Chill Out at Walton's Fancy & Staple with Dolce Neve Gelato Sandwiches & Iced Coffee

Chill Out at Walton’s Fancy & Staple:

West 6th Gem to Serve Handcrafted Dolce Neve Gelato Sandwiches &

Infused Iced Coffee

Chill out this August with iced coffees and ice cream sandwiches at Walton’s Fancy and Staple, the city’s go-to spot for baked goods, catered offerings, and dine-in and take-out meals. Walton’s culinary director Justin “Raif” Raiford is the mastermind behind these cool ideas—what better way to beat the summer heat—which pairs hand-crafted drinks with homemade treats featuring true Italian gelato made locally from the folks at Dolce Neve.

Raif thought of doing ice cream sandwiches after seeing someone receive a box of hot cookies on a 100-degree day. Once he sampled some of the amazing made-from-scratch flavors at Dolce Neve, a tiny gelato spot along S. 1st that opened last winter, the self-proclaimed ice cream lover knew he had the perfect match. It all starts with Walton’s signature cookies, which are made fresh every day with real butter, pure vanilla, fresh and crystallized ginger, and brown sugar (no shortening on this list). Next add the gelato, which is made from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, organic fresh milk from a local dairy, and absolutely no artificial flavorings, preservatives, or thickeners. The freezing technique at Dolce Neve—owned by three native Italians—takes a little longer than an industrial method but the finished product is creamier and simply tastes better.

For the filling for the sandwiches, Raif selected vanilla and goat cheese gelato, which proved to be smart flavor complements to the assortment of cookies that make up the menu: chocolate chunk cookies with vanilla gelato, ginger cookies with goat cheese, peanut butter cookies with goat cheese, and salty oat cookies with either vanilla or goat cheese. Diners can expect several surprise rotating flavors to be mixed in throughout the month, as well. The ice cream sandwiches come in small rounds ($4.50) or giant rounds ($9.50) and will be featured at Walton’s throughout the month of August.

Wash everything down with a specialty iced coffee (or a hot one if you dare) that is bursting with deliciousness because of the infused house-made syrups. “I steep flavoring into simple syrup and let the flavors bloom,” said Raif. He’s been experimenting with ingredients and combinations, including a vanilla syrup that has bourbon and Mexican vanilla, a toasted hazelnut, a salted caramel with sea salt for balance, a raspberry, and a simple coconut syrup that mixes well with a little chocolate syrup. Another creation not to be missed is the Walton’s Toddy, made with frozen ultra purified water and a special roast of Cuvee coffee; prepared with a dripping process that takes anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, this intricate caffeinated beverage will both delight and rejuvenate. Drinks run from $4.50 to $5.50 and will be incorporated into the permanent menu.

A throwback to an old general store but with just enough of a modern touch, Walton’s is the ideal spot to linger over a blue plate special, pick up a gift for a friend, or take home fresh flowers.

Get away from the rising temps, savor the moment, and cool your heels.

Walton’s Fancy & Staple is located at 609 W. Sixth Street, Austin, TX 78701. For hours, catering assistance, and more information, call 512-542-3380 or go to waltonsfancyandstaple.com.

Follow Walton’s Fancy & Staple on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/waltonsfancyandstaple
Twitter: @WaltonsAustin
Instagram: @WaltonsAustin

Follow Dolce Neve on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dolcenevegelato
Twitter: @DolceNeve
Instagram: @DolceNeveGelato

Dock & Roll Diner Releases New Summer Menu, Represents Texas in 2014 Lobster Rumble

Dock & Roll Diner Releases New Summer Menu, 

Represents the Lone Star State in Tasting Table's 2014 Lobster Rumble

At Dock & Roll Diner, the city’s go-to food truck for ultra-fresh seafood, everything starts with the finest ingredients. So when chef-owner Lee Krassner recently began working with a new purveyor, he wanted to build on his already wildly popular offerings and added four new menu items just in time for summer.

