Tuesday, July 31, 2012

First Saturday Wine Dinner


Saturday, August 4, 2012, from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Marble Falls, Texas

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

Join us the First Saturday of each month for an exciting multi-course wine paired dinner.  Chef Sean Fulford will tantalize your tastebuds with unique dishes expertly paired with Flat Creek Estate wines.  These exceptional dinners are a food lover’s dream.  Seating is limited so reserve your spot toda. 

Tickets: buywine.flatcreekestate.com

Reservations Required ~ 48 Hr. Cancellation Policy 

Messina Hof's Harvest Murder Mystery Dinner: Mardi Gras Mayhem


Friday, August 3, 2012, from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

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

Friday, August 3rd at 7:00pm- Murder Mystery Dinner: Mardi Gras Mayhem
$75 per person plus tax & gratuity

The Mardi Gras parade has just finished and the invitation-only Ball is about to commence. The only problem is that this year’s Rex King of the Mardi Gras- a local property developer called Darrin Hibiscus- hasn’t been seen since he went up the steps of Gallier Hall to collect the keys to the city. Help us solve the mystery!

Menu
1st Course
Gumbo
Sausage, Vegetables, and Chicken seasoned to perfection and served over boiled rice
2nd Course
Poulet Tchoupltoulas
Seared airline chicken breast with Creole flavors served with a savory bread pudding and sautéed greens
3rd  Course
Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake
Topped with a White Chocolate Covered Strawberry and essence of Tawny Port, Raspberry and White Chocolate Drizzle
 
For more information call (979)-778-9463 ext. 234 or click here.

Summer Movie Series "A Knight's Tale" showing at the Vineyard


Thursday, August 2, 2012, from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Driftwood, Texas

13308 FM 150 West
Driftwood, TX 78619
512-858-1470 ext 109

Come out early to enjoy all that's happening at Duchman Family Winery!
Our Tasting Room is Open
Alan Lemke plays live prior to the movie
Sugar Shack BBQ onsite with Turkey legs and other delicious bites
The Pie Society serving mini pies
Don't forget your bug spray, blanket and lawn chairs. Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect spot on the lawn, and we will begin the movie at dusk.
 
For more information, click here.

GUSTO Tasting Group | Monthly Theme Tasting- Texas vs. The World (Syrah)


Wednesday, August 1, 2012, from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Austin, Texas

A111 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-944-0510

This tasting group is open to ANYONE who wants to join a community of like minded people who have a passion for learning and seeking out new things in terms of food & drink.

This is intended to be a monthly themed tasting where every month we will have the opportunity to focus on a topic that the meetup group decides on as well as the opportunity to bring in guest and celebrity hosts. Themed tastings are not limited to just wine; so no topic is really off limits in terms food and drink. Your input on themes is greatly appreciated.

As with the blind tasting group, the idea with a themed tasting is to bring people together; both professionals and enthusiasts alike to create a sense of community and to learn about things we love and are passionate about.

August 1st Theme: Texas vs. The World (Syrah)

Honor Guest: Patrick "Pat" Johnson,Veteran Texas Winemaker and legendary icon of the Texas wine industry will be at hand to talk to us about the challenges of growing grapes in the state, and the success that can be achieved.

Special Guest: Tim Drake, Vineyard Manager & Winemaker of Flat Creek Estate Winery, will join us to talk about the production terms and concepts that winemakers in the state apply to the juice!
$20 if purchased on or before 7/11
$30 starting 7/12
$40 at the door if there is space

If you have any questions you can contact GUSTO directly @ 512.944.0510 or @ tastings@gustotastings.com

For more information, click here.

Week of Happy Hours Blues and Soul @ Vino 100


Tuesday, July 31, 2012 - Friday, August 3, 2012, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Round Rock, Texas

3021 S. IH-35 Suite 120
Round Rock, TX 78664
512-255-0526

Happy Hour Tuesday and Thursday 4-7pm
$2 off Wines by the Glass
$1 off all Texas Beers
20% off all menu items
 
Live Music Lineup this Week
Never a Cover
 
Thursday 7-9pm
Lisa Marshall
 
Friday 8-10pm
Carson Alexander
 
For more information, click here.

Monday, July 30, 2012

CharityBas​h + TRIBEZA Nightlife Issue Release

Join us next Thursday for theTRIBEZA Nightlife IssueRelease + CharityBash benefiting BookSpring sponsored byKirkus Reviews!
Drink specials,entertainments, photo booth, sweet treats and swag bags for the first 25!

Buy tickets in advance here.

Roast Chicken

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 lemons, cut in half
  • 6 large cloves garlic
  • 1 (4 pound) whole chicken
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cold butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions
  1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Pour the wine into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet; set aside.
  2. Place the lemon halves and garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken. Slide half of the butter underneath the skin of each breast. Rub the chicken all over with Dijon mustard, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Place into the cast-iron skillet.
  3. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and continue baking until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove the chicken from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 15 minutes before slicing.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Tom Mueller Visits Con' Olio Oils & Vinegars


Arboretum-11:00am-1:00pm
Lavaca-2:30-4:30pm
Author-Tom Mueller Book Signing- Saturday, Aug 25th

Come and meet Tom Mueller, the author of "Extra Virginity: The Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil" . Tom will be at both shops for a book signing and to discuss his amazing work! We will also host an olive oil tasting during this event. Seats are limited for the olive oil tasting.
 
You can read more about Tom and his work at www.truthinoliveoil.com

North-Arboretum
10000 Research Blvd, Ste 130
phone: 512-342-2344
Hours:Mon-Sat 10-8pm, Sun 12-6pm

Downtown-2nd Street District
215 Lavaca
phone: 512-495-1559
Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm

For more information, click here.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Wine and Jazz at D'vine Wine at Firewheel

Saturday, July 28, 2012, from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Garland, Texas

426 Town Center Blvd
Garland, TX 75040
972-530-3735

Joseph Reyna, Acoustic/Vocals, will peform for an evening of live music. Come in and enjoy the music with wine and friends.

For more information, click here.

Messina Hof's Bounty of Harvest: Vine to the Table


Saturday, July 28, 2012 (Sat), 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM Bryan, Texas

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

Saturday, July 28th at 6:30pm, Bounty of Harvest: Vine to the table
$75 per person plus tax & gratuity

Our Vintage House chef will entertain guests with a tableside cooking demonstration of Messina Hof vineyard cuisine. Guests will delight in the spectacular view of Messina Hof vineyards from the Gallery as they savor fantastic dishes from Messina Hof’s Vintage House restaurant, served in an Italian family-style manner.

Menu

First Course
Homemade Minestrone Soup
With fresh garden vegetables

Second Course
Heirloom Tomatoes and Mozzarella Salad
Served with Shaved Red Onion and Basil

Third Course
Chicken Picatta
Table Side Prepared and topped with Lemon Butter Sauce and Fried Capers
Served with Herbal Risotto and Roasted Zucchini with Brown Butter and Sage

Fourth Course
Tiramisu
Topped with Chocolate Drizzle and Macerated Berries

For more information call (979)-778-9463 ext. 234 or click here to visit their website.

