Saturday, June 30, 2012

Canning in the Farm Kitchen


Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Daingerfield, Texas

The Greer Farm
1444 County Road 1125
Daingerfield, TX 75638
903-645-3232

Does someone in your family give you jars of canned fruit or do you get your canned goods at the grocery store. Sid has great memories of his grandmother and mom canning. Perhaps baking fresh bread the same day and eating fresh jam, butter and bread. It is not difficult to make jams, jellies and fruit sauces. It really isn't! This is a hands-on class where you make a variety of homemade jams taking home a jar of each. After taking this class, you will be looking for roadside stands to buy local fruit and take it home and preserve it in your kitchen.

Old-fashioned blackberry jelly
Pineapple and peach jam with mint
Blueberry jalapeno sauce

For more information, click here.  

Friday, June 29, 2012

Free Wine Tasting: Western Wine Labels


Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Colleyville, Texas

Tivoli Wines
62 Main Street, Suite 110
Colleyville, Texas 76034
817-581-9463

Be sure not to miss this tasting as we open up wines with Western themed labels...Giddyup!

For more information, click here.

Messina Hof Hill Country Wine and Chocolate Celebration

Sunday, July 1, 2012, from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Fredericksburg, Texas

9996 US Hwy 290 East
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
(830) 990-4653

Join us at Messina Hof Hill Country Winery to experience a Glass of Messina Hof Wine with a Flight of Six Chocolates from Chocolates El Rey.

The cost is $12.

For more information, click here.


Come Taste The Islands!

Saturday, June 30, 2012, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Round Rock, Texas

World Market
200 Sundance Pkwy
Round Rock, Texas 78681
512-733-2727

Just in time for the Fourth of July, our Entertaining Aloha-Style event is your passport to the Pacific – without the pricey plane ticket! Join us for an afternoon of island inspiration featuring authentic Hawaiian snacks, sweets and sauces, as well as a refreshing assortment of fruity, tropical drinks, beer and Kona coffees.

For more information, click here.
     

VinoPalooza Wine Fest

Wednesday, July 4, 2012, from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Marble Falls, Texas

Flat Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery
24912 Singleton Bend East
Marble Falls, Texas 78654
512-267-6310

Texas Wine, Music & Food on July 4th...
Six Texas Hill Country Wineries will converge on the North Shore of Lake Travis for VinoPalooza 2012!  Join us in celebrating the best wine and food Texas has to offer....
Dry Comal Creek
Flat Creek Estate
Perissos Vineyard
Pillar Bluff Vineyard
Pilot Knob Vineyard
Stone House Vineyard

Great Local Music overlooking the vineyard...
4pm - 5:30pm - Linton Mancilla

5:30pm - 7pm - Bee Creek Boys
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

**Gates Open at 3:30pm
***Tasting Room Closes at 3:00pm

For more information, click here.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

‘ACL’ Producers and Restaurant Freedom Partners to Open Lickona’s in Austin City Hall

The downtown building that houses City Hall is about to become home to Austin’s latest hot spot for live music, food and drinks, thanks to one of the city’s most beloved personalities. Terry Lickona, executive producer of the award-winning and nationally renowned PBS music series “Austin City Limits” and recent chairman of the Grammy Awards, and fellow “ACL” producer Jeff Peterson are joining forces with Rick Engel and Mark Turner, the founders of Restaurant Freedom, to open a new dining and music destination called Lickona’s. Located in the heart of the 2nd Street District at 301 W. Second St. (aka Willie Nelson Boulevard) where Austin Java currently sits, Lickona’s will serve up a variety of regional Texas, Southern and Gulf Coast cuisine, bar specialties and quality entertainment that will enhance Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World.
 
 Paying homage to Terry Lickona’s longstanding experience for recognizing musical talent, Lickona’s will showcase a diverse mix of original musicians and bands from throughout the Austin area and beyond, including special theme nights and artists in residence. The casual atmosphere will emphasizeLickona’s and Peterson’s personal Austin music history, with photographs, posters and artifacts from their own collections. A state-of-the-art sound system and stage lighting will be installed, with acoustics optimized for live music, ensuring only the best quality experience for the fan. Sound-mitigating systems will also be designed to minimize sound leakage into City Hall spaces. Outside, Lickona’s guests can kick back on the expansive covered patio and enjoy the city’s best people watching while sipping their beverage of choice, eating something delicious from the menu and listening to some of Austin’s finest musicians.
 
 A self-proclaimed foodie and a former director of the Austin chapter of Les Amis du Vin, Lickona is drawing from his passion for good food to create a unique and appealing menu for his new eatery. Lickona’s will also rely on the expertise of Restaurant Freedom’s Engel and Turner, who have delighted Austin with such concepts as Little Woodrow’s, Uncle Billy’s,Austin Java, Austin Chill, Texadelphia and Ski Shores Café. The menu at Lickona’s will be designed to be as eclectic and innovative as Austin itself. Building on the regional Texas, Southern and Gulf Coast concept, offerings will include fresh-shucked raw, chargrilled and fried oysters, appetizers such as quesadillas and crawfish pico, fresh salads, a variety of po boys, burgers and sandwiches, gumbo, jambalaya and étoufée, enchiladas, fried chicken and barbecue shrimp, collard greens, mac and cheese, red beans and rice, and Belgian fries, as well as breakfast tacos, chicken and waffles and other breakfast favorites. Daily menu specials will also be featured, such as trout almondine, stuffed flounder, pork chops, and duck and Andouille gumbo. The bar will offer an affordable list of margaritas, handcrafted cocktails, wine and several local craft beers on tap.    
 