The new menu items include the Maine Jonah Crab Roll (Maine Jonah crab leg meat lightly dressed in Dock & Roll’s secret house dressing with Romaine, lemon butter, and chive), the Maine Scallop Roll (seared Maine scallops with scallion and lemon butter), Sea Slaw (Ocean Approved fresh seaweed, shredded greens, red cabbage, and carrot with chive and secret house dressing), and the Lobster Peaux Boy (panko-crusted Maine lobster claws with Mardi-slaw—shredded greens, red cabbage, carrot, and grilled corn—and rémoulade à la New Orleans). “We wanted to showcase the quality of our new products,” said Krassner, who founded Dock & Roll nearly three years ago after working in restaurants in New York and San Francisco, including Todd English’s Olives, Commerce, and Public.

Krassner and his team recently traveled back east to participate in Tasting Table’s 2014 Lobster Rumble in New York. Tasting Table named Dock & Roll Diner one of the country’s best venues for lobster rolls and invited Krassner to compete against the other top picks. The sole entry from Texas, Dock & Roll served its signature dish, the Maine Event, a classic Maine-style lobster roll with Maine lobster claw and knuckle meat served chilled and lightly drizzled with the secret house dressing, lemon, butter, and chive. Krassner also served a variation of the Austin Roll with its award-winning habanero sauce, the Truth. Although Dock & Roll didn’t win, the Austin venture did do a fine job of representing the Lone Star State. “It was a wonderful experience getting to showcase what we do,” said Krassner. “The competition was stiff, but we certainly held our own. We feel we made Austin proud and are looking forward to heading to the West Coast for the LA Lobster Rumble on August 1.”

Not only did Krassner go up against restaurants he remembers frequenting in Maine and New York, including places such as Luke’s Lobster that contributed to the early beginnings of the lobster roll craze, but he also forged a relationship with Ready Seafood, a family-owned lobster wholesaler based in Portland, Maine. “Their product and the quality they take to ensure their customers receive the freshest, best Maine lobster is what really drew us in,” said Krassner. “They took us out on their lobster boat to show us exactly where their product comes from . . . proving they not only talk the talk but walk it too.” Business partner Daniel Dennis, who spends a majority of his time working directly with patrons, is also excited about the partnership with Ready Seafood and is looking forward to getting consumer feedback on the premium lobster and other offerings and meeting new customers.

Dock & Roll Diner features top-of-the-line seafood mixed with a little Texas flair and a lot of Austin weird.

Two permanent trailer locations are at 1503 S. 1st and 1905 S. Capitol of Texas Highway, and a new truck is on the streets and ready for catering and events. Dock & Roll hopes to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant by the end of the year. For hours and more information, go to dockandrolldiner.com.

La Condesa Hosting Sixth Annual Cinco De Mayo Block Party Presented by Univision

UNIVISION PRESENTS THE SIXTH ANNUAL LA CONDESA CINCO DE MAYO DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY

PERFORMANCES BY CELSIUS, VITERA, MARIACHI RELÁMPAGO, DJ CHICKEN GEORGE & CHORIZO FUNK, ESTE VATO, AND MORE

La Condesa is announcing today the Sixth Annual Cinco de Mayo Downtown Block Party on Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., in celebration of the rich heritage and culture of Mexico. The annual downtown festival covers the entire block of West 2nd Street between Guadalupe and San Antonio, and will feature an array of food and beverages provided by La Condesa and other local vendors.

This year's Block Party is again all ages and welcomes guests to participate in a variety of free activities for the whole family: face painting, balloon makers, dancing and live music from Este Vato, Bombasta, Dj Chicken George & Chorizo Funk, Celsius, Vitera, and more. Last year's festival grew to more than 5,000 in attendance, and is expected to continue that growth again this year.

"Last year's event was so spectacular falling on a Sunday, that we decided to do it again," says La Condesa owner Jesse Herman. "We're so proud to steward this community event and can't believe it's been six years already."

La Condesa will be serving their popular Mexican street food including grilled Mexican street corn, a selection of tacos along with their famous margaritas, aqua frescas and beverages from event sponsors Cazadores Tequila, Dos XX, and Tecate.