Messina Hof's Harvest Daytime Activities

Saturday, July 28, 2012, from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Bryan, Texas

4545 Old Reliance Road
Bryan, TX 77808
800-736-9463 ext 234

Your Fun Begins in the Vineyard at 8:00am…
After a brief orientation, you and your group are sent off to our 42-acre estate vineyard to pick the grapes that will be placed into service! You may even break into a Sicilian song with the winemaker himself, Messina Hof Co-Founder, Paul Bonarrigo. These are the very grapes that will go into the making of Messina Hof’s award-winning port.

The Big Kahuna Competition – While in the field, make sure to look for the most interesting and unique cluster to enter the Big Kahuna We award the person with the best looking grape cluster and talent; this person is the Kahuna for the day!

Next… Dine at our Harvest Luncheon
Our Chefs from The Vintage House Restaurant use on the freshest ingredients for our trademark “Texas Vineyard Cuisine”. Perfect after a historical day of Harvest. Enjoy hand-selected and hand-cut meats, herbs and vegetables from our vineyard garden, and, of course, our award-winning wines that are part of every recipe.

Then…Our Food & Wine Pairing Party
At this unique seminar, you’ll learn how to match the right foods with the right wines, like a pro! That’s because a pro will be guiding you through every step. These interactive seminars are conducted by Messina Hof Co-Founder and Cookbook Author, Merrill Bonarrigo.

Menu
Soup Station
Creamy Tomato Soup

Salad Bar
Assorted Fruit & Cheese Platter
Messina Hof House Salad Bar with a Choice of Dressing
Warm Rolls, Butter, Coffee, Tea and Water

Entrée
Grilled Salmon topped with Chardonnay Meuniere
Roasted Tradition Treberwurst with Pinot Grigio Roasted Onions
Roasted Chicken Breast topped with a Cabernet Chasseur Sauce

Starches
Saffron Rice Pilaf
Sautéed Vegetable Pasta
Herb Roasted Potatoes

Vegetable
Sautéed Vegetables Medley
Roasted Tomatoes Provencal

Dessert Selection

For more information call (979)-778-9463 ext. 234 or click here to visit their website.

Skip Brunch, come to Sunday Dinner at olive & june

3411 glenview ave. austin, tx 78703
512.467.9898

Skip brunch this weekend! Come share an Italian feast at olive & june with your nearest & dearest this Sunday at Family Dinner!

Sunday, July 29th
antipasti
crostini, duck liver pate, fig conserva, marigold

salad
caprese, house made mozzarella, aged balsamic

pasta
pastini salad, saffron, red onion, parsley

main
seared salmon, roasted sweet red peppers, capers, lemon

contorni
crispy farm potatoes, grilled onions, sage

dolci
summer melons, white chocolate gelato, whipped ricotta

$35 per guest
Kids under 12, gratis!

For more information, click here.

3rd Annual Texas Monthly BBQ Festival - September 23, 2012


If you have not purchased your tickets yet, you better. They are going fast.

For more information including ticket purchases, click here.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

On sale now: Texas Monthly BBQ Festival tickets

http://www.texasmonthly.com/bbqfestival/

Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar Gets A Summer Transforma​tion

Closing the summer out with a bang, Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar is pleased to announce their new summer transformation. Complete with new Head Chef David Griffin, weekly events and fresh summer menu, Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar is on the fast track to becoming the new summer hotspot.

Chef David Griffin is an industry veteran with over fifteen years experience including Headliner’s Club under Donnie Hungerford, Café 909 and Annie’s Café & Bar under Chef Mark Schmidt. He also worked as pastry chef at Sterling Affairs Catering. Griffin joined the Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar team in April 2012 where he now combines farm-to-table produce, house-made breads and artisan meats with an emphasis on simple, clean flavors and seasonal ingredients.

Whether it’s a girl’s night out, a first date or dinner with the family, Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar’s new summer menu will have something for everyone. Featured summer menu items include Chef Griffin’s Chicken & Mushroom Crepes with Roasted Crimini Mushrooms, Pulled Chicken and Goat Cheese and the Slow Braised Beef Short Rib with Creamy Polenta, Fried Shallots, Broccolini and Au Jus. End the evening with their S’mores Cake Ball, reminiscent of summer camp, or the Greatest Milkshake Period made with Dark Rum, Amy’s Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream and a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Floater.

Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar is excited to announce the launch of Ladies Night every Tuesday from 5-10pm complete with happy hour prices. The kickoff on August 7th will include an 80s Movie Trivia Night at 7pm. Fans of the decade can test their knowledge and take on all challengers. Teams can sign up at www.austincakeball.com/kitchenandbar and the winning team receives a gift card to Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar.

Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar is also introducing a Sunday Speakeasy featuring “Cake Balls & Cocktails” on the first Sunday of each month. From 7-10pm, starting August 5th, enjoy tantalizing treats, mingle with fellow professionals, and cap off that hectic weekend in a delightful lounge setting with some stunning craft cocktails.

Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar is open Monday through Thursday from 11am-10pm with happy hour from 4-7pm, Friday & Saturday from 11am-11pm with happy hour from 4-7pm and Sunday from 12pm-7pm with happy hour all day. Austin Cake Ball Kitchen & Bar is located in The Domain at 3401 Esperanza Crossing, Suite #104.

Dunn Bros Coffee Celebrates Grand Opening This Weekend

Gables 5th Street Commons is proud to welcome Austin’s newest coffee shop, Dunn Bros Coffee, with Grand Opening festivities July 27 – 28. From 6:30am to 10:00pm, Dunn Bros Coffee will celebrate its opening with free samples, food and drink specials, a raffle for store items and gift cards every hour, live coffee roasting and live local music.

“I’m excited to open my first coffee shop,” owner Larry Lanoue said, “it feels like I’ve made a second home. The past few years of planning and hard work seem like a distant dream now and it brings a smile to my face every time a customer tells me how homey our coffee shop feels to them. It is exactly what I hoped to create; a warm and inviting community meeting place for Austin.”

To kick off the weekend, Dunn Bros Coffee will giveaway gift cards that range from $2 - $100 to the first 101 people on each day of the grand opening. Any customer who chooses to “recharge” their card with $25 will get a free beverage of their choice. There will be $3 off any pound of beans and two-for-one specialty drinks.

Featured handcrafted beverages include fine brewed coffees, handcrafted lattes, blended and iced specialties including the IceCrema flavored frappe and blended fruit smoothies and the Infinite Black Cold Press Coffee.