 Currently in the planning stages, Lickona’s will be a one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar featuring live music with a casual Austin vibe. The restaurant and venue will be located at 301 W. Second St., adjacent to Austin City Hall. For more information about Lickona’s, please call (512) 804-0326, or visit www.RestaurantFreedom.com.

Inwood Estates - Summer Jazz 1st Sunday - 7/1

Sunday, July 1, 2012, from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Florence, Texas

Inwood Estates Tasting Room at The Vineyard at Florence
100 Via Francesco, 8711 W. FM 487
Florence, TX 76527
254-793-3114     

As the Temperature HEATS Up,
Join Us for a COOL Sunday Afternoon....
Summer Series 1st Sunday Jazz
July 1st, 2 - 5 p.m.
Featuring the Melodic Sounds of  the
  
Cassandra Taylor Jazz Trio
(Save the Date: CD Recording at Inwood Estates
Sunday, August 5, 1 -5 p.m.)

For more information, click here.

Messina Hof Sunset Tour

Friday, June 29, 2012, from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

4545 Old Reliance Road
Bryan, Texas 77808
800-736-9463 ext 238

Join us for a casual evening stroll around our Bryan estate vineyard & resort led by one of our Messina Hof hosts.  Learn about the history of Texas’ most awarded winery, view the romantic Villa and gourmet Vintage House restaurant, and see where your favorite Messina Hof wines are made.  Afterwards, you’ll indulge in a flight of three wines perfectly paired with three delectable tapas conceived by our Chef and the Messina Hof culinary team.  What a stellar way to start your weekend!
Reservations suggested and greatly appreciated!

Please call 800-736-9463 x244 to make your reservation.

For more information, click here to visit their website.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

News from Bistrot Mirabelle


Bistrot Mirabelle is closing today. We will be closed until Labor Day.  In that time, we will begin the process of opening a new restaurant with a new name that is American in both theme and food, and that caters to our Northwest Hills neighborhood.

Thank you to all who have come to visit us over the last eight months.  Your support and kind words have meant the world to us. Please feel free to talk with us via email (bonjour@bistrotmirabelle.com).

We will post up our new name, menu and timeline as soon as they are complete. 

Best,
Brian and the staff

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake

Did you know that you can make a chocolate cake in your slow cooker? Here is wonderful recipe.

Ingredients
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Directions
  1. Spray crock of a large slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla until well combined. Whisk in the boiling water. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix well.
  3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared slow cooker.
  4. Set slow cooker to "Low". Cook until cake has no wet spots on top and has pulled away from the sides of the crock, about 3 hours. Turn off slow cooker and allow cake to rest for 30 minutes before serving.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Messina Hof Hill Country Ports, Sherry & Cheese

Sunday, June 24, 2012, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fredericksburg, Texas

9996 Hwy 290 East
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
830-990-4653

Join Messina Hof Hill Country as we serve our great Ports and Sherry with delicious food pairings of cheeses and smoked almonds.

For more information, click here.

Messina Hof Wine Appreciation Class

Sundy, June 24, 2012, from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

4545 Old Reliance Rd
Bryan, TX 77808
281-787-3279


Wine Appreciation Classes are designed to help you decipher the wonderful world of wine. Our topics change every month so no two classes are the same. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the wine varietals, wine pairings and wine tools; as well as taste award-winning Messina Hof wines.

Every class is taught so that everyone from the beginner to the connoisseur can follow along.
This Month's Topic: A Taste of the New Varieties and Styles of Messina Hof Classes are $19.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

All classes are held on the last Sunday of the month at 3:00pm.
Classes fill up quickly, so please call (979) 778-9463 x244 to register.

For more information, click here.

Messina Hof Sunset Tour


Friday, June 22, 2012, from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

Messina Hof Winery
4545 Old Reliance Rd
Bryan, Texas 77808
979-778-9463

Join us for a casual evening stroll around our Bryan estate vineyard & resort led by one of our Messina Hof hosts. Learn about the history of Texas’ most awarded winery, view the romantic Villa and gourmet Vintage House restaurant, and see where your favorite Messina Hof wines are made. Afterwards, you’ll indulge in a flight of three wines perfectly paired with three delectable tapas conceived by our Chef and the Messina Hof culinary team. What a stellar way to start your weekend!

Reservations suggested and greatly appreciated! Please call 800-736-9463 x244 to make your reservation.

For more information, click here.


Thursday, June 21, 2012

Invitation to CKC Farms Artisan Dinner

Presents the
Artisan Dinner Series
 Featuring
CKC Farms
Saturday, June 30th @ 6pm

5 courses by The Seedling Truck
and Royal Fig Catering chef, Dan Stacy
 using artisan goat cheeses by
 CKC Farms.   

$65 per person.  BYOB.

Email andrea@royalfig.com or
call 512.739-3233.
Credit card required for reservation.

