Celebrate the 81st Birthday of THE RITZ with THE JAZZ SINGER!

Join the Alamo Drafthouse in celebrating this momentous event.

The Ritz theatre was one of the first cinemas in Austin to play sound films, and we're celebrating its 81st birthday with the film that started the talkie revolution, THE JAZZ SINGER! Join us Wednesday, November 3rd at The Ritz for this epic celebration! Tickets to this event are $40 and include your ticket, a three-course feast, and a champagne toast! You can get your tickets here!


By the middle 1920s, American Cinema was at a turning point. After decades of experimentation and failure, the technology for sound recording and amplification became a reality, jeopardizing the tradition of the silent film indefinitely. As much as silent film was the norm and the preferred medium for many of the most talented and popular filmmakers of the day, once sound technology was available it was only a matter of time before “talkies” were the dominant form of moving picture entertainment. As these experiments became more and more sophisticated, there needed to be a huge movie to bring talkies into the mainstream, to do what AVATAR did for 3D if you will. That “killer app” was 1927’s THE JAZZ SINGER.

Starring the inimitable Al Jolson, who was for decades known as the “World’s Greatest Entertainer,” this film brought talking movies to the public in a way no film did before it. THE JAZZ SINGER presents the story of a young man who shames his father by performing the disrespectful, wild music known as Jazz. Jolson shines with his renditions of Blue Skies, My Mammy, and Dirty Hands, Dirty Face, and his Toot, Toot, Tootsie is a veritable showstopper, quite possible the greatest single piece of performed music in motion picture history.

During the ‘20s, theatre owners were hesitant to switch to sound because of the great expense associated with wiring speakers into the halls and buying new projection equipment. THE JAZZ SINGER was responsible for more change-overs than any other movie, and it was the first sound film in more theatres than any other too. The Ritz theatre, opened in 1929, was one of the first theatres in Texas to be wired for sound, and we’re proud to bring THE JAZZ SINGER back to the theatre for its 81st birthday, as it was one of the first films ever to be projected in this building.

To accompany this delightful movie, renowned jazz artist Erik Hokkanen and his band will be presenting some music before the festivities, as was the tradition in movie houses of the era. Hokkanen is an expert of traditional jazz and his sound will take you back to the roaring '20s. The screening will also include a multi-course meal and champagne toast as part of the ticket price.

Behold, the menu!
1) Panzanella Salad with red wine vinaigrette
2) Braised Pork Roll with sausage, celery root, and potatoes
3) White Strawberry Mousse Cake
Plus, we'll top night off with a champagne birthday toast to the Ritz!

Get tickets now!

PETITE PECHE & CO. RE-INTRODUCES THE "CLASSIC SALON"

French-themed series of four-course dinners and musical performances in refurbished East Austin church

(AUSTIN, Texas - October 26, 2010) Danika Boyle, proprietor of Petite Peche & Co., the Austin-based boutique culinary travel company and cooking studio, has announced the studio's first "Salon Style" dinner series at Church House Studios, 1161 Nickols Avenue. Inspired by 17th and 18th century French salons, the series will include an evening of dinner and music in the restored church that houses both the recording and cooking studios owned by Danika and her husband, musician and producer, David Boyle.


The Salons will be curated around the culinary extensions and influences of France and begin with the Indochine Period. The first Indochine-themed Salon takes place Saturday, November 20, from 7-10 pm. The evening includes a four-course meal prepared by Danika along with music curated by David along with possible surprise performances. With an impressive list of producing and performing credits with everyone from Alejandro Escovedo, Justin Timberlake, Blondie Chaplin, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bob Schneider, Bebel Gilberto, Charlie Sexton, James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins, Stephen Barber, Tosca Sting Quartet and Gavin DeGraw to locals Dan Dyer and Amy Cook there's no telling who might drop by. "The Church is the creative work studio and home to me, David and our son Charlie, so it's a natural extension to combine our work and life passions and share with others," says Danika. "Of course, there's no better city in which to create these celebrations of great food and music than in Austin," she continued.