Grand Opening events include:
·      Friday, July 27: Ashley Dodd will feature her pottery from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Anastasia Gregoire will feature her handmade jewelry from 6pm to 10pm, musicians Derek Hoki and Erich smith will perform from 7pm to 8pm and musician Ben Balmer will perform from 8pm to 10pm.

·      Saturday, July 28: Jamey Hungerford will perform with his cello, Alysia Wieserman will feature her handmade jewelry and musician Johnny Palmer will perform from 8pm to 10pm.

Dunn Bros Coffee is open Monday – Friday from 6:30am – 10pm, Saturday from 7am – 10pm and Sunday from 7am – 9pm. They are located at the Gables 5th Street Commons at 1611 West 5th Street, Suite 175. For more information visit Austin.DunnBros.com or call 512.476.3866.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Summer Cocktail Series at Finn & Porter Loft Bar


Wednesday, July 25, 2012, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Austin, Texas

500 East 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-493-4900

Each Wednesday in July and August The Loft Bar @ Finn & Porter will be featuring our Summer Cocktail Series. Each week our Mixologist will be coming up with new and inovative cocktails for you to try.

Complementary self parking within the Hilton parking garage.

For more information, click here.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Go Texan Restaurant Round-Up

Monday, July 23, 2012  - Sunday, July 29, 2012, from 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas
(512) 463-7170

Can't stand the heat? Get out of the kitchen and GO OUT. GO EAT. GO TEXAN.

With summer temps on the rise, the GO TEXAN Restaurant Round-Up, presented by Farm Credit, is the perfect time to get out of the kitchen and experience fresh Texas flavor!

In preparation for Restaurant Round-Up, GO TEXAN chefs are creating unique menu items featuring Texas products. Don't miss this opportunity to try the tastes of Texas, support local businesses and help Texas food banks July 23-29.

For more information, click here.

Apple Avocado Salad with Tangerine Dressing

Ingredients
  • 1 (10 ounce) package baby greens
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 apple - peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
  • 4 mandarin oranges, juiced
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt to taste

Directions
  1. In a large bowl, toss together the baby greens, red onion, walnuts, blue cheese, and lemon zest. Mix in the apple and avocado just before serving.
  2. In a container with a lid, mix the mandarin orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Drizzle over the salad as desired.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Ingredients
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 pound broccoli florets, cooked
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup dry stuffing mix

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Boil chicken until tender and shred or cut into bite size pieces. Meanwhile, steam broccoli until crisp but tender.
  3. In a small bowl mix together the soup and mayonnaise. Set aside. In a 9x13 inch baking dish layer the chicken, broccoli, soup mixture, and cheese. Sprinkle dry stuffing mix over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Sunday Night Dinner @ olive & june

Enjoy a wonderful Sunday dinner at olive & june.
3411 Glenview Ave
Austin, Texas 78703
512-467-9898

july 22nd
antipasti
green olives, fennel, almonds, orange
fritto misto giardinara, cornmeal crust, basil aioli
roasted italian peppers, tuna conserva, anchovies, lemon

salad
melon, chopped speck, basil, mint, crispy shallots

pasta
macaroni al la calabria, braised lamb, chili, tomatoes
garlic-cheese bread

contorni
eggplant caponata

dolci
milk  chocolate mousse, pistachio cake, cherries

$35 per guest on Sunday nights!
kids under 12, gratzi!


Go Texan Week, Sunday Night @ olive & june

Join us at parkside & olive & june next week, July 23-29th, for the Go Texan Round Up!

Featuring Texas-sourced specialties and Texas wines in addition to our locally-sourced restaurant menus.

We'll have rotating specials offered all week, including...

hill country rabbit, cornbread, swiss chard, preserved kumquat
venison carpaccio, olive oil, peaches, purslane
summer melons, white chocolate sherbet, tarragon, whipped ricotta

olive & june
3411 glenview ave. austin, tx 78703
512.467.9898
http://oliveandjune-austin.com/

Summer Salad

Ingredients
  • 3 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette, or to taste

Directions
  1. Place the chicken breasts and Italian dressing into a resealable plastic bag. Mix together to coat the chicken with the dressing, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil grate.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center, or to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 3 minutes per side. Set aside to cool while preparing the ingredients for salad, then dice.
  4. Toss the diced apple with the lemon juice in a large mixing bowl until well coated; drain and discard any excess lemon juice. Place the lettuce into the mixing bowl, then sprinkle with the diced chicken, avocado, feta cheese, strawberries, and cranberries. Gently toss the salad with the balsamic vinaigrette, and serve immediately.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

MAX's Wine Dive Hosts a Picnic Wine Dinner


MAX’s Wine Dive Underground
207 San Jacinto Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78701

August 2, 2012, 7:00pm

MAX’s Wine Dive is hosting a “Picnic Wine Dinner” in MAX’s Underground private event space on August 2nd.  Join in a family style dinner crafted by Chef Erica Beneke paired with picnic-perfect wines.  While the temperature continues to rise outside, this picnic is the essence of cool; a subterranean feast which combines delicious summer-themed foods and delicious wines from around the world.  The menu includes Deviled Quail Eggs with Smoked Paprika and Caviar, Curried Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad with Golden Raisins, Grilled Flatbreads with Heirloom Tomato and Chevre and Chilled Poached Salmon with Fresh Peas and Mint. End the night, and your picnic, with Fried Chocolate-Cherry Pie with Hazelnut Cream, and enjoy perfectly crafted wine pairings throughout the evening.  Only MAX’s can pull off a serious wine and food pairing dinner in a playful and relaxed environment – don’t miss out on the fun.

$50 per person
Please purchase tickets in advance:
http://www.maxswinedive.com/austin/calendar-of-events/index.php

ABOUT MAX’S WINE DIVE:       
Formed in Houston in 2003, Lasco Enterprises is the parent company for MAX’s Wine Dive (Houston, Austin and San Antonio), The Tasting Room Wine Cafés, Lasco Events & Catering and The Black Door, and now has more than 300 employees in three cities. In 2010 and 2011, Inc. 5000 named Lasco Enterprises one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. Lasco was named as one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Texas" by the Best Companies Group in 2011 and 2012. The Houston Business Journal named Lasco Enterprises as number 53 on its Fast 100 list of fastest-growing private companies in Houston in 2011, number 24 in 2010, and in 2009 listed Lasco Enterprises as the 13th fastest-growing company in Houston.  Lasco also was awarded the Houston Business Journal’s “Enterprise Champion” award in 2009 for the company’s commitment to its employees, the communities in which it operates, and for its contributions to its industry. For more information, visit www.lascoenterprises.com; www.maxswinedive.com.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Messina Hof's Dinner Theatre Evening

Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

Messina Hof Winery & Resort
4545 Old Reliance Road
Bryan, Texas 77808
979-778-9463

Saturday, July 21st at 6:30pm- Dinner Theatre Evening with Stage Center Theatre
$75 per person, plus tax & gratuity

Dinner Theatre entertainment will be provided by StageCenter actors who will give a performance throughout the evening as guests enjoy a dinner prepared by the Vintage House Restaurant paired with Messina Hof wines.