This neighborhood party is ideal for the whole family, with ample activities to enjoy. Area shops will also participate in the festivities featuring special gifts, novelties, and sweets to go along with the fun. Parking will be available at all downtown garages.

La Condesa
400A West 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499-0300

Foreign & Domestic Announces Indie Chefs Table with Jason Vincent on April 21

On Monday, April 21, Foreign & Domestic will present Indie Chefs Table, featuring Jason Vincent of Nightwood Restaurant in Chicago for a special culinary evening for guests. Created by Chef-Owner of Foreign & Domestic Ned Elliott, Indie Chefs Table events are designed to bring together the country’s top aspiring chefs to cook, collaborate, and inspire.

As an extension of Foreign & Domestic’s highly anticipated Indie Chefs Week, the event will feature monthly showcases highlighting different chefs from some of the best restaurants in the country. Jason Vincent from Nightwood Restaurant in Chicago will kick off the evening with a 45-minute lecture followed by a 7-course dinner, including courses from both Ned Elliott and Jason Vincent.

Tickets are $175 per counter seat (12 available) and $135 per table seat (35 available) including gratuity. Tax will be added via PayPal. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Seating will be limited. To purchase tickets to Indie Chefs Table, visit http://indiechefsweek.com.

“We are really excited to launch Indie Chefs Table and could not be more pleased to have Jason Vincent as the first guest chef to participate in the series,” says Ned Elliott, chef-owner of Foreign & Domestic. “Our hope is that Indie Chefs Table will start a conversation and bring new culinary ideas and inspiration to Austin.”

Indie Chefs Table will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Foreign & Domestic, located at 306 E. 53rd Street, Austin, Texas 78751.

Shawn Cirkiel's chavez to Serve Special Brunch on Easter Sunday

Restaurateur Shawn Cirkiel’s chavez, the city’s newest it spot on Lady Bird Lake, will be serving a special brunch on Easter Sunday, April 20. Cirkiel, one of Austin’s most lauded chefs, has developed an innovative menu that features more than 70 sweet and savory offerings. Housed inside the newly renovated Radisson Hotel, chavez, with its sleek design and floor-to-ceiling windows, is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a leisurely Easter Sunday sipping on mimosas and noshing on modern Southwestern cuisine.

The Easter brunch menu features four different egg dishes, including made-to-order omelets; three salad offerings; homemade waffles, pancakes, and other traditional breakfast fare; meats from a carving station; and Southwestern classics such as empanadas, sopas, and chilaquiles. More than ten homemade treats from pastry chef Steven Cak and thirteen specialty desserts will be showcased as well. A mimosa and an additional brunch cocktail to be named are included in the price, which is $49 per person ($19 for children 12 and under). Easter brunch will be served from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and a similar brunch menu will be offered on Mother’s Day, which is May 11.

The regular breakfast menu features everything from huevos rancheros farm eggs with crispy tostadas ($10) and chicken-fried steak with farm eggs, crispy potatoes, and white gravy ($12) to Texas French toast with pecan butter, orange sugar, and maple syrup ($9) and an egg white omelet with pasilla chili and fruit ($10). Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. (7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends). Cirkiel sources meats, fish, and produce from local purveyors when possible and combines them with the flavors he grew up with to create true Texas fare.

Spend the morning at chavez.

Chavez, located in the Radisson Hotel & Suites at 111 Cesar Chavez, is open for breakfast 6:30 a.m.-11 a.m. (7 a.m.-11 a.m. weekends), lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (limited menu 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.), and dinner 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (5 p.m.-11 p.m. weekends). For more information, call 512-328-3935 or go to chavez-austin.com.

Trattoria Lisina Debuts Italian-Styled Spring Menu

Trattoria Lisina, located in the Texas Hill Country,  just rolled out their spring menu featuring Italian classics prepared with the finest ingredients.

