Bistrot Mirabelle's new prix fixe dinner & Sun Brunch

Bistrot Mirabelle, the new bistro at 8127 Mesa Drive, serving country French fare, recently introduced two prix fixe menus -- for dinner and Sunday brunch.

The new prix fixe dinner menu is available Monday through Saturdays from 5pm until close. Guests get a selection between two options for first and second courses, plus dessert for $29.95. Sample menu here:

First Course

Creamy chestnut soup with creme fraiche and crispy sage

or

Radicchio, green leaf and mustard greens with creamy buttermilk dressing and brioche croutons

Second Course

Linguine tossed with oyster mushrooms, duck confit and topped with crispy shallots

or

Pan roasted trout with persillade and roasted potatoes

Third Course

Baked gala apple with honey ice cream

Brunch prix fixe is a recent addition to the restaurant’s expanded Sunday brunch menu. The prix fixe menu provides a choice of omelet served with brunch potatoes, warm lemon and sugar scone, coffee or tea and orange juice for $9.95. “We’re a neighborhood restaurant and we’re listening to our regulars. By introducing these fixed price options, it’s another way to provide great value for each and every guest,” said owner Brian O’Neill.

Bistrot Mirabelle signature brunch beverages include the Bloody Marie, a Bloody Mary with a taste of pastis ($4); the French 75, cognac, lemon juice and champagne ($5) and La Vie en Rose, rose champagne with rose water ($5). Traditional brunch drinks are also offered including the Mimosa and Bloody Mary.

Bistrot Mirabelle also recently introduced Happy Hour Monday through Saturday from 3:00 to 6:30PM with specials including five dollar glasses of house wine, five dollars off all bottles of wine and two dollars of all appetizers among other discounts.

Formerly known as Mirabelle, Bistrot Mirabelle is under new ownership with a new chef, new French-inspired menu and renovated interior. The restaurant takes reservations for parties of two or more. La Provence, the private function room, can host events of various sizes up to 80 people. For more information, visit www.bistrotmirabelle.com or call 512-346-7900 or follow them on Facebook at BistrotMirabelle.

Balsamic Vinegar 101 Class Jan 12th at Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars - Austin, Texas

Thursday, January 12th, at 7PM

Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars

10000 Research Blvd. Ste 130 Austin, Texas

512-342-2344

Join us as we take you through the history, production and tasting of the world's finest aged Balsamic Vinegars! We will also sample on our exquisite 50 year Traditional Balsamic Vinegar at this event. Wine is included. Limited seats available. Credit card required at time of reservation.

Cost: $29.99 pp plus tax.

For more information, click here.

January Dove Dinner at Springdale Farms - Austin, Texas

When dove season begins, many Texans find themselves on a friend of a friend's ranch with a shotgun, a six-pack, and enough jalapenos and bacon to stuff and wrap every dove they can shoot from the sky. As usual, we're going to take it to a higher level.

The Homegrown Revival crew has joined up with Tink Pinkard of Off The Fly suppliers to harvest flocks of this local delicacy for our January dinner. Tink will be joining us for dinner and to talk about this season's dove harvest, as well as the other local wild treats that can be hunted and foraged now and in upcoming months. We're all big fans of Tink, and we know you're going to like him, too.

Chef Sonya Cote won't be serving the usual backyard bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed dove; she'll be applying her well-honed Mediterranean skills so you'll have a chance to enjoy dove in a completely different way. Of course, we'll be enjoying the fresh produce of Springdale Farm, including a taste of the beautiful winter strawberries we saw this year.

 For your further enjoyment, Jason Stevens will be creating drinks that will both whet your appetite and complete your evening.

Join us at Springdale Farm on January 25, 2011. Seats are $90 each, and the dinner is BYOB except for the cocktails served before and after the meal. Cocktails will be served at 7pm and dinner begins at 7:30.

Click here for reservations.

The African Children's Choir Rocks Rainey Street January 19th

The African Children's Choir Rocks Rainey Street!
“Helping Africa’s most vulnerable children today,
 so they can help Africa tomorrow”

AUSTIN CONNECTION: FORMER AUSTIN RESIDENT LOSES HOME IN CENTRAL TEXAS FIRES WHILE IN AFRICA HELPING CHILDREN

Join musical guests Carolyn Wonderland, Guy Forsyth, Patrice Pike and the internationally acclaimed African Children's Choir as they bring down the house in a benefit concert at Lustre Pearl, one of the city's premier hotspots. All ages are welcome.
 
For almost three decades, the Music for Life Institute, the parent organization of African Children's Choir, has educated over 50,000 vulnerable children and has directly impacted over 100,000 people through their relief and development efforts. Now Central Texans are invited to meet the children, listen to some great music and support a phenomenal cause.
 