Menu
1st Course
Classic Vichyssoise Soup
Chilled Potato and Leek Soup

2nd Course
Blackened Shrimp Salad
A spring green salad with blackened shrimp topped with a mirliton squash slaw and finished with a creamy cucumber dressing

3rd Course
Grilled Sirloin
Topped with a wild mushroom bordelaise with fried shoestring potatoes and spinach custard

4th Course
White Chocolate Bread Pudding
Topped with an ivory port caramel sauce

For more information, click here.

Messina Hof's Harvest Daytime Activities

Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Bryan, Texas

Messina Hof Winery & Resort
4545 Old Reliance Road
Bryan, Texas 77808
800-736-9463 ext 234

Messina Hof’s Harvest Festival – Daytime Activities
Saturday, July 21st 8:00am – 3:00pm

Your Fun Begins in the Vineyard at 8:00am…
After a brief orientation, you and your group are sent off to our 42-acre estate vineyard to pick the grapes that will be placed into service! You may even break into a Sicilian song with the winemaker himself, Messina Hof Co-Founder, Paul Bonarrigo. These are the very grapes that will go into the making of Messina Hof’s award-winning port.

The Big Kahuna Competition – While in the field, make sure to look for the most interesting and unique cluster to enter the Big Kahuna We award the person with the best looking grape cluster and talent; this person is the Kahuna for the day!

Next… Dine at our Harvest Luncheon
Our Chefs from The Vintage House Restaurant use on the freshest ingredients for our trademark “Texas Vineyard Cuisine”. Perfect after a historical day of Harvest. Enjoy hand-selected and hand-cut meats, herbs and vegetables from our vineyard garden, and, of course, our award-winning wines that are part of every recipe.

Then…Our Food & Wine Pairing Party
At this unique seminar, you’ll learn how to match the right foods with the right wines, like a pro! That’s because a pro will be guiding you through every step. These interactive seminars are conducted by Messina Hof Co-Founder and Cookbook Author, Merrill Bonarrigo.
Click on Buy Tickets button to view Harvest Daytime Packages

For more information call (979)-778-9463 ext. 234.

To visit their event website, click here.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Messina Hof's Moonlit Harvest


Friday, July 20, 2012, from 7:00 PM - 10:00 AM
Bryan, Texas

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

Friday, July 20th 7:00pm Moonlit Harvest
$85 per person plus tax & gratuity
Moonlit Harvest ignites our Harvest Festival at Messina Hof! The evening begins with a brief introduction of Messina Hof and the Harvest season at the winery. All festival goers then enjoy a ceremonial picking of grapes from our vineyards. The Bonarrigo Family will host the annual blessing of the vines ceremony before participants take part-in stomping the grapes. After stomping, each individual is provided with a memorable t-shirt to place their grape-soaked foot prints on. Everyone will tour the wine-making process and the production facility, accompanied with a wine tasting. Then all will relax with a Harvest feast of vineyard cuisine paired with Messina Hof wines in the Vintage House Restaurant.


Menu

Soup Station
Creamy Tomato Soup

Salad Bar
Assorted Fruit & Cheese Platter
Messina Hof House Salad Bar with a Choice of Dressing
Warm Rolls, Butter, Coffee, Tea and Water

Entrée
Grilled Salmon topped with Chardonnay Meuniere
Roasted Tradition Treberwurst with Pinot Grigio Roasted Onions
Roasted Chicken Breas topped with a Cabernet Chasseur Sauce

Starches
Saffron Rice Pilaf
Sautéed Vegetable Pasta
Herb Roasted Potatoes

Vegetable
Sautéed Vegetables Medley
Roasted Tomatoes Provencal

Dessert Selection

 For more information, call (979)-778-9463 ext. 234 or visit their website by clicking here.

Bluebonnet Wine Trail, Harvest Trail: July 21-22 & July 28-29, 2012

Saturday, July 21, 2012, - July 22, 2012, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday, July 28, 2012, - July 29, 2012, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Montgomery, Texas

Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, Harvest Trail: July 21-22 and July 28-29, 2012 (Tickets Valid for All Days)
211 Liberty Street (Retreat Hill Cellars on SH 149, One block north of SH 105)
Montgomery, Texas 77356
936-449-5285

Touring the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail on the Harvest Trail is your opportunity to celebrate grape harvest and crush in southeast Texas. On the last two weekends in July, the 10 member wineries along the trail will offer a select pairings of two wine tastings and a fabulous food pairing. Plus, each ticket holder will receive a unique, commemorative 2012 wine glass charm at each winery you visit. If you visit 8 of the 10 member wineries, you will receive a special “2012 Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail” charm. The value of this ticket is over $50 per person, so take this opportunity to visit local Texas wineries at half the price.

Your trail tickets are good on any of the dates, July 21-22 and July 28-29, 2012, 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 10 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.

The wine and food pairings are shown below:

Bernhardt Winery – Black bean, Mexican corn, sweet mango, spicy jalapeno, red bell pepper and purple onion salsa served on purple corn tortilla chips and paired with their award winning Pinot Grigio and Pinnelli.

Colony Cellars – Cheese pretzels and ham and cheese rolls served with Crisp Texas Blanc and Rich Texas Red.

Cork This! Winery – Chicken Salad Sandwiches paired with “Blonde” Sauvignon Blanc and “Girls Night Out” Green Apple Riesling.

Messina Hof Winery – TBA

Pleasant Hill Winery – Your choice from select daily tastings plus Blanc du Bois, served with seasonal fruit and berries marinated in Blanc du Bois over pound cake.

Retreat Hill Cellars: Pick your pair from our tasting room menu, paired with Louisiana style seafood jambalaya.

Retreat Hill Winery & Vineyard – Retreat Hill Chardonnay followed by marinated, spicy grilled shrimp on field greens paired with Retreat Hill FM 1836 Riesling.

Saddlehorn Winery: “Picnic on a Plate" served with Blanc du Bois (Semi) and Barn Red

Windy Winery – Fire & Ice Salsa paired with Yellow Rose (sweet Blanc du Bois) and Oasis (Dry Blanc du Bois)

Texas Star Winery: Prickly Pear Cactus Wine and Hibiscus Flower Wine-A-Rita paired with summer lettuce wraps filled with zesty corn salad.

For more information about this event and tickets, click here.
     

Thirsty Oaks "Harvest" Wine Trail


Sunday, July 22, 2012, from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Florence, Texas

Inwood Estates Winery, Perissos Vineyard, Pilot Knob Vineyard & The Vineyard at Florence
100 Via Francesco, 8711 W. FM 487
Florence, Texas 76527
254-793-3114

Please Join Us .............
Thirsty Oaks  "HARVEST"  Wine Trail
                   Harvest Will Be in Progress!
   Each Winery Will Have Freshly Harvested Grapes
  From Their Own Vineyards in the Tasting Rooms
    
                           Sunday, July 22
                             Noon - 5 p.m.
     
