Monday, August 26, 2013

La Dolce Vita Food & Wine Festival Returns This October - Austin, Texas

24TH LA DOLCE VITA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
RETURNS TO LAGUNA GLORIA OCTOBER 24


 The Contemporary Austin Fundraiser Benefits Education Programs; Tickets on Sale Now

The 24th La Dolce Vita Food and Wine Festival, presented by Merrill Lynch, returns this fall with a dynamic lineup of award-winning chefs to raise vital funds for The Contemporary Austin’s education programs. Held along the shores of Laguna Gloria, La Dolce Vita provides guests with an opportunity to sip and savor special presentations from top restaurants and Texas wineries from across Central Texas on Thursday, October 24 from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

“The education programs at The Contemporary are the building-block for our engagement with the Austin community,” said Louis Grachos, executive director at The Contemporary Austin. “It is important to note we reach over 11,000 students annually.”

In the spirit of this historic event, La Dolce Vita guests will be privy to “the sweet life” as they experience and taste the creations of over 50 of the best and brightest culinary teams and wineries, each presenting a perfectly representative taste of their establishment. Tickets for La Dolce Vita are available for $150 per person for general admission and $200 per person for the VIP Cocktail Lounge, and are now on sale at www.thecontemporaryaustin.org/2013/la-dolce-vita-2013/.

For nearly a quarter of a century, La Dolce Vita has showcased the best of Austin year after year, and is the only food and wine festival in Austin where proceeds directly benefit visual arts education programs. Education Programs include the monthly Second Saturday’s are for Families, Advanced Young Artists, Seeing Special Things, Teen Council and various adult programs.

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

VODKA FEST 2013 - Austin, Texas


Thursday, August 29, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Austin, Texas

Russian House
307 E 5th St
Austin, TX 78701

Vodka Fest by Russians Who Know it Best

When: August 29th, 2013
Where: Russian House @ 307 East 5th street
Time: 7pm - 11pm

We are the only Russian restaurant in Austin with the largest variety of vodkas from all over the World. We are famous for our nearly 100+ house infused vodkas.

We are Russians and we LOVE Vodka!

What To Expect:
-Over 15+ vodkas from all over the world
-Appetizers by Russian House
-Russian House Vodka Infusions
-Vodka Blind Tasting Contest
-Local DJ Music

VODKAS
Jean Marc XO, Skyy Moscato Grape, Skyy Wild Strawberry, Skyy original, Dripping Spring - infused by Russian House, Dripping Springs Orange flavor vodka, 1876 by Dripping Springs, Enchanted Rock original, Rebecca Creek Whiskey, Russian Standard Original, Russian Standard Platinum, Green Mark, Svedka, Svedka Orange Cream Pop, Strawberry Colada, Colada Svedka, Starlite original, waterloo, Double Cross Vodka, Ruskova, Reyka original, Deep Eddy Original, Ruby Red, Kru vodka, Kru-cucumber flavor, Mango flavor, truffle flavor, peach mango, wintergreen flavor. Twenty Grand Vodka Cognac and Black, pinnacle whipped and regular, Effen salted caramel and cucumber and the pinnacle rainbow sherbet and strawberry shortcake and more...

$15 per person at the door
$100 per person VIP (25 seats in VIP Room)

Thursday, August 22, 2013

olive & june to Host Exclusive Wine and Pasta Pairing Dinner on Sept 16 - Austin, Texas

olive & june to Host Exclusive Wine and Pasta Pairing Dinner:
Featured Guests Include Renowned Tuscan Winemakers    


olive & june, Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s sophisticated Southern Italian-style restaurant located in Central Austin, is hosting an intimate and exclusive wine and pasta pairing dinner event featuring Tuscan winemakers and a multi-course chef-prepared pasta tasting menu. On Sept. 16, olive & june welcomes distinguished winemakers Emilia Nardi of Tenute Silvio Nardi, and Giovanna Moretti of Tenuta Sette Ponti, who will discuss their featured Tuscan wines as they are paired with Chef Cirkiel’s and Executive Chef Justin Rupp’s handmade pasta dishes and Pastry Chef Steven Cak’s Italian desserts.      