MENU

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Castelventrano Olives
  Seasoned Feta

Scallop
  Midnight Flan
 Leek Charcoal

Duck Fat Roasted Lamb Loin
 Herb Chevre Polenta
 Spring Vegetables

Baby Caprino Quenelle
  Baguette Tuile

Goat Milk Jam
  Chocolate Tart
 Olive Oil Ice Cream

The Harvest Room at Royal Fig
4238 Bee Caves Rd.
Austin, TX  78746
www.royalfig.com

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

WOW Summertime Cookoff Road Trip



Friday, June 22, 2012 - Sunday, June 24, 2012, from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Salado, Texas

Way Out Wineries 11 Wineries
Salado, Texas 78660
512-899-9882

The Wine Road now features 11 wineries and for this 3 day tour you'll get a souvenir glass, samples of delectable grilled treats and great wines to taste - all for $25. Tickets at www.wayoutwineries.org.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Oceanaire Signature Chef Dinner



Wednesday, June 20, 2012 (Wed) from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Houston, Texas


Wednesday, June 20, 2012 (Wed) from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Houston, Texas

Oceanaire
5061 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77056
832-487-8862     

Join us for a private dining experience hosted by executive chef, Skip King. Enjoy a five course meal prepared with seasonal ingredients and hand-selected wines.

First Course- Wild Copper River Sockeye Salmon “Crudo”, with Won Ton Crisps, Mango & Daikon Sprouts. Paired with Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Champagne

Second Course- Flash Seared Nantucket Bay Scallops, with Baby Romaine, Hearts on Fire, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Grey Sea Salt. Paired with Caymus Conundrum, White Blend

Third Course- Grilled Wild Alaska Halibut Fillet, with Sweet Corn & Fava Bean Succotash. Paired with Mer Soleil “Silver”, Chardonnay

Fourth Course- New York Strip Steak “Au Poivre”, with Foie Gras Mashed Potatoes & Black Mission Fig Jam. Paired with Caymus, Cabernet

Finale- Grilled Texas Peach Cobbler, served A’ la Mode with Blue Bell Vanilla. Paired with Mer Soleil, Late Harvest

Limited seating, call today to make reservations. Menu subject to change.

For more information, click here.

Agave Spirit Tasting



Wednesday, June 20, 2012, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Houston, Texas

Valentino
2525 West Loop South
Houston, Tx 77027
713.850.9200     

Join us for a night of cocktails featuring ultra premium agave spirit, RAILEAN El Perico Silver and specially paired menu by Chef Cunninghame West. If you're a fan of tequila, you won't want to miss this event!

$45 per person (plus tax and gratuity) – includes station service for six unique tapas and their six accompanying cocktails. The format will allow tequila aficionados (or even novices) to mix and mingle while tasting the perfectly paired agave spirit cocktails and small bites. The tasting event starts at 6:00 p.m. Guests will receive recipe cards for each cocktail, and for those who want to see agave spirit production up close and personal, Railean will be raffling tours of their distillery to some lucky guests.

Railean El Perico is Texas’ first and only agave spirit. It is and ultra premium agave spirit made from 100% Blue Agave, just like Tequila from Mexico, however because it is manufactured in the USA, it legally cannot be called Tequila. It is a Made in the USA and Go Texan certified product, being exclusively fermented, distilled and bottled by Railean Distillers, LLC in San Leon, Texas.

Pink Peppercorn Orange Cured Pork Tenderloin Red Feather El Perico Silver, Blood Orange Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Jamaican Ginger Beer & Agave Nectar

Coconut Shrimp Cocomotion El Perico Silver, SoHo Lychee Liquor, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Coconut Cream & Mint

Scallop and Mussel Ceviche El Perico Fresca Our take on a Bloody Maria

Chicken and Sweet Pepper Skewer with Raspberry BBQ Cactus Fire El Perico Silver, Chambord, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, Agave Nectar, Lemon & Lime Juice

Wasabi Dusted Beef Satay Ginger Collins A unique twist on a Tom Collins

Walnut Short Cake Monkey Business El Perico Silver, Creme de Banana, Lemon Juice

Valentino | 2525A West Loop South  | Houston, TX 77027

Reservations: 713.850.9200 or click here.

Miner Family Vineyards Wine Dinner

Wednesday, June 20, 2012, from 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Austin, Texas

114 West 7th Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-474-6300

Miner Family Vineyards
Austin
Wednesday June 20th, 7:00 p.m.
Please join us as we welcome Rocio González from Miner Family Vineyards located in the heart of Napa Valley for an elegant evening of food and wine. Rocio will share stories from this award winning winery as we enjoy the following menu crafted specifically to pair with his incredible wines.
Reception
Endive with roasted red beets & goat cheese topped with balsamic caviar
Paired with 2010 Miner Rosato of Sangiovese, Mendocino
1st Course
Mache pear salad with truffle vinaigrette
Paired with 2010 Miner ‘Simpson’s Vineyard’ Viognier, California
2nd Course
White Gazpacho soup served with a seared scallop
Paired with 2009 Miner Chardonnay, Napa Valley
3rd Course
Pan seared rabbit served with a vegetable ragout
Paired with 2008 Miner Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley
4th Course
Beef Duo:
Bone marrow & Filet topped with smoked Chimichurri
Paired with 2007 Miner ‘The Oracle’ Red Blend, Napa Valley
5th Course
Chocolate espresso soufflé
Paired with 2007 Miner Merlot, Napa Valley
$135 per person plus tax and gratuity
Seating is limited for this event
Please call 512-474-6300 today for reservations.

Monday, June 18, 2012

SFC Farmers' Market East a Family Destinatio​n for Food and Fun this Summer!

EveryTuesday from 10 am to 1 pm.
5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd., at the YMCA East Communities Branch (51stStreet and Hwy. 183)

School is out and it's time to savor the height of season in our region! There's no better place to enjoy the flavors of Central Texas at their peak than at SFC Farmers' Market.
Teach your kids about local healthy food, while shopping forthe freshest fruits and vegetables direct from farmers!