Visit Four Great Wineries . . .
                               Producing World Class Wine !
        Inwood Estates Vineyards
        Perissos Vineyard & Winery
        Pilot Knob Vineyard
        The Vineyard at Florence

Tickets are $35 and include:
    22 oz. Crystal Logo “Collectors” Bordeaux Glass    
    Three Tastings at Four Wineries
    Food Pairings at each Winery

To Purchase Tickets, www.ThirstyOaksWineTrail.com

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Baked Chicken in a Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  • 1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
 
Directions
  1. Wad three pieces of aluminum foil into 3 to 4 inch balls, and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Rinse the chicken, inside and out, under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper and paprika, and place in the slow cooker on top of the crumpled aluminum foil.
  3. Set the slow cooker to High for 1 hour, then turn down to Low for about 8 to 10 hours, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Roll On Sushi Diner Announces New Head Chef

Roll On Sushi Diner announced today the hire of Patrick Acuña as Head Chef effective immediately. Acuña has worked for many well-known sushi and Asian restaurants across California including Maki Maki in Irvine, where he served as Head Chef. Acuña also served as Head Chef at Rock-n-Roll Sushi in Lake Arrowhead, CA, an establishment he helped open and design.

Raised in Southern California, Acuña graduated from the California Sushi Academy of Los Angeles and began his sushi career at Ichiban in Palm Springs, CA where he was also trained as a Teppanyaki chef. After realizing that food was his passion and Asian inspired dishes were his forte, Acuña studied under renowned sushi chef Nobuo Kishimoto, Master Chef Karl Winkelmann and Chef John Richardson.

Acuña moved to Austin with his wife and three daughters to be closer to family. After researching places to work, Acuña stumbled upon the Roll On Sushi Diner website and immediately fell in love with the wild and original concept. “It was something I wanted to be a part of as soon as I discovered the website. A “sushi diner” with no traditional boundaries – it was an opportunity I could not afford to pass up,” says Acuña.

As Head Chef at Roll On Sushi Diner, Acuña plans to add a new traditional twist to an already fun and distinctive menu that features items like The Elvis roll made with peanut butter, bacon and banana and the Cholesta Roll modeled after a chicken fried steak dinner. Together with owners Chad and Chip Reed, he is taking the business and menu to new heights.

“We are very proud of what all we have created with our twist on traditional sushi, but we also want people to realize we do the traditional stuff as good as anyone in town,” says Reed.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Sunday Dinner at olive & june

The friendly folks from San Miguel Seafood caught us a 90 pound swordfish from the gulf & we have pigs from Countryside Farms to share with you! 

Join us for Sunday Night Dinner @ olive & june!

Antipasti
chilled summer gazpacho, pecorino brodo, chili oil
&
roasted beet salad, pistachios, balsamic, ricotta
 
Pasta
fettuccine, tomatoes, preserved lemon, capers,
chickpeas, smoked swordfish
 
Main
braised local pig, fig mostarda, farm potatoes, fried sage
 
Contorni
fennel & carrot gratinato, parmesan
 
Dolci
chocolate & orange gelato cake, vanilla bean, raspberries

$35 per guest, kids eat free!

3411 glenview ave.
austin, tx 78703
512.467.9898

Friday, July 13, 2012

All-American Wines Wine Tasting

Friday, July 13, 2012, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dallas, Texas

10477 Lombardy Lane
Dallas, Texas 75220
214-366-2000

Join us for our All-American Wine Tasting on Friday, July 13th... and experience the Surprises from The Lower Forty! For reservations, call 214.366.2000 or visit pappasbrosdallas.com.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Artisan Dinner with Jester King Brewery @ The Harvest Room by Royal Fig

Presents the
Artisan Dinner Series
Featuring
Jester King Craft Brewery

5 courses by The Seedling Truck
and Royal Fig Catering chef, Dan Stacy
using craft brews made by Jester King Brewery.

Royal Fig Catering’s Artisan Dinner Series continues at The Harvest Room with featured artisan Jester King Craft Brewery. In this series Chef Dan Stacy will incorporate Jester King signature craft brews into his culinary creations. Both artisans uphold a rustic philosophy, encompassing seasonal and local ingredients. The venue will host 40 individuals for this exclusive event. The venue is also home to a number of social mixers, parties, rehearsal dinner’s, workshops and more.
WHEN:
Saturday, July 21st, @ 7pm

COST:
$65 per person.  BYOB.

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

MENU
Chicken Liver Mousse
with le Petit Prince Mustard
 
Mortadella Mussels
with Noble King Broth
 
Braised Halibut Cheeks
with Boxer's Revege Aged Wild Ale
Gastrique & Smoked Goat Ragout
 
Drink'in the Sunbelt Marinated Porchetta
with Okra & Potato Hash
 
Foie Gras Smore
with Black Metal Imperial Stout Drizzle

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

Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon Now Serving Mexican Breakfast Daily


Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon, the colorful and convenient drive-thru restaurant that’s offering Austin’s most mouthwatering charcoal-grilled rotisserie chicken, is hatching a new venture: breakfast. From 8 to 11 a.m. seven days a week, Fresa’s will serve a variety of freshly made Mexican-inspired breakfast dishes and beverages. 
 
 Far from the average breakfast-taco offerings found at just about any Austin eatery, the Fresa’s breakfast menu includes classic handmade tacos, as well as gourmet breakfast tacos and an assortment of freshly baked pastries from the Elizabeth Street Café panaderia.
 
 All of Fresa’s breakfast tacos are made with pasture-raised, organic eggs, and many include top-quality ingredients not found on any other restaurant’s breakfast-taco menu. Fresa’s Favorite Tacos selection features The Margie ($3.75), a flour tortilla filled with eggs, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue brisket, charred onions and rajas; The Lorenzo ($3.50), a corn tortilla filled with egg whites, black beans, avocado, spinach, cheddar cheese and Serrano peppers; The Tomas ($3.50), a corn tortilla stuffed with eggs, house-made barbacoa, pineapple, cilantro and white onion; and The Tricky ($3.50), a migas taco in a flour tortilla filled with avocado, bacon, queso fresco and cilantro. The Classic Gringo Tacos menu ($2.75 each) includes bacon, egg and cheese; chorizo, egg and cheese; avocado, egg and cheese; potato, egg and cheese; and black beans, egg and cheese tacos.
 
 Diners with a hankering for a more indulgent breakfast will delight in Fresa’s Pan Dulce menu ($3 each), which includes freshly baked pastries such as decadent Churros; Empanadas de Guava and Crema; sweet Orejas; Bigote de Strawberry; and Cajeta and Pecan Sticky Bread. Also available is Fresa’s refreshing Fruta Cup ($6), with fresh mango, pineapple, green grapes and jicama, served with chile and lime. 
 