Small, family owned restaurants pepper the Italian countryside, each offering a unique take on the regional cuisine. Recipes unchanged for generations, wine flowing freely- these casual, rustic eateries are filled with energy, alive with the sounds of friends and family- sharing food and becoming more animated as the night and the wine progress. These restaurants truly represent the soul of Italy. A sincere love of family, friends, food and wine are the hallmarks of the trattoria. Damian & Trina Mandola bring these ideals to the Texas Hill Country with Trattoria Lisina. We invite you to join us in Driftwood for a taste of Italy right in your own backyard. Sit back, relax, enjoy.

Items highlighted in yellow are new to the menu.

13308 FM 150 West • Driftwood, TX 78619

512.894.3111

Downtown Jo's Coffee Offering "buy one burger, get one free"

Downtown Jo's Coffee is now offering "buy one burger, get one free", every Mondays from 4:00pm-Close. Nearly all burgers are only $10.00.

Jo's Hot Coffee and Good Food : 242 West Second Street : Austin, Texas 78701 : 512.469.9003

Bess Bistro Hosts Meet & Drink with Brewmaster Bert Van Hecke on April 1

Bess Bistro Hosts Meet & Drink with

Brewmaster Bert Van Hecke:

Guests to Enjoy Pints of Belgian Beer and Seasonal Fare by

Chef de Cuisine Roman Murphy

Bess Bistro, the cozy, underground neighborhood spot on West Sixth Street, will be hosting a unique Meet & Drink with Belgian Brewmaster Bert Van Hecke, founder of Belgian Original Malt (BOM) Bakery and Brewery. The event will feature specialty Belgian beers and a brew-centric four-course menu by Bess Bistro’s Chef de Cuisine Roman Murphy. Guests will imbibe in two pints of beer and nosh on French-Cajun fare, while learning about Van Hecke and his brewing techniques. Bess Bistro will host this special event ($29 per person) on their outdoor Terrace on April 1 at 6:30 pm.

The tasting event will highlight two specialty BOM brews: Triporteur from Heaven, a heavily hopped ale brewed using home-baked malt and Triporteur from Hell, an unfiltered dark beer brewed with hellish burned and roasted BOM malt with notes of chocolate, caramel, coffee and freshly baked bread. Guests will receive one pint of each beer to enjoy, compare, and contrast the flavors of both. Chef Roman Murphy will prepare a sumptuous four-course meal which includes a Beef Tartar Amuse Bouche; followed by Rock Shrimp Mini Po’Boys with remoulade, pickles, and slaw on a sweet roll; and an entrée of Beer Braised Wild Boar Ribs with herb polenta and caramelized onions and mushrooms. Guests will be treated to a decadent dessert of Triporteur Hell Chocolate Stout cake with Triporteur Heaven Caramel and topped with pistachio ice cream.

BOM brewery uses traditional malting methods to create their own beer recipes. They bake the malt at low or high temperatures to make the malt smooth and light or darker and more intense. According to the BOM website, Van Hecke started as a home brewer and learned the tricks of the trade in the breweries of Orbal and Rodenbach. He creates individual recipes for each beer, and goes through the whole brewing process himself, from A to Z.

Seating for this one-of-a-kind beer tasting and pairing on Bess Bistro’s Terrace is limited and guests are asked to reserve their seat by calling 512.477.2377.

Located at 500 W 6th St., Bess Bistro is one of Austin’s most inviting spaces in the heart of West Sixth Street. For more information and hours, call 512.477.2377 or go to bessbistro.com.

Benji's Cantina: Now Serving Lunch Six Days a Week

Benji’s Cantina Opens for Lunch Service Six Days a Week:

Lunch Menu Includes Lighter-Fare Options,

Savory Torta Sandwiches and Signature Fajitas    

Celebrated for its innovative approach to chef inspired Tex-Mex cuisine, as well as its extensive cocktail and spirits offerings, Benji’s Cantina is now open for lunch service, featuring a distinctive lunchtime menu every Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a convenient and lively downtown Austin location. While all items on Benji’s sizable bar and cocktail menu will be available during lunch service, the newly developed lunch menu includes many unique lighter-fare lunch dishes, as well as a few Benji’s standards that have become Austin favorites.

