted spinach topped with a perfectly poached egg and Jonah Crab meat, and finished with a cilantro hollandaise sauce; and Shrimp and Grits, seasoned, grilled Gulf jumbo shrimp served with creamy Texas local cheddar grits and a chorizo broth.

Rounding out Benji’s generous brunch menu are classics in the making such as Citrus Jicama Salad with Jalapeño Basil Shrimp; Coctel de Camarones; Pork Adobado Benedict; King Ranch Casserole; Migas; Potato Hash, Carnitas and Fried Eggs; Fajitas and Eggs; Chicken Enchiladas with Fried Egg; Apple Fritters; One-Eyed Bandits; Smoked Salmon and, of course, build-your-own tacos. Also available are Benji’s celebrated family-style fajitas by the pound.

Benji’s Tex-Mex inspired menu has placed an emphasis on fresh high-quality products and incorporates fine ingredients such as Rancho Gordo beans out of Napa and sources local goods from Johnson’s Backyard Garden and John Lash’s Farm To Table to produce time-honored dishes with a modern twist.

Benji’s Cantina is located at 716 W. Sixth St., in downtown Austin. Benji’s is open for dinner service from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and from 4 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Beginning Sept. 8, Benji’s will offer Sunday brunch service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For more information, visit www.BenjisCantina.com.

Follow Benji’s Cantina on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benjis-Cantina
Twitter: @BenjisCantina
Instagram: @BenjisCantina