The salons are limited to 40 attendees at $70 per person. Guests are encouraged to bring their own wine or alcoholic beverage of choice. To register, visit http://www.petitepecheandco.com/. Upcoming dates include December 11 and January 22.

About Petite Peche and Co.
Petite Peche and Co. is a culinary studio that offers boutique culinary tours in France and Italy as well as cooking classes from a home base in Austin, Texas. Danika Boyle created the company with a desire to share her passion for food and life through travel, cooking and edible adventures. In every destination, she works closely with local experts to provide behind-the-scenes access to the regions' best culinary destinations, events and people, as well as providing the opportunity to connect with the culture through its food, purveyors, and numerous markets. Petite Peche and Co. also offers private cookery classes and market tours in France and Italy for those who want a truly intimate experience.

Restaurant Week in Austin, TX!

Dine your way around Austin’s top restaurants for LESS while supporting the Sustainable Food Center during Austin Restaurant Week. This fall’s event brings over 60 A-list restaurants serving up stellar three-course dinners from $25 to $35 and some offering lunches for $10 to $15. Presented by RISE, Austin Restaurant Week will run from September 19th through the 22nd and September 26th through the 29th.


The original restaurant week, co-founded in 1992 by Tim Zagat of the Zagat guide, started in New York City to accommodate 15,000 reporters covering the Democratic National Convention. Austin Restaurant Week was founded by RARE Magazine and Taylor Perkins, the Executive Director of Austin Restaurant Week, to celebrate Austin’s unique and amazing culinary fare and strengthen the relationships between Austin restaurants and it’s local non-profits. Austin Restaurant Week is an exciting event for everyone in the city, offering budget-conscious foodies the opportunity to dine at lavish restaurants at discounted prices. Charities win by receiving a portion of the proceeds.

The Sustainable Food Center is Austin’s beneficiary, a local organization that builds a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food.

Taylor Perkins, Executive Director of Austin Restaurant Week and Publisher of RARE Magazine, has been a driving force behind Austin Restaurant Week. “The restaurant scene is such a large, vibrant part of Austin. Restaurant week spotlights them, recognizes local chefs, and offers everyone an opportunity to get out and visit some amazing spots in the city.” said Perkins. “Whether you’re re-visiting an old favorite or getting out to sample one of the exciting newcomers there is something for everyone’s palate this fall.”

Austin Restaurant Week has quickly grown into a dazzling bi-annual culinary showcase with beloved favorites and new additions, a cross-section of Austin’s vibrant restaurant scene. Fresh faces on the fall lineup include Uchiko, Chef Tyson Cole’s long anticipated project featuring a pan-Asian menu with composed dish­es and sushi.

Neighborhood picks include the addition of Rosedale’s wildly popular La Sombra Bar & Grill offering a variety of Latin American dishes; and East Austin’s recently opened Zandunga Mexican Bistro.

Austin Restaurant Week past favorites include the historic Paggi House, noted as having one of Austin’s best patios, boasting a stunning view of the downtown skyline paired with an equally enticing menu.

Noteworthy chefs like Shawn Circkiel of downtown’s parkside, crowned one of the “Hot 10 New American Taverns” by Bon Appétit, and Josh Watkins of The Carillon, which recently prompted a four-star rating from the Austin American-Statesman, come back on board with menus that invite and delight every urban diner.

Each restaurant will feature three-course fixed price dinners from $25 to $35 and some will offer three-course lunches for $10 to $15. Select locations will offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as wine pairings. For reservations, a complete list of restaurants and the chance to win gift certificates on Facebook and Twitter, visit www.restaurantweekaustin.com.