The market hosts local farmers offeringvegetables, fruits, eggs, and honey. Prepared food and drink vendors are alsoin attendance weekly. Market also offers cooking demos, a sampling booth and kids' activities!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Father's Day at Messina Hof

Sunday, June 17, 2012, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

Messina Hof Winery & Resort
4545 Old Reliance Road
Bryan, TX 77808
800-736-9463 ext 238

Father's Day Specials at The Vintage House Restaurant 
Saturday, June 16th -  11:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, June 17th   -  11:00am – 6:00pm

Show Dad how much you appreciate him with our Surf’n Turf Feature!
Vintage House Customers – Petite Filet with 4 shrimp $37.95 (upgrade to include Lobster Tail for $44.95)
VIP customers – Petite Filet with Lobster Tail for $37.95 (VIP discount does not apply)


Father's Day Wine Flights in the Wine Bar

June 10th-June 17th, 2012
The Papa’s Day Paulo Flight           $20.00
Show dad some love with a sample of each of our current Paulo wines. When you choose the Paulo flight you will taste the Paulo Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, the Paulo Merlot 2004, the Paulo International Blend 2009, the Paulo Shiraz 2007 and finish it off with the smooth and rich flavors of our premium 2004 Paulo Port.

Papa’s Port Flight                            $15.00
Let dad know just how sweet he is with a scrumptious and delicious sample of ports.  Start with a taste of the uniquely smooth Ebony Ports of Call.  Follow up with the spicy sweet robust Papa Paulo Private Reserve Port 2007. For your third leg of this featured flight we offer you the sweet concoction we call Paulo Port 2004.  Finally, we have a taste of our wonderfully rich and flavorful Tawny Port 2004 to make sure Dad’s sweet tooth is completely satisfied.

For more information, click here.

Fathers' Day Tapas Treat - Inwood Estates


Sunday, June 17, 2012, from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Florence, Texas

Inwood Estates Barrel Room at The Vineyard at Florence
100 Via Francesco, 8711 W. FM 487
Florence, TX 76527
254-793-3114

Treat Dad or Someone Special.......
         
Father's Day Tapas Treat!
                        
Sunday, 6/17
1 -5 p.m.
Paired with Inwood Estates'
Texas Tempranillos & Bordeaux Blends
Entertainment by Cassandra Jazz Trio 
Menu  
 
Costillas (Spanish Style Mini BBQ Ribs)
Herbed Baked Potato Slices with Spanish Alioli
Garlic Marinated Black Olives
Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Crostinis
Prosciutto Wrapped Melon & Cantaloupe

For more information, click here

Messina Hof Winery & Resort Hosts “TGIWine Sunday” at the Wine Bar

Sunday, June 17, 2012, from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

Messina Hof
4545 Old Reliance Rd.
Bryan, Texas 77808
800-736-9463 x234

Messina Hof Winery and Resort, one of the fastest growing award-winning wineries and resorts in Texas, continues its “Thank Goodness It's Wine Sunday” (TGIWine Sunday) series, at the wine bar this summer.

TGIWine Sunday is a monthly event that allows guests to sample a variety of Messina Hof’s premium award-winning wines. Enjoying a taste of Texas’ best is the perfect way to wind down your weekend. Attendees can indulge in complimentary cheeses or purchase a delicious starter dish from the wine bar menu to pair with the award-winning selections on display.

Messina Hof offers two options for TGI Wine Sunday:
TGI Wine Sunday – GOLD includes 10 wines:
2 Dry Whites
3 Semi-Dry
3 Reds
2 Dessert Wines
Small Cheese Plate
$15 in advance/$20 at the door

TGI Wine Sunday– PLATINUM includes 20 wines:
4 Dry Whites
6 Semi-Dry
6 Reds
4 Dessert Wines
Fruit and Cheese Plate
$25 in advance/$30 at the door

Guests are encouraged to bring their friends, family and co-workers to enjoy this ideal “happy hour” destination. The events will take place from 3 - 6 p.m., with tickets available from $15 in advance.

For more information visit www.MessinaHof.com, and for reservations call 979-778-9463 ext. 244.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Uncle Billy’s and Austin ZEALOTS present Uncle Billy’s Keep Austin Beered Pro-Am Competitio​n

Uncle Billy’s and Austin ZEALOTS present Uncle Billy’s Keep Austin Beered Pro-Am Competition:
Winning Home-Brewer’s Recipe to be Entered in the Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am



Austin’s coolest spot to kick up your feet and enjoy mouthwatering, slow-cooked barbecue and award-winning, handcrafted beers is encouraging local home-brewers to help keep Austin “beered.” Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que and the Austin ZEALOTS home-brewing club will co-host the Uncle Billy’s Keep Austin Beered Pro-Am, a one-of-a-kind contest that will land one lucky home-brewer’s sudsy recipe in the seventh-annual Great American Beer Festival Pro-Am in Denver, Colo., this October.
 
 The Uncle Billy’s Keep Austin Beered Pro-Am is open only to home-brewers, who submit two 11- to 16-ounce bottles of their homemade Kellerbier or Zwickelbier libations (unfiltered German-style lager or ale) for the opportunity to win the local competition. The judges will select the best representation, and the winner will be informed by phone or email. The winner’s beer recipe will then be brewed by Uncle Billy’s Brewmasters Brian Peters and Amos Lowe, and entered in the GABF Pro-Am 2012. Home-brewers can get more style-characteristics info about these Beer Judge Certificate Program category 23 specialty beers by visiting www.BJCP.org/2008style/catdex.php
 
Home-brewing contestants may enter their sudsy concoctions by printing and filling out the recipe form (www.BJCP.org/docs/SCP_EntryRecipe.pdf) and bringing or mailing them to Austin Homebrew Supply between June 13 and June 24. Commercial labels should be removed from the entry beers and bottle labels should be attached with rubber bands. Austin Homebrew Supply (www.AustinHomeBrew.com) is located at 9129 Metric Blvd., Austin, TX 78758. The contest entry fee is $5, and may be paid in cash or check made payable to Austin Homebrew Supply. 
 