Benji’s lunchtime appetizer, soup and salad selections include the classic Tortilla Soup ($7); Caesar Salad ($8; add chicken, $13; add shrimp, $16), comprised of fresh baby romaine, Vella dry jack cheese, hominy croutons and a smoked chili dressing; the Chopped Salad ($8; add chicken, $13; add shrimp, $16), a vibrant mix of assorted greens, tomato, chickpeas, pepitas, corn, cilantro, avocado and queso fresco served with a toasted cumin vinaigrette; the Chili Rubbed Salmon Salad ($14) served with watercress, baby spinach, roasted corn, pepitas, heirloom cherry tomatoes and a honey chipotle dressing; and the Tomato Crab Salad ($10), sliced heirloom tomatoes served with lump crab meat, avocado and cilantro sprouts in a chili lime vinaigrette.

Benji’s flavorful lunchtime tortas, or sandwiches, include the savory Torta Carnitas ($11), pork carnitas, refried black beans, avocado, tomato, smoked chili mayo and fresh greens served on a bolillo roll; the Torta Oyster ($12), a seductive combo of crispy oysters, mixed greens, jalapeno-basil aioli, cilantro and heirloom cherry tomatoes; the Torta Pollo ($11), chicken tinga, refried black beans, avocado, tomato, smoked chili mayo and fresh greens served on a bolillo roll; and the indulgent Texas Melt ($14), braised short rib, caramelized onions, roasted poblanos and smoked cheddar served with an ancho au jus.

Entrées on the lunchtime menu include Benji’s famous signature fajitas with grilled beef (1/4 pound, $16; 1/2 pound, $22; 1 pound, $40), grilled chicken (1/4 pound, $14; 1/2 pound, $28; 1 pound, $30) or grilled shrimp (1/4 pound, $15; 1/2 pound, $20; 1 pound, $37), as well as the Senorita Fajita Plate ($15) with beef or chicken, all served in a sizzling anafre alongside fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese and sour cream. Benji’s Enchiladas ($14) are stacked with a choice of seasoned tenderloin, pulled chicken, pork or crab and shrimp, and served with a choice of sauces, including rojo, verde, mole or rojo caliente, alongside Rancho Gordo charro beans and Mexican rice. The Pollo entrée ($16) includes a grilled chicken breast, roasted corn, avocado, jalapenos, cilantro and heirloom tomatoes. Benji’s lunchtime menu will also feature a rotating Wood Fired Market Fish daily special ($17).

Benji’s decadent lunchtime desserts ($5) include flan, chocolate mousse and key lime pie.    

Daily lunch will be served in Benji’s downstairs festive bar and lounge, which includes ample seating at community tables that face a bustling West Sixth Street scene, great for people-watching and lunchtime conversation.  

Benji’s Cantina is located at 716 W. Sixth St., in downtown Austin. Benji’s is open for lunch service Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for dinner service from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Benji’s also offers Sunday brunch service from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about Benji’s new lunch service, visit www.BenjisCantina.com.

Second Annual Children's Picnic and Real Food Fair

Second Annual Children’s Picnic and Real Food Fair: A Free Celebration of Farmers, Gardening, Cooking and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign

The second annual Children's Picnic and Real Food Fair will be held March 30, from 1 to 5 p.m., on the grounds of the historic French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos Street. The free event, which celebrates First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Initiative, invites families to pack a picnic, grow a garden, meet farmers and local food vendors, and enjoy cooking demos, music and much more.

“Our Children's Picnic and Real Food Fair is a unique opportunity for the whole family to enjoy connecting to our local food community. The French Legation Museum grounds are a beautiful treasure and we are so happy to have them hosting this event again this year.  Along with all the favorites from last year, we'll have lots of surprises and new activities this year!” said Marla Camp, publisher of Edible Austin magazine and co-organizer of the event.