About RISE, the Presenting Sponsor:
RISE is a free conference for entrepreneurs of all types, providing a forum where you can connect and exchange ideas that inspire the entrepreneurial spirit. Since its inception, RISE has enjoyed rapid annual growth, fueled by the incredible energy of Austin’s entrepreneurs. In 2009, 1,600 entrepreneurs attended 122 RISE sessions. Venues ranged from Jo’s Coffee and FINO, to the boardrooms of Enspire Learning and GSD&M Idea City, to the classrooms of the Acton School and community spaces like Leadership Austin, Tech Ranch, the Mexican American Cultural Center and Austin’s greenest boardroom at the Lance Armstrong Foundation. RISE serves as a proud symbol of Austin’s collaborative culture and its national reputation for being the entrepreneur’s capital. RISE is a non-profit program of the MPOWER Foundation. It is free and open to the public and is made possible through the generous support of partners and sponsors. http://www.riseaustin.org/

About the Sustainable Food Center:
The 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. From seed to table, SFC creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and to participate in a vibrant local food system. Through organic food gardening, relationships with area farmers, interactive cooking classes and nutrition education, children and adults have increased access to locally grown food and are empowered to improve the long-term health of Central Texans and our environment. http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/

Wendy's Upgrading Its Salads

Wendy's upgrading salads, but it will cost you

I am finding more and more restaurants upgrading their menus to offer healthier choices. I'm glad to see that. However, we all need to remember that eating healthier can be more expensive especially when you eat at a restaurant.

I carry my lunch to work often and enjoy a health sandwich, fresh vegetables and fruit. I control what goes into my lunch and I find it a lot cheaper.

4th of July Austin at Seaholm

Its going to an amazing long weekend of endless fun!! Wanted to reach out and let you know about The Electric Company's first event on the 4th!

TBird and the Breaks! The Bright Light Social Hour! Anthropos Arts! Til We're Blue or Destroy!

The Electric Company is pleased to announce its inaugural event: A 4th of July Celebration that is free to the public which will benefit local nonprofit Anthropos Arts. Set downtown at the Historic Seaholm Power Plant, this will be the most ideal location to view the fireworks while taking in a lineup of some of Austin's most exciting up and coming musicians all while enjoying ice cold beer, libations, BBQ, Tex Mex, and more from some of Austin's favorites. Onsite valet parking is available & the show is all ages and family friendly.

Event Details:
July 4, 2010
The Electric Company presents 4th of July Austin
at the Seaholm Power Plant
Benefiting Anthropos Arts
4pm – 10pm

Featuring the fabulous sounds of:
T Bird and the Breaks
http://www.myspace.com/tbirdandthebreaks

The Bright Light Social Hour
http://www.myspace.com/thebrightlightsocialhour

Anthropos Arts
http://www.anthropos.org

Anthropos Arts is a nonprofit that aims to enhance music education outside the classroom by matching local musicians with students from schools in East Austin.
'Til We're Blue or Destroy

Legendary Tequila Ambhar® Launches in Austin

Tequila Ambhar, a hand crafted, single barrel, small batch tequila, is now available in Austin. Created by Austin-based Santo Spirits, Inc. Ambhar is produced by hand at an artisanal distillery outside of Arandas, Capilla de Guadalupe, Mexico, and imported in Platinum, Reposado, and Añejo bottling. Winner of numerous national and international awards, Ambhar is a return to the art of tequila, offering an authentic experience of one of the world’s oldest distilled spirits.

The name Ambhar was derived from Mexican mythology, and honors the story of a beloved goddess who was recreated on earth as the blue agave. The iconic bottle is reminiscent of a vintage decanter, and is filled by hand, individually labeled and numbered. A dragonfly medallion, a symbol of the storied goddess and rebirth, accompanies each bottle.