All home-brewing contest entrants must be members of the American Homebrewers Association (www.HomebrewersAssociation.org) at the time the original home-brew entry is submitted for competition, as well as when the Pro-Am entry is judged. Membership of the winning home-brewer will be verified by the AHA. Home-brewers may enter only one beer per AHA membership. 
 
  GABF Pro-Am entries submitted by breweries, including the Uncle Billy’s Keep Austin Beeredwinning home-brewer’s entry, will compete in a best-of-show style judging during the regular GABF judging. Judges will determine the top three entries based on GABF style guidelines, and award the gold, silver and bronze GABF Pro-Am competition medals in a celebratory awards ceremony. Medals will be issued to both the winning brewery and the winning home-brewer.
 
Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que is located at 1530 Barton Springs Road, and at the Oasis, Texas village at 6550 Comanche Trail. Both venues feature award-wining beer, barbecue and cocktail menusserved in a laid-back, Austin-style setting. For more information about Uncle Billy’s and the Uncle Billy’s Keep Austin Beered Pro-Am, or to get a full list of entry rules and guidelines, call (512) 476-0100 or (512) 266-0111, or visit www.UncleBillys.com. For the latest news, follow Uncle Billy’s on Facebook and Twitter.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

San Gabriel Wine Trail - Central Texas - Chartered Bus Day

Saturday, June 23, 2012, from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Georgetown / Salado / Rogers, Texas

715 S. Main St
Georgetown / Salado / Rogers, Tx 78626
512-869-8600

You are buying tickets to ride the Chartered Bus.
FIRST: PICK YOUR TOWN/WINERY to leave from.

Ensure you are not late. The bus will not wait on late riders.

No refunds or rainchecks.

For more information regarding prices and purchase, click here.


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Wine, Food and Trivia-Scavenger Hunt on the Cross Timbers Wine Trail

June 16, 2012 (Sat) - June 17, 2012 (Sun) from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Burleson, Texas

Burleson, TX 76028
817-426-1141

The six wineries on the Cross Timbers Wine Trail will be serving Texas wine and food to wine trail participants June 16 and 17. If you enjoy wine, food and fun, this is for you. You can visit the wineries in any order, and you have 2 days to get to all six. At each stop, you will try to solve that winery's trivia questions by searching the vineyards and winery for clues.

If you visit all six wineries, You'll be entered into drawing for a wine basket with a selection of wines from each winery. Oh yes! The better you do on the "Trivia Scavenger Hunt" the better your odds of winning.

Purchase tickets online at the winetrail Website. Ticket Prices: $25 per person, $45 per couple. Take your receipt to the starting winery of your choice and receive a wine trail passport and a Riedel wine glass for each paid participant. At each winery you'll enjoy three tastings and light hors d'oeuvres.

The Cross Timbers Wine Trail runs through the heart of the Cross Timbers from south of Burleson through Fort Worth, Springtown, and northward to Alvord. Remember to bring a cooler for the wines you buy [to protect them from the heat].

Be sure to check each winery's "Trail hours" while you are at the winetrail Website. Participating member wineries are: Lost Oak Winery, Sunset Winery, times ten cellars, LightCatcher Winery, La Buena Vida Vineyards, and Brushy Creek Vineyards.

For more information including ticket prices and purchases, click here.

San Gabriel Wine Trail - Central Texas 2012 - Drive Yourself Day

Saturday, June 16, 2012, from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Georgetown / Salado / Rogers, Texas

715 S. Main St
Georgetown / Salado / Rogers, Tx 78626
512-869-8600

The June 16th, 2012 San Gabriel Wine Trail is the day for drive yourself tickets only.

5 Wine Tastings at each location

You must pick your winery/town to start in and once you leave that location you can go to any winery on the trail between the times of Noon-6pm.

No refunds or rain checks on tickets.

For more information including ticket pricing and purchasing, click here.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Guacamole

A very simple and tasty guacamole recipe.

Ingredients
  • 3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions
  1. In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Friday, June 8, 2012

MH Hill Country Wine Appreciation


Sunday, June 10, 2012, from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Fredericksburg, Texas

Messina Hof Hill Country Winery
9996 Hwy 290 East
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
830-990-4653

Messina Hof Hill Country Hosts Spring
Wine Appreciation Classes

There are a wide variety of grapes produced throughout the world, which take on many different flavors, textures and forms. Grape varietals are different breeds of grapes that can accentuate wines. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the wine varietals and wine pairings; as well as taste award-winning Messina Hof wines.

June 10th, 2012: “A Taste of the New Varieties & Styles of Messina Hof”

Messina Hof’s monthly Wine Appreciation Classes are taught so everyone from beginner to connoisseur can follow along and learn about the fabulous world of fine wine.  Classes are held at  p.m., last 90 minutes, and include light cheeses and wines.

Messina Hof Hill Country
9996 US Hwy 290 East
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

$20.00 per person plus tax and gratuity

For reservations call 830-990-GOLD (4653).