 Fresa’s breakfast menu features a variety of delicious Mexican-inspired beverages and coffees. The Aguas Frescas y Mas selections include Horchata ($3); Limon ($2.75); Sandia ($2.75); and Sparkling Naranja ($3), a mixture of freshly squeezed orange juice and Topo Chico. Fresa’s proudly serves Stumptown Coffee in an assortment of sizes and brews, including Roasted; Decaf; Café con Leche; Mocha Café con Leche; Coldbrew; and Black & White, a tempting combination of Coldrew and Horchata. 
 
Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon is located at 915 N. Lamar Blvd. near downtown Austin. The new breakfast menu is available at the drive-thru and the walk-up service window, and is served daily from 8 to 11 a.m. For more information on Fresa’s breakfast offerings, please call (512) 428-5077, or visit www.FresasChicken.com.

Celebrate Half Way to New Year's With Trento

Trento is pleased to announce their Half Way to New Year’s party on Tuesday, July 17 from 5pm to 8pm. Join Trento as they host a night of half-priced food and drinks with handcrafted cocktails by the St. Germain Texas Brand Ambassador, David Alan.

“In the time honored tradition of New Year’s Eve, Trento is pleased to offer our guests the first annual Half Way to New Year’s Celebration.” As Dante Alighieri so eloquently stated “Remember tonight….for it is the beginning of always”.

Chefs Alex Kahn and Andreas Exarhos will feature the bar menu and select pizzas at half the price including Margharita Pizza, Steamed Mussels and Stuffed Meatballs.  Alan will demonstrate the Hummingbird with St. Germain, Champagne and Sparkling Water and the Sangria Flora with Rosé, St. Germain and fresh seasonal fruit such as peach and melon at their best. Enjoy live music from Sound of AM, who will be playing from 7pm to 10pm.

“When the heat of a Texas summer is upon you, the best strategy is make sure your cocktails are appropriate for the weather,” Alan said. “Nothing beats the heat like the refreshing St Germain Hummingbird. And the bright side of Texas's hot summer is that we have a year-round growing season, so you can always add a touch of local produce to your drinks. Sangria Flora is loaded with fresh local peaches and melons that adapt throughout the season."

Enjoy Rotari Prosecco and Mt. Beautiful white wines, Bellinis, Trento’s specialty cocktail the Ice Flower with St. Germain and half off selected bottles of wine.

Trento channels the delectable culinary experience from Trento, Italy with a menu that focuses on fresh, casual Italian dining using the highest quality of food and ingredients. The restaurant’s namesake is from Trento, the capital of the northern Italian wine region of Trentino, Italy. For more information, visit www.Trento360.com or call 512.328.7555.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Inwood Estates - Summer Jazz 3rd Sunday - 7/15


Sunday, July 15, 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, Texas 76527
254-793-3114

As the Temperature HEATS Up,
Join Us for a COOL Sunday Afternoon....
Summer Series 3rd Sunday Jazz
July 15th, 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

MAX's Wine Dive Launches New Sunday Brunch Buffet

MAX’s Wine Dive is pleased to announce a new addition to Sunday brunch in MAX’s Underground with Sunday Brunch Buffet starting in August. Guests will be able to enjoy their meal in the downstairs event space with an all-you-can-eat menu. The menu includes a Honey Ham Carving Station, Omelet Station, Fresh fruit with Vanilla Bean Yogurt and House Made Granola, Smoked Salmon with Dill Crème Fraiche and Capers, Assortment of Breakfast Pastries, Assortment of Seasonal Salads, Herb Roasted New Potatoes, Bacon and Breakfast Sausage, Baked French Toast, Migas, Max and Cheese, Shrimp and Grits and Assorted Desserts. Drink specials include Mimosas, Sangria and a full wine menu.

WHEN:             Sundays, Starting August 12th, 11am – 2pm

WHERE:            MAX’s Wine Dive, 207 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701

PRICE:            $19 per person for food


ABOUT MAX’S WINE DIVE
Formed in Houston in 2003, Lasco Enterprises is the parent company for MAX’s Wine Dive (Houston, Austin and San Antonio), The Tasting Room Wine Cafés, Lasco Events & Catering and The Black Door, and now has more than 300 employees in three cities. In 2010 and 2011, Inc. 5000 named Lasco Enterprises one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. Lasco was named as one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Texas" by the Best Companies Group in 2011 and 2012. The Houston Business Journal named Lasco Enterprises as number 53 on its Fast 100 list of fastest-growing private companies in Houston in 2011, number 24 in 2010, and in 2009 listed Lasco Enterprises as the 13th fastest-growing company in Houston.  Lasco also was awarded the Houston Business Journal’s “Enterprise Champion” award in 2009 for the company’s commitment to its employees, the communities in which it operates, and for its contributions to its industry. For more information, visit www.lascoenterprises.com; www.maxswinedive.com.

Gusto Tasting Group | Monthly Blind Tasting @ Barley Swine


Sunday, July 15, 2012, from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Austin, Texas

2024 South Lamar
Austin, Texas 78704
512-944-0510

This tasting group is open to ANYONE who wants to expand and test their palate.
This is intended to be a professional and regularly accuring tasting group. The idea is to have wine professional at all levels mix with people who are wine enthusiasts to evaluate wines and create a sense of community amongst wine lovers in Austin.
The objective for each tasting is to determine 5 components using technical, comparative and deductive evaluation. This is a blind tasting to determine...

Country
Region
Varietal
Vintage +/- 2yrs.
Production Technique

This will be a great opportunity to taste several wines from world class growing areas, network with other Austin professionals/enthusiasts and expand your palate. There is a minimum of 6 wines for each tasting. 

$15 if purchased on or before 6/30
$20 starting 7/1
$30 at the door if there is space.

If you have any questions you can contact GUSTO directly 512.944.0510 or tastings@gustotastings.com
For more information, click here.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Salado Swirl


Saturday, July 14, 2012, from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Salado, Texas

831 North Main Street
Salado, Texas 76571
254-947-8634

The Village of Salado invites you to its first annual “Salado Swirl.” For those who know the “Six S’s” of wine tasting this is the event for you! The “Salado Swirl” will be held throughout the Village of Salado.

This one-day event promises to satisfy all of your culinary delights from wine tastings to enjoying local cuisine while listening to music.

The following Texas wineries and Salado shops participating are: Salado Creek Winery will be hosted at Salado Glassworks; Salado Wine Seller will be hosted at Salado Wine Seller; Fiesta Vineyards will be hosted by Springhouse; Rising Star Vineyards will be hosted by Charlotte’s of Salado; Journey Vineyards will be hosted by Prellop Fine Art Gallery; Georgetown Winery will be hosted by Inn on the Creek and Dancing Bee Winery will be hosted by Salado Mercantile, The Vineyard at Florence will be hosted by Horsefeathers, and Inwood Estates Vineyard will be hosted by The Range.