The top grade blue agave harvested for Ambhar is sourced in both highland and lowland regions, creating its unique smoothness and flavor characteristics. Unique to the brand, Ambhar’s agave is selected based on sugar content, a higher gradient factor than simply age alone. Its recipe calls for a sugar content in a specific range, which is proprietary to the company. The entire process of creating Ambhar is completed by hand, using careful distillation and artisanal processes to develop Ambhar’s smooth yet distinctive and versatile flavor. Ambhar is often served neat for sipping but also features superbly in cocktails and as a flavorful counterpoint to vodka.

First launched in 2009 in Nevada, Ambhar is now available in Austin and statewide at area retailers and is featured at popular restaurants, bars and clubs. Ambhar has won the following national and international awards and distinctions:

2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

GD USA Package Design (Graphic Design USA)

Ultimate Spirits Challenge

International Spirits Challenge 2010

WSWA Tasting Competition

For more information, please visit http://www.ambhar.com/.

Media Contact: Angela Fulcher
afulcher@strategisbrand.com
512.470.1970

Umiya is Secret Gem in Cedar Park, TX

I was out driving and decided to eat lunch. I thought about having something different. After some thought, I decided to a try a place I kept driving by, but hadn't tried. It was a little Japanese sushi place called Umiya. I decided to try it. After eating there, I wished I had tried it sooner.

I was greeted by the friendly wait staff and seated immediately. The decor is very simple and the restaurant is small. What it lacked in size, it made up for in selection. The menu is quite extensive, but I decided to go with a lunch special. They had a sushi and sashimi combination for $15. So, I tried it. It came with a soup, miso, and a salad with a delicious dressing. The miso soup was excellent and full of tofu and very hearty.

While I was waiting, the sushi chef sent over a sample of one of his creation. It was a very delicious roll. I was very pleased and couldn't wait for my meal. The fish was extremely fresh and the portion size were large. I have seen portion sizes that were just shavings from fish. I was very pleased.

I will be trying a couple of their rolls later. If they keep up the quality, I don't think I will need to drive outside of Cedar Park to get great sushi. Also, the menu includes Korean food. So, I will be going back to try those dishes out.

My only issue is the music. It was a little too loud for me. Aside from that, the prices were very fair for the quality and quantity of fish. The wait staff did an excellent job and took very good care of me.

1540 Cypress Creek
Suite 106
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 257-0888

Kung Fu Buffet in Cedar Park, TX now open

There is a new Chinese buffet, Kung Fu Buffet, in Cedar Park, TX. I haven't tried it out yet, but will probably drop by later this week to check it out and evaluate it.

For those who are interested in going there first, here's the address.

401 E. Whitestone Blvd #C106
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 259-8588

New Book: THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE

A STORY OF ONE WOMAN’S HEARTBREAK, SELF-DISCOVERY, AND LOVE OF BAKING

Filled with Mouth Watering Recipes for Unique Cupcake Creations

ON SALE APRIL 6th

Author Jennifer Ross spent well over a year testing cupcake recipes, interviewing bakery owners and collaborating with a professional baker to create her own confection, debut novel: THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE.

This charming novel tells the story of a young woman’s decision to leave everything she knows behind and start a new and delicious life for herself, after being jilted by her fiancé who was deemed the most eligible bachelor in Dallas. Before long she opens a gorgeous bakery called The Icing on the Cupcake and realizes that finding herself first is much sweeter than finding a man.

Complete with decadent cupcake recipes, THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE is a fun summer read about a young woman experimenting with innovative ingredients—and with a life beyond her wildest dreams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Jennifer Ross is a former Wall Street Journal reporter. She lives in Austin, Texas, where she bakes almost daily for her three children and friends.

AUSTIN ICON SKI SHORES CAFÉ RETURNS APRIL 2

Venerable Austin institution is reopened — and reinvigorated

AUSTIN (March 26, 2010) — A waterfront Austin dining institution is back, and better than ever.

Ski Shores Café, owned by the Fowler family since 1954, announced it will reopen April 2 under new management — serving the same great fare and now much more, in a vastly expanded, open-air facility now approximately double the previous capacity.