Winemaker Emilia Nardi heads her family winery, Tenute Silvio Nardi, a storied 63-year-old business and the founding winery of the prestigious Brunello di Montacino wine consortium. She manages the company’s rich Montalcino vineyards and cellar, and has a penchant for incorporating scientific advancements in winemaking without compromising Tenute Silvio Nardi’s strong family traditions. Giovanna Moretti is the sister of Antonio Moretti, founder of decades-old family winery Tenuta Sette Ponti, named for Road Sette Ponti (Seven Bridges), which connects the banks of the River Arno between Florence and Arezzo. Tenute Silvio Nardi’s Brunello di Montalcino, a sophisticated and complex Sangiovese, as well as several Tenuta Sette Ponti “super Tuscan” wines will be paired with each dish throughout this special pasta and wine pairing dinner.  

olive & june’s Executive Chef Rupp—a veteran of the restaurant industry who previously worked as the chef de cuisine at Cirkiel’s Sixth Street gastro pub, parkside—will present a tasting menu highlighting seasonal ingredients presented in a simple yet creative fashion.

Chef Rupp and Chef Cirkiel’s meal begins with piccolo piatti of crostini, warm ricotta, whipped lardo, roasted garlic and seasonal, marinated sweet peppers, followed by a delicate dish of whey custard, pine nut crumbs, pickled pears, chives and olive oil. The first course features Chef Rupp’s sweet potato cappellacci with caramelized onions, a calabrese pepper puree, brown butter, sage, Pecorino Romano and fried sweet potato vermicelli. Freshly made squid ink spaghetti with calamari and shrimp, an olive & june delicacy, will be served with charred cherry tomato, pickled peppers, pepperoncini, bread crumbs, white wine and oregano. The chefs’ main course is a savory dish of garganelli and rabbit ragu with Castelvetrano olives, capers, fennel juice and pollen, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Following this special pasta tasting menu, Pastry Chef Steven Cak will present a dessert course of verjus granita, frozen grapes, lemon yogurt and fresh mint, followed with a chestnut semifreddo with smoked granny smith apple, amari caramel and cinnamon biscotto.    

This exclusive pasta and wine pairing dinner event ($100 per person) is limited to only 32 guests. Tickets can be purchased at www.oliveandjunepasta.eventbrite.com.

olive & june is located at 3411 Glenview Ave., in Central Austin. Serving Southern Italian-style cuisine handmade by Chef Shawn Cirkiel and Executive Chef Justin Rupp, olive & june is open seven days a week for dinner service. For more information about the upcoming wine and pasta pairing dinner event featuring Tuscan winemakers Emilia Nardi of Tenute Silvio Nardi, and Giovanna Moretti of Tenuta Sette Ponti, call (512) 467-9898 or visit www.OliveandJune-Austin.com.

Follow olive & june on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliveandjuneatx

Twitter: @oliveandjuneatx

Instagram: @oliveandjuneatx

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

11th Annual Film & Food Party - Austin, Texas


Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 7:00 PM
Austin, Texas 78701

Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos
Austin, Texas 78701
512-439-1234

Austin Film Festival is pleased to announce the 11th annual Film & Food Party, an evening dedicated to honoring Austin as both a nationally recognized thriving film industry and renowned culinary hotspot. Held in the glamorous and historic Driskill Hotel, this evening of specialty cocktails by Twin Liquors and innovative cuisine, presented by some of Austin’s most notable chefs, brings together Austinites and visitors alike to celebrate the arts. Live and silent auctions present the very best in luxury items, trips and experiences.
Proceeds from the event benefit AFF’s Young Filmmakers Program. The Young Filmmakers Program was founded to encourage students, ages 9 – 18, to explore their creativity and improve their literacy skills through the arts of screenwriting and filmmaking. Programs are offered free through AISD schools and partner organizations and grant more than 300 students and teachers scholarships to the annual Austin Film Festival & Conference.

HONORARY CHAIR
Shane Black, writer/director KISS KISS BANG BANG, IRON MAN 3; Writer LETHAL WEAPON, THE LAST BOY SCOUT, LAST ACTION HERO, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT

RESTAURANTS
Austin Cake Ball, Eddie V’s, Foreign & Domestic, Garridos, J. Black’s Feel Good Kitchen & Lounge, Kenichi, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Polkadots Cupcake Factory, Ranch 616, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Siena Ristorante, Toscana, Swift’s Attick, Whole Foods Market Lounge, Willie G’s Seafood and Steak, and many more!

Twin Liquors curated wine & cocktails, featuring Gallo Family of Wines, New Amsterdam Vodka and Camarena Tequila.