Some of the exciting 2014 Children’s Picnic activities include:

• Featured speaker 9-year-old BeeSweet Lemonade entrepreneur Mikaila Ulmer
• Funmi & Friends Healthy Eating Children’s Puppet Show
• Craft, movement and music activities from The Thinkery, Austin’s new Children’s Museum
• Painting rainwater collection barrels activity by Whole Foods Market's Garden Grants to Schools program

 Testimonials from last year’s guests:
Just wanted to write to thank you all for putting on one of the best children’s events I've been to while living here in Austin for the past 8 years.
-- Deirdre O’Connor

That was such a lovely community event -- really friendly, knowledgeable vendors; yummy food; good music and such fun to see all the little kids running around and dancing…I hope there will be another soon!
-- Patty Gettelman

The Children's Picnic and Real Food Fair is co-presented by Edible Austin magazine, Toni Tipton-Martin's SANDE Youth Project, the French Legation Museum and Whole Foods Market.

For more details, visit edibleaustin.com/childrenspicnic.

Shawn Cirkiel's chavez Now Open

The wait is over—Shawn Cirkiel’s new restaurant chavez is now open. One of Austin’s most innovative chefs—and the talent behind parkside, the city’s first gastropub—has created yet another it spot. Housed in the recently renovated downtown Radisson Hotel on Lady Bird Lake, chavez is a fusion of Texas, the Southwest, and Mexico mixed in with the vibe of Austin.

For Cirkiel, who was raised in Austin, the venture is a natural fit. “It is all the flavors and food that we like to eat and cook with that we grew up with,” said Cirkiel. “For us, being from Texas, it’s a mixture of chiles, beans, rice, grilled meats, grilled fish, homemade tortillas, and tamales,” he explained. “It goes back to the blending of cultures—and for us, that’s who we are.”

That mixing of cultures provided the foundation for the design of chavez, which overlooks Lady Bird Lake. For more than a year, Cirkiel collaborated with branding guru Jett Butler, the creative director and founder of FÖDA Studio, and architects Michael Hsu and Jay Colombo, of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, on the project. The open and modern space, which features clean lines and floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the view of the lake, is also warm and inviting. A combination of materials—wood, steel, tile, and glass—create a tactile experience.

The attention to detail is evidenced in everything from the creative light fixtures made to evoke the letter “C” to the Texas pecan woods used throughout chavez. The entryway includes a backlit foyer etched with a pattern using the letters from the restaurant’s name—a nod to Cesar Chavez Street, where the restaurant is located; a play on “llavez,” which means “keys” in Spanish; as well as a reference to Cirkiel’s menu. Each letter is stacked in different ways, reminiscent of Mesoamerican culture. Although chavez incorporates multicultural aspects, it is ultimately Austin. “The space is a definition of what it is—the location, the emotion of it,” said Cirkiel.

The menu is built around shareable plates and sides. Cirkiel sources meats, fish, and produce from local purveyors and combines them with the flavors he grew up with to create true Texas fare. Breakfast features everything from local milled griddle cakes with wildflower honey and fresh fruit ($9) to chicken-fried steak with farm eggs, crispy potatoes, and white gravy ($12). Lunch offerings include grilled quail en mole ($11), salmon veracruz ($16), raw bar nibbles such as vegan ceviche with chayote, cauliflower, beet, and orange ($8), and an assortment of tortas such as tofu with black beans and avocado, onion, lettuce, and cheese ($10) and pork carnitas with pickled red onion, avocado, tomato, cilantro aioli, and cotija ($12). Dinner features everything from hamachi with “horchata,” orange, and cascabel ($11) from the raw bar and sides such as lard tamal with peanut mole ($8) to appetizers such as oyster taquitos with avocado crema, slaw, and habenaro ($9) and entrées such as herb crusted mahi mahi with salsa negra ($22). Desserts, such as a corn churro that flirts with tropical fruit ($10) and café con leche ($10), are made in-house by executive pastry director Steven Cak. Cirkiel has put together a talented team, including general manager Justin Jordan, to attend to every detail.

An über-selective wine menu and de rigueur hand-crafted cocktails such as smoked cherry margarita (Milagro Reposado, cherry, habanero, and lime); congress (Tito’s vodka with hibiscus, lemon, and cava); and michelelada (Pearl Snap pilsner with kale Mary mix, lime, and salt) add to the festive ambience.