All proceeds from this event – generously hosted by Lustre Pearl owner Bridget Dunlap – go toward offsetting the African food crisis that has adversely impacted Music for Life schools causing food prices to skyrocket. If the $10,000 goal is shattered, additional funds will pay for gardens and fencing so students can grow their own food. The event includes a silent auction and VIP accommodations.
 
Music For Life programs help children in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Sudan. It was almost three years ago Austin resident Scott Lambie quit his Fortune 500 company job and moved his entire family to Uganda to become part of this prestigious program.
 
“We both found ourselves staring at the ceiling at night wondering if that was really the purpose for our lives,” Scott says of himself and his wife Sarah. “We both felt like we needed to do something more significant with our time and we were always drawn to help needy children.”

After a trip to Africa helping with choir music camps in some of the country’s poorest slums, Lambie, now 39, returned a changed man.
 
“It was clear that this organization was significantly transforming the lives of children from some of the most extreme poverty on earth. After making the decision to move, everything just fell into place,” he recalls.
 
It was a hard sell to their families – on Sarah’s side all the grandchildren are now in Africa – Andrew, 14, Noah, 6 and Cory, 8. The Lambies are in the midst of adopting two more children before they return.
 
But their return date is uncertain. While in Africa, their home was destroyed in the recent Central Texas fires.  “We were considering returning next year, but when our house in Austin burned down, we felt that was a sign that we should stay,” Scott says.

During the Jan. 19 benefit concert, the Austin community has the opportunity to meet some of the children directly benefiting from Music For Life’s work in Uganda where the Lambies now live.
 
Be a part of helping Africa's children today to create the leaders of tomorrow.
 
The African Children’s Choir has been working with the most vulnerable children in Africa, raising awareness of the plight of Africa’s orphaned and abandoned, but also showing the beauty, dignity and potential of each African child.
Many choir children go on to attend university or vocational schools. They go on to become doctors, lawyers and leaders in their home countries. Many have given back to programs that were so instrumental in changing their lives.
 
The Choir has performed on some of the world’s greatest stages including Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, and the White House. They have performed with legendary entertainers like Sir Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Tony Bennett, and Alicia Keyes. They have also performed for several U.S. presidents, Queen Elizabeth II and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela.
 

Details 

WHO: The African Children's Choir Rocks Rainey Street, a Benefit Concert for the African Children's Choir with special guests Guy Forsyth, Carolyn Wonderland and Patrice Pike
WHAT: Benefit Concert, Silent Auction, $1,000 VIP packages available
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2012, doors open 6:30
WHERE: Lustre Pearl, 97 Rainey Street, Austin, TX  78701
COST:  $15/person in advance http://www.AfricanChildrensChoir.com/AustinShow
 $20 at door; for children 12 and under a donation is suggested; $1,000 VIP group packages available
CONTACT:
 Choir volunteers & event producers Lance Ellisor (921-7824) and Clara Herrera (284-1214)
 Corporate VIP packages: Bridget Dunlap, Lustre Pearl bridget@dunlapdistrict.com
 Scott Lambie, Music for Life, Kampala Uganda 256-783-054-103
 Austin resident Julia Tracy, International Choir Operations Director, 201-978-8224, julia@africanchildrenschoir.com

Feeding a Small Army

If you are hosting a party and have a lot of guests or you just do not have the time to cook, keep things very simple and figure out ways to save time.

You can cook a large entree or several small ones and then combine the entree with simple yet tasty sides.

For example, I will cook 2 large chickens using my Weber grill and then put together simple simple dishes. You will find that keeping things simple can be very elegant. I will ofter serve smashed potatoes and green beans almondine with the grill roasted chickens.

As for dessert, try this. Take a pound cake and cube it up. Place the cubes in martini glasses and layer in thawed frozen strawberries with their syrup. Then, add a layer of whipped cream. You have a very elegant strawberry shortcake.

San Gabriel Wine Trail - January 28th, 2012

Saturday, January 28, 2012, from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
715 S. Main St
Georgetown, Texas 78626
512-869-8600

     
San Gabriel Wine Trail consist of Wineries in Williamson & Bell County.  You will get to sample 3 wines from all 4 wineries.  You can choose to drive on your own or purchase tickets to ride the chartered bus.  Each winery will have small snacks.  You will receive a souvenir glass, and a small gift on the trail.  Georgetown Winery is located in downtown Georgetown, Salado Creek Winery and Rising Star Vineyards are located next to each other in Salado and Dancing Bee Winery is located in between Temple and Rogers on Hwy 36.  Tickets will not be available on the day of the trail.  Tickets are limited to 300.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here to visit their website.