Fiesta Friends and Family True Texan Event - Lometa, Texas


Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Lometa, Texas 76853

Fiesta Winery
18727 West FM 580
Lometa, Texas 76853
325-628-3433

Cost: $25.00 a person or $40.00 a couple

Fiesta Friends & Family, we are having a FIESTA that is true to our heritage.

We will be having Walking S Wagon, chuck wagon catering, here is the menu for the night:

Spicy Coffee Rubbed Smoked Pork Rib Eye Steaks accompanied by Red Eye Gravy
Wild Rice Pilaf with Grilled Mushrooms
New Mexico Style Sauteed Fresh Green Beans with a little kick!
Camp Bread
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

As well as a yummy meal we will have Dave Thomas here performing for the evening as well.
Dave Thomas sings a number one Texas Country hit Pearl Snap Shirt, here is a link to some of his music, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dave-Thomas

We are look forward to seeing y'all and having a FIESTA!

Historic Montgomery Wine & Music Fest - Montgomery, Texas


Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Montgomery, Texas 77356

Historic Downtown Montgomery, Texas
14420 Liberty Street
Montgomery, Texas 77356
936-597-5004

Cost: $20

Nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Montgomery.
Discover Texas Wines and Texas Food while enjoying Great Texas Music!
Sample wines from 16 Texas wineries.
Wine Tastings package includes 5 tastings and souvenir glass.
Additional tastings available for purchase at the gate.
Wine tents open at 11am.
Vendors all around town for plenty of shopping.
Celebration Children's Area has fun for the whole family!
Featured artists on Saturday include The Fabulous Rhythm Kings, Stephen Sweeten Band, plus Bri Bagwell and wrapping up the night with Dirty River Boys.

For more information on our wineries, food, and entertainment line up visit our website at www.experiencemontgomery.com


Williamson County Wine & Food Festival - Georgetown, Texas


Friday, September 20, 2013 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Georgetown, Texas

San Gabriel Community Center
445 E. Morrow
Georgetown, Texas 78626
847-363-9961

Cost: $30

The 2013 Williamson County Wine & Food Festival
Will Uncork Friday, September 20th ~ 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Are you ready to attend the 2013 Williamson County Wine and Food Festival?  You are coordially invited to celebrate in the libations and delectable nibbles that will take place at the San Gabriel Community Center in Georgetown. The center is a 6000 square foot indoor facility offering plenty of room and a great time!

This year brings a little nostalgia to the event  - 50's theme with a little Ole' Rock-n-Roll. We hope you're up for some exciting fun and join us for a step back in time.

Participating Wineries:
Dionisio Winery ~ Houston
Duchman Family Winery ~ Driftwood
Georgetown Winery ~ Gerogetown
Grape Creek Vineyards ~ Fredericksburg/Georgetown
Kerrville Hills Winery ~ Kerrville
Lakeview Winery ~ Georgetown
Landon Winery ~ McKinney
Nolan Creek Vineyards ~ Belton
Pilot Knob Vineyard ~ Bertrum
Red 55 Winery ~ Lindale
Texas Legato Winery ~ Lampasas
Wedding Oak Winery ~ San Saba

Participating Restaurants/Bakeries/Gourmet Foods:
Big Dawg Foods ~ Cedar Park
Corner Bakery~ Round Rock
Cotton Patch ~ Georgetown
Eileen's Colossal Cookies ~ Cedar Park
El Monumento ~ Georgetown
Jack Allen's ~ Round Rock
Marny Juice, LLC dba SLIDERS ~ Round Rock
Mikey V's Foods ~ Round Rock
Monument Cafe ~ Georgetown
Sugar Mommy's ~ Georgetown
Tai Spoon ~ Round Rock

We can’t wait to see you there!

All proceeds from this event goes to the Downtown Georgetown Association.
* All ticket purchases are NON-refundable.
* PRINT your receipt as proof of purchase and bring to the event for admittance.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The Candy Jar Set To Open October 1 - Bee Cave, Texas

THE CANDY JAR TO SPILL OPEN IN WEST AUSTIN THIS OCTOBER

The playful and whimsical candy shop, The Candy Jar, to bring an interactive, family-oriented experience to the Hill Country Galleria this fall

The Candy Jar, the first candy store dedicated to serving West Austin, is excited to announce their debut this October in the Hill Country Galleria.  From nostalgic candies to current favorites, the 2,300 square-foot space will host over 600 delicious treats in this interactive, family-oriented candy experience.