New Ski Shores Café amenities — spacious, indoor-outdoor dining and a full bar, table service and a full wait staff, an expansive deck, additional boat slips and even call-in, dockside delivery — abound in the longtime local favorite, which will now open seven days a week and operate year-round.

Long noted for classic American food in a lakeside setting, the café has added new menu offerings to the mix. However, Ski Shores’ loyal following will be pleased to learn that all of the iconic Austin eatery’s longtime, signature menu items remain, including the legendary Border and Scooter burgers, the popular pizzas, catfish sandwiches, famous fries, fried okra, and much more.

Led by Restaurant Freedom co-founders Rick Engel and Mark Turner, the Ski Shores Café management team brings years of entrepreneurial expertise and restaurant industry experience to this local waterfront icon.

“We are delighted to revive and update an Austin institution, keeping the great feel of Ski Shores intact, as a great place for families, boaters and our Lake Austin neighbors,” says Rick Engel, Restaurant Freedom CEO and co-founder. “This has always been a special place, and now it adds faster service and expanded attractions.”

“Ski Shores has always been about spending a day with friends on the water and stopping here — It’s one of the things that ‘makes Austin Austin,’” said Turner. “For fifty-plus years, people have come here to enjoy the unique waterfront setting. There’s something for everyone here and we have painstakingly preserved that legacy, while improving the experience.”

SKI SHORES/2

For more than 50 years, boaters (and jet skiers) have pulled right up to the dock to grab some refreshment and take in the relaxing views at Ski Shores Café, located just a short boat ride west of the 360 bridge (and by car, off 2222 near the end of long and winding City Park Road).

With the new additions and amenities of Ski Shores Café, today a visitor can:
Boat in, “tying down” at one of several new cleated boat slips
Disembark and walk across the expansive deck or hang outside at the new palapa bar
Be seated by wait staff – no more standing in line, or long waits
Order any original Ski Shores menu item, or choose from a variety of all-new menu offerings
Relax and enjoy scenic views, live music several days a week, or catch the game on several flatscreen TVs
Bring a laptop and jump online using the venue’s free wireless wifi
Grab basic boating amenities, such as ice, or sunblock
Order dockside delivery direct to your boat
Bring your dog!

Kids (and parents) can enjoy a gated playscape area, and everyone can go in the game room, or play washers or shuffleboard. Visitors also may order carry out, or if located in designated nearby neighborhoods, may take advantage of in-area, full-menu delivery.

ABOUT SKI SHORES CAFÉ PARTNERS
Local business partners Rick Engel and Mark Turner have reinvigorated the eatery. The pair have a successful, long history of developing, operating, reviving and restoring Austin institutions. Engel and Turner are owners in, and operators of Austin restaurant concepts Little Woodrow’s, Austin Java, Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que and the Austin-area Texadelphia restaurants.

All of these, including Ski Shores, are supported by Restaurant Freedom, which offers a complete array of professional management services — including operations management, strategic marketing (including complete campaigns and social media), accounting, payroll, human resources, IT/POS support and more, for restaurateurs.

Ski Shores Cafe
2905 Pearce Road

Austin, TX 78730

(512) 804-0326
For more information, please visit www.skishoresaustin.com

Getting Ready for the Summer Grilling Season

Although I grill all of the time, I tend to be a little lacks in cleaning my grill during the fall and winter seasons. So, I will be sending my time during the next couple of weeks cleaning and doing some work on my Weber grill.

Part of my cleaning will be to replace any worn or damaged components in order to make sure that my grill is performing perfectly. The last thing you want is a failure during a backyard cookout.

My cleaning and maintaining your grill there is no reason why it can't last you for a long, long time. I spend a lot of time working on and cleaning my grill. It is worth it just to see the smiles and hear the wonderful compliments.

I will be discussing over the next couple of weeks what steps you need to take to clean and maintain your grill.