Bistrot Mirabelle Now Has Its Full Beverage License

Bistrot Mirabelle

8127 Mesa Drive #A100, Austin, TX 78759
512-346-7900 http://www.bistrotmirabelle.com

We're very happy to have been granted a full beverage license.  Based on that, we will begin serving bloody marys and brunch cocktails this Sunday. Full bar service will begin shortly. We'll keep you in the loop!

Happy hour is served 3-6:30pm, Monday through Saturday.
$5 glasses of house red and white wine

$1 off bottles of beer and glasses of wine

$5 off bottles of wine

$2 off appetizers and salads

$6 for chef clinton's burger

Sustainable Food Center (SFC) announces Andrew Smiley as Deputy Director

Sustainable Food Center is proud to announce that staff member Andrew Smiley has been named the agency's Deputy Director. Andrew has nearly 20 years experience working in sustainable agriculture and food systems, including on-farm production, agricultural marketing, micro-enterprise development, food journalism, farmer training and technical assistance, and even food-service management. Andrew received his B.A. in political science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He is the former Executive Director of Baton Rouge Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance, Inc. (BREADA). Andrew is an active supporter of sustainable food systems throughout Texas and the U.S. both professionally and as a volunteer with the several organizations. He has applied his passion for gardening, sustainable food systems, small-scale farming, and healthy cooking to his work with Sustainable Food Center in Austin, Texas since 2005.

"I am confident in  Andrew's programmatic guidance and look forward to our strategic partnership as  SFC continues to grow and flourish. He is a true leader in the good food  movement - I'm thrilled to have him serve in this new role with our agency,"  stated Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director. Andrew worked with SFC as Farm Direct Projects Director through 2011, which included management of public policy, farm marketing, and food systems education initiatives, including Sprouting Healthy Kids - SFC's farm-to-school project. Andrew is currently the Deputy Director of SFC, providing guidance, oversight and support for the organization's programming and policy advocacy work.

Sustainable Food  Center cultivates a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food.  SFC envisions a food secure community where all children and adults grow, share and prepare healthy, local food. www.sustainablefoodcenter.org

Elvis Birth Brunch at J. Black's Feel Good Lounge - Austin

Sunday, January 8th, from 11AM-4PM

J. Black's Feel Good Lounge

710-B W. 6th St., Austin, TX 78701

In honor of the King of Music's birthday this Sunday...J. BLACK'S will be having an Elvis Birthday Brunch from 11am-4pm! We will have live music from 12-3pm and an Elvis favorite...Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich!

Contact Ellie for reservations of 6 people or more 512.694.5938 or Ellie@Jblacks.com.

New GUSTO Restaurant Opens January 16th

A dynamic, new restaurant offering chef-inspired Italian cuisine and a diverse wine menu, Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, will open the week of January 16th, 2012 at 4800 Burnet Road in the Rosedale neighborhood. The funky, neighborhood Italian eatery will take the space of former restaurant La Sombra Bar & Grill. Both restaurants are locally-owned by Eddie Bernal and Cameron Lockley, who decided to temporarily close La Sombra Bar & Grill as of January 1, 2012 as they search for a different, more intimate location in Austin to re-open the Latin inspired bar and grill at a later date. 

“Weare thankful for all of the wonderful La Sombra Bar & Grill patrons who have supported the restaurant these past couple of years.  It has been an amazing journey exploring and experiencing the diverse, bold flavors of Latin America and we look forward to continuing that journey in the near future,” said managing partner Cameron Lockley. “In the meantime, we believe that our new Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar will prove to be a popular neighborhood eatery that our friends and family in Rosedale and the surrounding areas can embrace and call their own.  After all, we are here for the customers!” 

Bernal and Lockley have teamed up with culinary partner Susie Modiano for planning of the menu. A native of Los Angeles with Italian heritage, Modiano got her start at the La Brea bakery in her hometown before heading to the Big Apple where she worked at Il Buco and then Fressen, eventually becoming the sous chef at the latter.  Back on the West Coast, she continued her career as sous chef in San Francisco at the infamous Zuni Café.  She and husband Chef Jason Tallent recently moved to Austin when he took the chef position at local 34th  Street Cafe.  

In Italian, gusto means to drink, to taste, and to enjoy - and the menu at Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar has been crafted with comfort and flavor at the forefront.  Menu offerings include dishes ranging from house-made antipasta with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella to hand-formed pizzas, salads, pressed paninis, pastas, entrees, and desserts.  Signature dishes will include Crispy Polenta Fries with a roasted tomato dipping sauce and parmiggiano reggiano; the Panzanella Salad with house-made ciabatta croutons and a warm bacon dressing; and The Soprano panini layered with sweet coppa, provolone, and pepperoncinis on pressed ciabatta.  Classic Italian dishes will have their place on the menu as well, including offerings like the Margharita Pizza with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil and Pappardelle Bolognese made with fresh pasta and a family recipe for bolognese.  Prices will range from $4 to $11 for antipastas and appetizers, $5 to $10 for soups and salads, $8 to $9 for paninis, $9 to $12 for pasta, $9 to $14 for pizza, and $12 to $16 for entrees.