To visit their website for more information, click here.

Whip In Celebrates New Wine Bar With Rosé!


Sunday, June 10, 2012, from 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Austin, Texas

Whip In Parlour and Cafe
1950 South IH 35
Austin, Texas 78704
512-442-5337

The Whip In (1950 I-35 South, 78704) will be ushering in Rosé Season on Sunday, June 10, from 3 p.m. into the evening!

The ever-evolving South Austin gastropub added a custom-built wine bar in March, pouring 30+ wines by-the-glass under the direction of sommeliere Rae Wilson.  In celebration they will be pouring Rosé wines to accompany a warm-weather treat from the South of France: le grande aïoli!  Chef Eric Pelegrin, formerly of Bistro le Marseillais and Chez Nous, will join his wife and former business partner, Whip In Chef Martin Pelegrin in preparing this specialty of his native Provence.

The event will feature a Methusalem (6-liter bottle) of this season's Chateau Peyrassol Rosé- one of only five such bottles made available on these shores- as well as an assortment of other pink favorites of the season.

Enjoy 3 glasses with food for only $25/person! First come, first served.

To visit their website, click here.  

Father's Day Grand Tasting

Saturday, June 9, 2012, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Round Rock, Texas

World Market
200 Sundance Pkwy
Round Rock, TX 78681
512-733-2727

Father’s Day Grand Tasting 
From great grilling gifts to fabulous finds for wine lovers, game-day gourmet and more, our Father's Day Entertaining event celebrates the things Dad loves. We're showcasing our top picks for hosting a Father's Day event he'll never forget! Sample spreads, sauces, dips and chips, find tools for flipping burgers and basting barbecue, taste father-friendly wines and go home with gifts just for him. Looking for a little inspiration for your Father's Day fête? Come by to see what we've discovered just for Dad!

For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Inwood Estates - "Texas Cheese Tasting" 6/9 - 6/10

Saturday, June 9, 2012 - Sunday, June 10, 2012, from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Florence, Texas

Inwood Estates Tasting Room at The Vineyard at Florence
100 Via Francesco, 8711 W. FM 487
Florence, TX 76527
254-793-3114

Please Join Us......
       "Texas Cheese Tasting"
Featuring....
      Brazos Valley Cheeses
 Paired with Inwood Estates Vineyards
        
          Dallas County Chardonnay
 Texas Tempranillos & Bordeaux Blends
           Saturday & Sunday, 6/9 - 6/10
                      Noon - 6 p.m.

For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Italian Lunches Alfresco at Fall Creek Vineyards


June 9, 2012 (Sat) from 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Tow, Texas

Fall Creek Vineyards
1820 County Road 222
Tow, TX 78672
325-379-5361

It's the beginning of summer and time to kick back, relax (and savor!) those lazy day(s)!
We've got an incredible Italian lunch waiting for you by Austin's wildly popular Pizza Nizza. Fresh, delicious entrees will be served with a Fall Creek Vineyards tasting - and a souvenir FCV glass to take home!

Enjoy the lush scenery on our mist-cooled patio, with your favorite tunes playing and a Bocce ball court nearby to complete the Italian theme.

You and your friends won't want to miss this one. Reservations required - be sure to book early!  Call (325) 379-5361 or visit www.fcv.com to reserve yours! 
     

Hot Trends in The Wine Industry - Wine Education w/ Winemaker Tim Drake

Saturday, June 9, 2012, from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Marble Falls, TX

Flat Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery
24912 Singleton Bend East
Marble Falls, TX 78654
512-267-6310     

Join us for another exciting class with Winemaker Tim Drake.  The weather is heating up…so let’s talk about hot trends in the wine industry!  Let’s talk about the “Muscato Craze”, “sustainability and organic farming” (including our new compost tea program), and the most debated topic of the wine industry “corks v. screw caps”.  As we sort our way through the 2012 wine fads, we’ll be sipping on new release 2011 white wines including the highly praised Blanco Brio 2011 and the highly awarded Viognier 2011 (Double Gold Medal Winner).  We look forward to seeing you June 9th! 

For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

WinEd (Wine Education)

Saturday, June 9, 2012, from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Marble Falls, TX

Flat Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery
24912 Singleton Bend East
Marble Falls, TX 78654
512-267-6310     

Winemaker Tim Drake will host a series of in-depth classes for novice and experienced wine lovers on the Second Saturday of select months.  Each hour long class will focus on various topics from winemaking and blending to viticulture and notable wine regions. 
Classes are limited to 20 students…reserve today!    

Tickets:  buywine.flatcreekestate.com
Reservations Required ~ 48 Hr. Cancellation Policy 

Spring Series:  March, April, May June
Fall Series:  September, October 
Class Times: 10:30, 12:30, 2:30

For more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Little Woodrow’s is Off to the Races

Little Woodrow’s is Off to the Races:
All Four Austin-Area Locations to Feature Sponsored
Turtle-Racing Events Throughout the Summer

Patrons visiting Austin’s favorite kicked-back beer bar this summer are about to get shell shocked. All four Austin-area locations of Little Woodrow’s — the indoor/outdoor good-timing sports bar featuring more than 100 beer selections — will host a 12-week turtle-racing extravaganza. Running June 18 through Sept. 3, the weeknight turtle-racing events will take place at designated Little Woodrow’s locations: Tuesdays at Southpark Meadows, Wednesdays at Parmer Lane, Thursdays in Bee Cave and Fridays on Sixth Street.
 