This is a ticketed event for $59.95 per person. But for a limited amount of time the first 150 participants that purchase tickets online will receive $20.00 off the original price of the ticket bringing it to a total price of $39.95. Each participant will receive: 1 signature Salado Swirl wine glass, 1 event keepsake poster, a purchase certificate from participating merchants, one goody bag, and a passport to show locations of participating merchants and wineries.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.saladoevents.com. There is a limited amount of tickets so make your purchase soon.

For event details, updated information and ticket information visit us online at www.saladoevents.com or contact the Village of Salado Tourism office at 254-947-8634 or dcharbonneau@saladotx.gov.

About Village of Salado:
The Village of Salado is located in Central Texas approximately 51 miles north of Austin and 51 miles south of Waco. The Village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, idyllic setting on the Salado Creek, and its growing arts and cultural community. Salado has been home to many esteemed individuals including authors, Liz Carpenter and A.C. Greene, two Texas governors, Governor James E. Ferguson and Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson and visits by numerous historical figures such as Sam Houston and General George Custer. For more information visit the Village of Salado online at www.salado.com or contact Debbie Charbonneau by phone at 254-947-8634 or email at dcharbonneau@saladotx.gov.

Messina Hof Hill Country Wine & Pie Pairing!

Sunday, July 15, 2012, from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Fredericksburg, Texas

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

Join us at Messina Hof Hill Country as the folks from Tootie’s Pie Gourmet Cafe will be serving pie tastings paired with Messina Hof Wines.

For more information, click here.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Wine & Cheese Pairing Class



Wednesday, July 11, 2012, from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Dallas, Texas

Mozzarella Company
2944 Elm
Dallas, TX 75226
214-741-4072

Cheese and Wine Pairing Class – Cost $50.00 per person
Learn to pair Cheese and Wine

A seated class with an organized array of artisanal cheeses and wines served
(6 to 7 cheeses and 4 to 5 wines)

This fun, educational, and interactive class is led by a Cheese Expert from the Mozzarella Company and Wine Expert John Bratcher of Two Wine Guys

The class begins with a cocktail party and includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mozzarella Company

Maximum class size: 20 people

Minimum age: 21 years

Class lasts 1 ½ to 2 hours.

For more information, click here.    

Half Price Wine at Grimaldi’s


Tuesday, July 10, 2012, from 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Dallas, Texas

Grimaldi's Pizzeria
3636 McKinney Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75201
(480) 947-7100

Tuesday Tastings are back by popular demand for the summer at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.  June through September come to ANY Grimaldi’s on Tuesday and enjoy half off any glass or bottle of wine.  Sip and relax on the outdoor patio, or keep it cool indoors.  Take advantage, because this savory offer is only here for the summer!

North Texas locations include West Village and Park Lane in Dallas and Water’s Creek in Allen, along with the soon-to-open Grapevine.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria wholly owns and operates locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, Reno, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Myers, and Corpus Christi. Additional locations in Texas, Florida and South Carolina are on the drawing board.  The most award-winning pizzeria in the US, Grimaldi’s has over 100 years of coal brick-oven authentic pizza traditions. For more information visit www.grimaldispizzeria.com.
    

Live Performance by Mike June

Saturday, July 14, 2012, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dripping Springs, Texas

13111 Silver Creek Rd
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
832-660-8642

Live Performance at Solaro Estate Winery by Mike June. Come out and enjoy some Great Texas Wine and Great Texas Music.

For more information, click here.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Home-made Hamburger Sliders

Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
  • 1/2 cup dried minced onion
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages dinner rolls
  • 1 (16 ounce) jar dill pickle slices, drained
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a medium baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium high heat, stir together ground beef, dry onion soup mix and dry minced onion. Cook until beef is evenly brown. Remove from heat, drain and stir in mayonnaise and Cheddar cheese.
  3. Slice tops off the dinner rolls. Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet. Spoon some of the ground beef mixture onto each roll. Garnish with pickle slices. Place tops back on rolls.
  4. Tightly wrap the baking sheet with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven 20 minutes.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken

Ingredients
  • 6 frozen skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce
  • 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions
  1. Place chicken in a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the chicken.
  2. Cover, and cook 3 to 4 hours on High or 6 to 8 hours on Low.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Premium Burgundy Tasting

July 7, 2012 (Sat) from 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fort Worth, Texas


5500 Overton Ridge Blvd, Suite 222
Fort Worth, TX 76132
817-361-9999

FRIDAY - SATURDAY - SUNDAY
This Week's PREMIUM FLIGHT:
 2009 Burgundy
 Enjoy a 2-oz pour of all three limited-availability wines for only $23 (a value of over $31)
 Premium flights are always eligible for Happy Hour pricing of 25% off, Fridays 5-9pm.

Rene LeClerc Gevrey-Chambertin
 Côte de Nuits
 A reserved nose speaks of pungent earth and fresh red currant aromas that slide seamlessly into nicely rich and voluminous flavors that are also very forward and open on the balanced, persistent and sappy finish. This should benefit from 4 to 6 years of cellar time. -Burghound, January 2011
 The domaine is known for its old vines,50-80 years average age, and a lush, fruity style of wine.  Only small amounts of new oak are used; a maximum of 20-25% for most wines, and 50% for the Grand Cru, so that the emphasis remains on the expression of terroir through old vines. The 2009 is a remarkable testament to the power of a vintage, all of its fruit power and richness is unmarked by new oak.

Genot-Boulanger Volnay, Le Ronceret 1er Cru
 Cote de Beaune
 Volnay Le Ronceret is one the most prestigious wines of the Cote de Beaune.  Aromatic and elegant, usually less powerful than the Cotes de Nuits, but 2009 yielded rambunctious wines.  Juicy, sweet baking spices, blueberry and black cherry fruit.  Native yeasts, 20-40% new oak, Allier and Nievre forests. Genot-Boulanger is a fascinating Burgundy producer, with the largest land holdings  of any non-negociant winery.  They own approx 70 acres, split between 92 parcels in 32 appellations, from Chambolle-Musigny to Mercurey.  Francois Delaby, grandson of the founder, runs the winery with his son in law and daughter, Guillame and Aude Lavollee.  They farm organically and hand harvest.

Billard Pommard, Vaumuriens
 Cote de Beaune
 Dark red color, black fruit notes, wild, leathery, spicy aromas and flavors.  Similarly, Pommard clone new world Pinots tend to be darker and wilder than Dijon clone (Côte de Nuits) Pinots.  Dense, tannic, young drinking wine.  20% new oak.  Red, iron-rich soil distinquishes it from neighboring Volnay, and gives the wine it’s expected heartwarming strength.
For more information, click here.