Holy Cacao Celebrates First Anniversary with FREE Cake Balls

AUSTIN, TX – 3/21/10 – HOLY CACAO has created a Birthday Ball to give away for customers on Sunday, March 21st, 2010 (limit one per person, no purchase required).

The dessert shop, which specializes in several sweet treats, such as Cake Shakes, Frozen Hot Chocolate, S’mores (with marshmallows made from scratch) and a Hot Chocolate that is akin to a European Drinking Chocolate, has become well recognized for its Cake Balls.

A Cake Ball, like a chocolate truffle, is a handmade labor of love. First a cake is baked from scratch. After it cools, it is crumbled and mixed with frosting to bind it together and give it a truffle-like consistency. Finally, it is coated with chocolate. At HOLY CACAO, it is even placed on a Popsicle Stick to make it a bit more fun (and easy to eat).

The Birthday Ball is a traditional yellow cake, mixed with a butter cream frosting. It will be coated in dark chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles. No purchase is necessary on Sunday, March 21st, though the FREE Cake Ball will be limited to one per customer.

HOLY CACAO will also have additional Birthday Balls available for sale. They will sell for $2 each, 3 for $5.00 or a Baker’s Dozen for $20.00, as are HOLY CACAO’s regular six flavors. Check out the full menu and find out more at www.theholycacao.com.

Additionally, HOLY CACAO will be shooting an episode for the Food Network on Sunday, March 28th. Though the air date has yet to be announced, HOLY CACAO is excited that such attention continues to be placed on the Austin food scene and the timing of this shooting along with the One Year Anniversary provides a noteworthy coincidence.

HOLY CACAO will close early Monday, March 22nd to celebrate the anniversary and plan for the upcoming year with its entire kitchen and retail team. Sunday, March 21st HOLY CACAO will be open from 12-8. Monday, March 22nd, the hours will be 12-5.

Orders may be purchased directly at the trailer, phoned into 512-851-CAKE (2253), or emailed to orders@theholycacao.com. As always, with advance notice, delivery is available in town for $5.00. Shipping can be arranged to other cities for the cost of 2 Day UPS shipping and a nominal handling charge.

Contact:
Ellen Kinsey
512-851-CAKE (2253)
Holy Cacao
South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery1311 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
orders@theholycacao.com

FREEB!RDS Does SXSW

Over inundated with SXSW?

Let me tell you about one more clutch scene. FREEB!RDS World Burrito is making SXSW proud, unofficially.

Please take a look at the lineup that’s playing at the FREEB!RDS stage at the St. Vincent de Paul Vintage Boutique & Thrift Store on South Congress. The four-day event will feature some of the best in American roots music produced by the folks at Sin City Social Club. Featured also will be local artisans, thrift store couture, a flamingo petting zoo, cold beer/refreshments and awesome grub from what else, FREEB!RDS!

A suggested $5 donation or the equivalent of a non-perishable canned goods/clothing gets you in the door.WHAT: FREEB!RDS Stage at St. Vincent de Paul Vintage Boutique & Thrift Store
WHEN: Mar 17 – 20th from 5pm – 8pm
WHY: Tis the season for music and burritos
WHERE: St. Vincent de Paul Vintage Boutique & Thrift Store, 1327 S. Congress Ave.Wednesday, 3/17Ruby JamesLynda KayAustin Collins and The RainbirdsThursday, 3/18ShurmanTim EastonThrift Store Cowboys Friday, 3/19Uncle Lucius Dave Insely & The Careless Smokers Leslie & The Badgers Saturday, 3/20The Deep Vibration T Bird & The BreaksOrgone


For more details please go to FREEB!RDS Facebook page at http://fb.me/6tNdzNG or feel free call or email me with any questions.

Hope to see you at the FREEB!RDS stage!

Cheers,

Mary

BBPR South
1600-A Virginia Ave
Austin, TX 78704
c - 501-350-3422
o - 512-382-7295