 A testament to turtle tenacity, the Little Woodrow’s turtle-racing events pit six quick-footed turtles — each donning stickers with designated numbers that represent their sponsors — in a caged race to reach one of six sponsor buckets at the outer-lying edges of the race cage. Little Woodrow’s patrons can get involved with the fun by placing bets on which turtle will win, with many patrons getting the chance to win their own prizes, including T-shirts, and Woodrow’s bucks.
 
Sponsors for this raucous 12-week turtle event, who get the honor of naming their individual reptilian racers, include Southern Thread, Twelve Rivers Realty, Waterloo Surveyors, Barbeques Galore, Jason W. Eiser Insurance and Lake Travis Cyclery. With the beer taps flowing and a variety of daily specials offered during every race, this summer-long event is sure to be a shell of a good time!
 
 Known for its slogan “Mucho Cerveza Baby,” Little Woodrow’s is a casual, indoor/outdoor sports bar featuring more than 100 beers, including 30 varieties on tap at each of the four Austin-area locations: 6301 Parmer Lane, 520 W. Sixth St., 9500 S. IH-35 at Southpark Meadows and at 12801 Shops Parkway in Bee Cave. For more information about Little Woodrow’s and the 12-week turtle-racing extravaganza, please call(512) 477-BEER, or visit www.LittleWoodrows.com.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Fruit and Veggie Fest at SFC Farmers' Market: Chef Demos Galore!


SFC Farmers' Market Presents Fruit and Veggie Fest
Annual Celebration of Height-of-Season in Central Texas
 features chef demos, games and family fun for all!



WHO:  Sustainable Food CenterFarmers' Market Downtown and at Sunset Valley

WHAT:  Fruit & Veggie Fest, an annual celebration throughout the month of June
School is out and it's time to savor the height of season in our region! There's no better place to enjoy the flavors of Central Texas at their peak than at SFC Farmers' Market.
At both the Downtown and Sunset Valley locations, SFC Farmers' Market will offer a host of family-friendly activities.

WHEN: Every Saturday in June: 9, 16, 23 and 30

9am - 1pm with all chef demos starting at 10am

June 9: Taste of Summer Day
  • Sunset Valley: Chef Ben Huselton of Paggi House presents a demo of sweet corn soup
  • Downtown: Chef Jason Dodge of Peche demos Chicken Liver Mousse with Peach Conserva and Truffled Blackberries
June 16: Tomato Me Crazy!
  • Sunset Valley: Bryce Murphree of Urban cooking demo at 10am
  • Downtown: Melissa Joulwan, author of cookbook Well Fed
June 23: Watermelon Festival
  • Sunset Valley: Gabe Pellegrini of Sagra
  • Downtown: Chef Joe Anguiano, eleven plates & wine
June 30: Love Your Local Farmer Day
  • Sunset Valley: Chef Mark Tamiso, The Peached Tortilla
  • Downtown: Chef Matthew Reinhart, Snap Kitchen
WHERE: SFC Farmers' Market Downtown at Republic Square Park, 4th and Guadalupe and SFC Farmers' Market at Sunset Valley, 3200 Jones Rd./Toney Burger Center

ABOUT SFC: To find out more about SFC’s family ofother farmers’ markets, go to www.sfcfarmersmarket.org.  SFC cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. We envision a food secure community whereall children and adults grow, share and prepare healthy, local food.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Homegrown Revival - Come Join us for Dinner

Summer is upon us in Austin, Texas and we are gearing up for our last dinner until Fall.
Farm to Disco is coming fast  - JUNE 18 -  come join the team as we re-create classic dishes and envision them for a modern family setting. Fresh produce will be coming from Austin's oldest CSA and this will truly be farm fresh goodies in an urban setting. Join us as we dine on Tecolote Farm's fresh summer offerings, partake in cocktails created by a local mixologist and listen to local farmers share their stories about food in the city. A special guest of locally produced alcohol will also be present to share their offerings to the crowd.
Chef Coté plans a menu centered the seasonal ingredients of Katie and David Pitre, and proteins that have been sourced from many different places in and around Austin. The only item on this menu that is over 50 miles from our center city, may just be our chef!

Come join us for dinner in the city - venue is secured and will be announced a few days before the event.

Tickets are $65 and BYOB is always welcome.

Reminders: We are taking off July, August, and September for recipe development and a bit of work. Stay tuned for our dinner ticket sales and more from us.
In the past, we started scouting locations and places for our tour of Americana. We plan on producing a series of dinners on the road, helping bring communities together, demonstrate local food, share some culinary knowledge and most of all, challenge ourselves to create something beautiful, lasting and healthy. If you have any suggestions, please contact us at thehomegrownrevival@gmail.com.
Looking forward to sharing more with you!

For some June news - Chef Coté will be doing a dinner with the Austin Film Society and the cast/crew of Now, Forager  on June 11. This will be an exciting event celebrating a work of art as Chef Coté prepares food as art. Await the mushroom madness.
David will be continuing to produce side projects and the larger year long documentary project with the farmers, ranchers, and food producers of the area. Also, the cookbook is getting designed and illustrated as we speak. Recipes will be developed and fine tuned until the ending.

Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s Dynamic Duo at parkside and olive & june

Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s Dynamic Duo:
Longtime Parkside Chef Justin Rupp Named Chef de Cuisine at Olive & June:
Chef Jeffrey Rhodes Promoted to Chef de Cuisine at Parkside

Chef Shawn Cirkiel, one of Texas’ most revered chefs and restaurateurs, is continuing his celebrated culinary legacy by mentoring and passing the knife to the next generation of Austin talent. With the recent opening of Chef Cirkiel’s Southern Italian-style neighborhood eatery, Olive & June, Chef Justin Rupp — the five-year parkside kitchen veteran and chef de cuisine at Chef Cirkiel’s award-winning Sixth Street gastro pub — is now leading the Olive & June kitchen as chef de cuisine.
 
 As a longtime protégé of Chef Cirkiel’s, Chef Rupp spent years helping Chef Cirkiel hone parkside into the success it is today, assisted in opening Chef Cirkiel’s charming Neapolitan pizzeria, the backspace, and has been integral in developing the rustic and comforting Italian dishes Olive & June is quickly becoming renowned for. In fact, Chef Rupp accompanied Chef Cirkiel to New York City to conduct culinary research before the opening of Olive & June — an excursion that found the two chefs immersed in authentic Italian cuisine and culture, and provided plenty of inspiration for their creation of the Olive & June menu. As chef de cuisine at Olive & June, Chef Rupp manages the kitchen, develops recipes and personally handpicks ingredients, among a variety of other endless chef duties. As part of his dedication to keeping the restaurant’s offerings fresh, seasonal and unique, Chef Rupp creates a new menu each week for Olive & June’s wildly successful Sunday night family dinners, incorporating traditional Italian-style fish dishes, fresh and robust vegetables, house-made pastas paired with locally raised proteins, and rich yet delicate dessert courses that dance on the palate.
 
“Justin is unbelievable at what he does,” Chef Cirkiel says. “He’s been with me from the beginning, and he’s an incredibly important part of everything we do. We’re a team in how we think about the restaurants. If I’m not around, Justin is me. Even when I am around, Justin is me. We’re that connected in our vision.”

With Chef Rupp’s move to Olive & June, Chef Cirkiel has promoted a newer member of his restaurant family to chef de cuisine at parkside. Chef Jeffrey Rhodes, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Portland, Ore., who has been learning the ins and outs of the parkside kitchen from Chef Cirkiel for several months, was recently promoted to chef de cuisine at parkside. A native of Nashville, Tenn., Chef Rhodes has worked in restaurant kitchens for more than half his life, gaining experience at a variety of genre-inspired and Michelin-rated restaurants throughout the country before settling in Austin. Chef Rhodes joined the parkside team in early 2012, continuing to hone his culinary skills while staging for the restaurant before joining the staff as a formidable kitchen force. He has a penchant for cooking with local, seasonal ingredients, and a flair for creating contemporary, Southern American-style dishes. In his new position, Chef Rhodes provides much input on menu items and the overall management of the parkside kitchen. Working alongside Chef Cirkiel, Chef Rhodes collaborates on new dishes and helps fine-tune each recipe to parkside’s exacting standards. Currently, Chef Rhodes is smitten by parkside’s Eden Farm Pork Chop, served with seasonal vegetables, but he’s also looking forward to creating recipes with regionally raised proteins like Texas quail, as well as peaches, corn, beets, fennel, tomatoes and other summer produce that will augment parkside’s seasonally updated menu.
 
“Jeffery is still learning our processes and how we do everything. He’s learning quickly and really growing into who and what we are in the restaurant world,” Chef Cirkiel says. “Both of these chefs are incredibly calm and level-headed. And because of that, we are able to operate really cool and collected kitchens. Because Justin has been with me so long, he is an extension of me, and Jeffrey will progress and become that too. It’s a really exciting time at both parkside and Olive & June.”

Olive & June is located at 3411 Glenview Ave. in Central Austin, and serves handmade Southern Italian-style cuisine. For more information about Olive & June and Chef de Cuisine Justin Rupp, please call (512) 467-9898, or visit www.OliveandJune-Austin.com. parkside is located in downtown Austin at 301 E. Sixth St., and is renowned for its upscale and satisfying American cuisine. For more information about parkside and Chef de Cuisine Jeffrey Rhodes, please call (512) 474-9898, or visit www.parkside-austin.com.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Beer vs Wine Dinner at Bistrot Mirabelle


Our Beer vs Wine dinner on June 11th is almost sold out! The dinner includes four courses with a wine and beer pairing for each.  It's up to you to decide which is best!  Make your reservations for this tasty challenge by calling us at 512-346-7900.

First Course
New England Clam Chowder
Beer: Harpoon Summer Beer
Wine: Stephen Vincent Chardonnay 2010

Second Course
Jonah Crab Cakes in a Preserved Lemon Beurre Blanc
Beer: Harpoon IPA
Wine: Cono Sur Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Third Course
Morita Cured Beef over Homemade Grits
Beer: Harpoon Leviathan Imperial IPA
Wine: Sicoris Costers del Segre 2009

Fourth Course
Mini Boston Cream Pie
Beer: Harpoon UFO White
Wine: Warre's Otima Tawny 10 year Port

$40/person (excluding tax and gratuity)

Bistrot Mirabelle | 8127 Mesa Drive Ste A-100 | Austin | TX | 78759

Summer Hours at Bistrot Mirabelle


OK...we have heard you loud and clear!!  We will be reopening for dinner Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings beginning Tuesday, June 12th. 

The new (old) hours will be
Monday-Wednesday: 11am-9pm...Please come!
Thursday-Friday: 11am-10pm
Saturday: 5-10pm
Sunday: 10am-8pm

Bistrot Mirabelle | 8127 Mesa Drive Ste A-100 | Austin | TX | 78759