The store’s French country themes, intertwined with playful and whimsical designs, takes The Candy Jar beyond the typical candy store. The Candy Jar offers a large assortment of children’s favorites, including gummies, sour candies, taffy, gumballs and novelties, satisfying any sweet tooth craving. Not only will the shop offer a plethora of candy and chocolates, such as the truffles made by Wiseman House Chocolates in the five-foot chocolate display case, The Candy Jar will also help cool customers down in the Texas heat by offering authentic New Orleans-style snowballs.  And for those looking for an extra-special treat, The Candy Jar will stock artisan brands such as Mast Brothers and Askinosie for the dark chocolate lover and beautiful handmade lollipops from the makers at Hammonds Candies.

Christine Messina, president & founder of The Candy Jar, aspires to make the shop a place of community and family. As a mother living in Austin, Christine used her children as inspiration in creating a company that celebrates family and the precious moments shared together.

“Louie and I love taking our kids to visit candy stores in cities we travel to, and we thought what a great idea it would be to have a place in our hometown that families can enjoy together and not have to wait until they are on vacation. We wanted it to be special and embrace all the celebrations people have in their lives – whether it’s a holiday, birthday or baby shower, or even celebrating with the team after a championship game.  We want The Candy Jar to be the place that puts a smile on everyone’s face,” says Christine.

Next to the Hill Country Galleria’s amphitheater, The Candy Jar will provide interactive experiences beyond simply purchasing candy. With the 300 square-foot parlor room inside the store, The Candy Jar is partnering with Princess Parties & More to host character-themed parties including a Candy Fairy, making the candy shop the perfect venue for children’s birthday parties and events. The parlor room will also be used for sweet-centric classes for kids and adults, with classes already scheduled in November and December with Maggie Louise Callahan of Maggie Louise Confections. And when it comes to gifts, the shop offers an assortment of gift baskets, making The Candy Jar perfect for any occasion.

The Candy Jar will be located at Suite T-110 in the Hill Country Galleria.  The Candy Jar will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 9:00pm and 12:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Restaurant Week - San Antonio, Texas

RESTAURANT WEEK

August 17-24, 2013
Various Restaurants
Lunch - $15 (for three-course prix-fixe menu)
Dinner - $35 (for three-course prix-fixe menu)

Restaurant Week celebrates food at all of our local restaurants! It is a cross section of the San Antonio culinary scene that encompasses a diverse range of cuisines and includes some of our most time-honored restaurants and buzz-worthy newcomers. The experience gives visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the quality, variety and hospitality that embody the San Antonio dining experience. Bon appétit San Antonio! (Reservations aren't required but are a good idea!  Call restaurants directly to book reservations.)

Friday, August 2, 2013

The Carillon Debuts New Dessert Menu with Digestif Pairings

THIS SUMMER GETS A LITTLE SWEETER
WITH THE CARILLON’S NEW DESSERT MENU


New Dessert Menu Features Unique Digestif Pairings

The Carillon and Chef Plinio Sandalio introduce a new, modern spin on desserts with a menu that features unique ingredients and digestif parings that are handcrafted and designed to compliment each dessert. The Carillon is set to get a little sweeter early next week with the launch of the new menu that features ingredients including pea custard, bacon brittle and salted butter ice cream and pairings such as Feta Cheesecake with Watermelon Eau de Vie.

The Carillon’s unique dessert menu also includes desserts and digestifs such as Olive Oil Sponge with pea custard, bacon brittle, mint sorbet and mascarpone served with Amaro Braulio; Corn Fritters with salted butter ice cream, spiced lime curd and cotija crumbles served with Bacon Moonshine; Orgeat Panna Cotta with peach butter, angostura granite, granola and cinnamon tuile served with Peach Old Fashioned; and Chocolate and Banana Terrine with cashew dacquoise and coconut custard served with Corpse Reviver #1.

Before landing at The Carillon as pastry chef, Sandalio has worked in a variety of kitchens including Congress and Noe. Sandalio is a James Beard Award Nominee and StarChefs Rising Star award-winner, and specializes in creating a sweet and savory experience in his desserts.

The Carillon is open for breakfast from 6:30am to 10:00am on Monday to Friday and 7:00am to 11:00am on Saturday and Saturday, and for dinner from 5:30pm to 10:00pm on Tuesday to Saturday. The Carillon’s lunch menu is reserved for faculty and staff of The University of Texas. For more information on The Carillon, please visit www.thecarillonrestaurant.com and follow on Facebook @TheCarillonRestaurant and on Twitter @CarillonAustin.