Tuaca - Free Tasting!


Saturday, July 7, 2012, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sugar Land, Texas

16535 Lexington Blvd Suite 150
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
281-240-9463

Come out to Top Shelf Wine & Spirits in Sugar Land this Saturday for fun tasting of some delectable cocktails made from TUACA.

TUACA is 100% natural, based on a 500-year-old recipe originating in the hills of Tuscany. The process begins according to tradition with the selection of the finest Italian brandy, ranging from 3 to 10 years old. It's sourced from Faenza, a small city near Bologna, known for producing brandy with a pleasing aroma, amber color and an exceptionally smooth finish. The final presentation is created as the master blender folds the Italian brandy into a blend of natural sugar and fine spirits before adding the crowning touch of soft citrus and vanilla essences.

So stop this Saturday between 4:00-7:00pm to enjoy these fabulous handpicked selections. Remember, you will also save 10% on all regular-priced items we will be pouring!  In addition, we offer 6% off on all other transactions paid with cash or a debit card. However, If you purchase a case (12 bottles) of wine/spirits, you will automatically receive a 10% discount (in lieu of the 6%) and you may choose whatever payment method you desire. As always, all of our tastings are complimentary. Top Shelf Wine & Spirits is located on Lexington Boulevard at Austin Parkway, right across the street from First Colony Mall. We hope to see you all there!
For more information, click here.

A Taste of Sauvignon Blanc - Free French Wine Tasting



Saturday, July 7, 2012, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sugar Land, Texas

16535 Lexington Blvd Suite 150
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
281-240-9463

Come out to Top Shelf Wine & Spirits in Sugar Land to compare and contrast Sauvignon Blanc from two different French growing regions--Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Here's what we'll be featuring:

Ladoucette Les Deux Tours Sauvignon Blanc
Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux Blanc
Chateau Graville-Lacoste Graves Blanc
Domaine Des Huards Cheverny
Pascal Jolivet Sancerre

So stop by between 4:00-7:00pm this Saturday to enjoy this fabulous handpicked selections. Remember, you will also save 10% on all of the wines we will be pouring! As always, all of our tastings are complimentary. In addition, we offer 6% off on all other transactions paid with cash or a debit card. However, If you purchase a case (12 bottles) of wine/spirits, you will automatically receive a 10% discount (in lieu of the 6%) and you may choose whatever payment method you desire. Top Shelf Wine & Spirits is located on Lexington Boulevard at Austin Parkway, right across the street from First Colony Mall. We hope to see you all there!

For more information, click here

Harvest Grapes at Bernhardt Winery!


Saturday, July 7, 2012 (Sat) from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Plantersville, Texas

9043 County Rd. 204
Plantersville, TX 773663
936.894.9829

Reservation required, $15 +tax and Gratuity includes lunch and a glass of wine. All you need to bring is a pair of pruning shears, the kind you use to trim a rose bush.

For more information, click here.

Harvest Festival at Haak Vineyards and Winery



Saturday, July 7, 2012, from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Santa Fe, Texas

6310 Ave T
Santa Fe, TX 77510
409-925-1401


The harvest begins at 8:00 am with a brief safety and harvest instruction. Then everyone will begin harvesting the grapes. Please wear sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellant, first aid for bites, comfortable clothes for the heat and bring a pruning knife, if you have one. We have extras but it would be great if you have one to use.

Goodies for harvesters at 7:30 am to include juice, coffee, muffins and surprise gifts. Come early to ensure your opportunity to help with the harvesting as we have many volunteers with 3 acres to harvest.

Vendors from 9-3 pm.

Door Prizes will be given from 11-3 pm for all.

A wonderful lunch will begin serving at 11:00-3 pm as well as deli type snacks in our Tasting Room. See concessions menu below. This is an annual event that Haak Winery hosts. We hope you all can make it out and enjoy the day.

We will always have our Deli open and available for meats, cheeses, Spreads and Breads. No outside food or drink allowed. Reservations are not required. The event is free and children are welcome.

Bring your own Wine Glass if you prefer and a lawn chair to make sure you have a seat and even a picnic blanket. We do not reserve seats so it is first come, first serve. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Time: 8-4 pm

Cost: Free to Attend

Entertainment:
9-11 am – DJ Frankie Tambrella
1-3 pm – Time in a Bottle (www.timeinabottleband.com )
Classic Rock – Oldies – Blues –We are a band of doctors, golfers, photographers, computer specialists and business owners. Best of all, we are a band of friends. We have been playing together, off and on, for four decades. We are now banded together as the ultimate ‘dance band’.
MENU:
Chicken Caesar wrap with choice of chips-$6.95
Chicken Salad Croissant with choice of chips-$7.95
Ham or Turkey Croissant with choice of chips-$7.95
Cheese Trays with crackers and grapes-$7.95
Pasta Salad topped with grilled chicken-$8.95
Fresh Mixed Fruit-$5.95
Assorted frozen Treats for dessert- $1.50


For more information, click here.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Memorial Wine Cellar: Jazz Music, Fine Wine & Great Eats


Friday, July 6, 2012, from 7:00 PM - 11:45 PM
Houston, Texas

7951 Katy Freeway, Ste. B
Houston, Texas 77024
713-680-9772


Friday, July 6th
Open 11am-12am

LIVE MUSIC from 8pm-11pm: Live Entertainment, April Spain, will entertain with her creative and innovative jazz music. “Audiences are spellbound” “You can hear a pin drop as she turns jazz and pop standards into showcases for her 4 1/2 octave voice.” ”—  Kyle Larson, The Phoenix Gazette

FOOD TRUCK SERVICE from 7pm-10pm: Coreanos-Houston will be on-site. The Coreanos Food Truck was named “the #1 food truck in Texas and the 8th in the Nation”–Smithsonian Magazine. Visit their website for more information and their menu.

For more information, click here.

New England Lobster-Clambake at Bistro Le Cep



Friday, July 6, 2012, from 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Houston, Texas


11112 Westheimer Road @ Wilcrest
Houston, TX 77042
713-783-3985


At Bistro Le Cep
New England Lobster - Clambake
With the culinary experience during my years as Executive Chef at Anthony’s Pier 4 in Boston it is our pleasure to feature an original New England Lobster -Clambake
Served every Friday until further notice from 5:00 to 9:30 PM
New England Clam Chowder with Corn Bread
****
Crisp Summer Salad with House Dressing
****
Boiled Whole Maine Lobster and Melted Butter
(Rushed by Air Express fresh from the Icy Waters of the Atlantic)
Cherrystone Clams, Jumbo Shrimp
Corn on the Cob and Boiled Potato
Grilled Smoked Sausage
****
Freshly Baked Peach Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream
*****
Coffee or Tea
            
Due to limited seating make your reservation soon. 713-783-3
$39.50 plus tax and gratuity

Bon Appetit!

For more information, click here.