Their modeling process, led by local architect and designer Robert F. Smith, will incorporate warm colors including Italian stencil “graffiti” implemented by local artist Federico Archuleta.  A mirrored bar at the center will feature select wines from Italy and around the world priced between $20 and $39 a bottle, beers on tap and by the bottle, and fair-trade Italian roast espresso drinks where the bartender will also spin guests’ favorite vinyl records.

Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar will be open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4 -10 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 -10:30 p.m.  Weekday lunch and weekend brunch will be added in the near future.  Guests can learn more about the restaurant by visiting www.gustoitaliankitchen.com where menus will be posted in the coming days. Gift cards previously purchased at La Sombra Bar & Grill will be honored at Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.

About Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar
Located in the Rosedale neighborhood of north-central Austin, Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar captures the warm, comforting, every-day flavors of Italian cuisine in its casual and diverse menu.  Dishes range from house-made antipasta with roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella to hand-formed pizzas, salads, pressed paninis, pastas, entrees, and desserts.  The funky, inviting design incorporates rich colors with stencil “graffiti” art.   The bar features select wines from Italy and around the world priced between $20 and $39 a bottle, beers on tap and by the bottle, and fair-trade Italian roast espresso drinks.

Located at 4800 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas 78756,the restaurant will be open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4 –10 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 - 10:30 p.m.  Weekday lunch and weekend brunch will be added in the near future.  Guests can learn more about the restaurant by visiting www.gustoitaliankitchen.com.

Dallas County Chardonnay Release - Sunday, 1/8/12 - BBQ & Jazz

Sunday, January 8th, from 1PM-5PM
Inwood Estates Tasting Room at The Vineyard at Florence
100 Via Francesco, 8711 W. FM 487
Florence, TX 76527

~~"Kick Off the New Year!"~~
with
BBQ & Jazz at Inwood Estates   
Plus the Long Awaited Release of the
Dallas County Chardonnay

Enjoy great food, great Wine and great jazz by Cassandra Taylor Jazz Trio (1 - 4 p.m.)

  
Menu
The Flamin' Grill's  Brisket & Elgin Garlic Sausage
Green Olive Potato Salad
Sweet Cream Cole Slaw 
Artisan Breads  
Brownie with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
$14.95

Wine Selections, Gratuity and Sales Tax In addition

Please RSVP by Friday, January 6th!
Call 254-793-3114 or email rmgatlin@inwoodwines.com

Click here to visit their website for more information.

The Dinner Detective Austin - Friday, January 6th

Friday, January 6th at 7:15p
Marriott Hotel
300 E. Fourth St.
Austin, Austin, TX

America's Largest interactive murder mystery dinner show!
You'll enjoy an elegant four-course plated dinner (no buffets here!) while you solve a hilarious murder case.  A tantalizing Prize Package awaits our Top Sleuth of the evening.  Just be careful!  In this show,  everyone  is a suspect, even  You, and the killer could be at your table!

GENERAL ADMISSION
Price includes murder mystery show, with Prize Package for the Top Sleuth of the evening and entertainment after the show; four-course plated dinner with appetizers, salad and rolls, choice of entree, dessert, iced tea and coffee; waitstaff gratuity, sales and service charges.
General Admission includes your choice of Chicken, Fish or Vegetarian entree option.
  
Additional PACKAGES
Customize the mystery!  Our Additional Packages get a member of your party involved as a Prime Suspect in the murder case, as a special surprise for them.  They won't have to learn any lines, but they may have to defend themselves against a murder accusation or two!  Our Additional Packages also include different items to commemorate your Dinner Detective experience. General Admission purchase is required.
Our  Gift Package  includes 2 Dinner Detective  ceramic coffee mugs  and a Dinner Detective t-shirt.
Our  Celebration Package  includes a Dinner Detective t-shirt and a bottle of house wine of your choice.
Our  Romance Package  includes a Dinner Detective t-shirt and a bottle of house champagne.

Click here to make your reservations.

New Year's Day Black-eyed Peas

In order to bring prosperity and luck to your household, it is traditional to eat black-eyed peas. I am not too sure about the prosperity part, but I am certain about the taste.

Give this wonderful recipe a try.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry black-eyed peas
• 2 cups chopped cooked ham
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pinch garlic powder
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes

Directions

1. Place black-eyed peas in 8 quart pot. Add enough water to fill pot 3/4 full.
2. Stir in ham and diced onions, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place tomatoes in a blender or food processor, and blend until the tomatoes are liquefied. Add tomatoes to pot.
4. Bring all ingredients to boil. Cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the peas are tender.