Cirkiel also provides food service for the hotel, including poolside noshes, room service, banquets, and events. “We get to play with a lot of different things,” said Cirkiel.

Chavez, located in the Radisson Hotel & Suites at 111 Cesar Chavez, is open Sun-Thurs, 6:30am to 10pm, Fri-Sat, 6:30am-11pm, bar open late. For more information, go to chavez-austin.com.

The Radisson Hotel & Suites, owned by Austin real estate company Forestar Group Inc., is located at 111 Cesar Chavez St. in downtown Austin.

Andiamo Says Amore for Valentine's Day

Andiamo Ristorante Spreads the Amore

This Valentine’s Day With Love-Themed Menu:

Four-Course Meal Includes Authentic Italian Dishes Served With Romantic Flair   

North Austin Italian bistro Andiamo Ristorante, known for serving only the most authentic Italian cuisine in the traditional style, is treating diners to a little more amore this Valentine’s Day. On Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, during dinner service from 5 to 10 p.m., Andiamo will serve a special four-course love-themed menu ($65 per person, $80 per person with Italian wine pairing) featuring many dishes from owner Daniela Marcone’s own Italian family recipes.

Andiamo guests will begin this romantic Italian feast with a choice of appetizers, including La Felicità (“Happiness”), a dish of house-made Italian sausage served with house-made picked peppers; Mi Fa Ricordare Di Te (“It Makes Me Think of You”), fresh scallops served with capers and shallots in a balsamic brandy cream sauce; and La Passione (“Passion”), a seasonal house-made roasted red bell pepper soup.

For the second course, Andiamo’s love-themed menu features a choice of salads, including Gli Innamorati (“Lovers”), tender mixed greens with fresh strawberries, toasted almonds and Pecorino Romano in a raspberry vinaigrette; Baci e Abbracci (“Kisses and Hugs”), fresh greens, candied walnuts and gorgonzola cheese in a pomegranate dressing; and Mi Sai Viziare Bene (“You Know How to Spoil Me”), Andiamo’s signature fennel salad.

The meal heats up with a choice of seductive Italian entrées, including Destino (“Destiny”), medallions of beef tenderloin sautéed with aromatic herbs in a cognac veal reduction; Romantica Follia (“Romantic Foolishness”), classic risotto in a creamy porcini mushroom Parmesan sauce; Dal Profondo Del Cuore (“From Deep in the Heart”), roasted prawns stuffed with crab meat and potatoes served in a tarragon lemon sauce; and Amore e Psiche (“Love and Psyche”), house-made squid-ink seafood ravioli and baby scallops in a saffron cream sauce.    

Andiamo’s love-themed meal is completed with a choice of decadent desserts, including Solo Parole d’Amore (“Only Words of Love”), house-made hot chocolate soup with crushed red peppers; Cuori Legati (“Laced Hearts”), a fresh fruit tart; and Ti Vorrò Sempre Bene (“I Will Always Love You”), Andiamo’s luscious house-made tiramisu.

Seating for Andiamo’s Valentine’s Day dinner service is limited, and guests are encouraged to reserve a table by calling (512) 719-3377 or emailing andiamoitaliano@gmail.com.      

Andiamo Ristorante is located at 2521 Rutland Dr., in North Austin, and features only authentic Italian cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients and classic Italian recipes. Andiamo is open for lunch service Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for dinner service Monday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Andiamo also offers private dining for special events. For more information about Andiamo and the special love-themed Valentine’s Day dinner menu, call (512) 719-3377, or visit www.AndiamoItaliano.com.

Haters Club Valentine's Day at Liberty Tavern

‘Haters Club’ Valentine’s Dinner and Drinks Return to Liberty Tavern

Gathering for Cupid Haters Features Heartbreakers Cocktails and $4 Local Craft Beers after 9pm

Liberty Tavern, located in Hilton Austin downtown, knows that misery loves company and is serving up food and drink specials to make February 14th worth loving even without the romance.  Celebrating singledom? Rejoicing with the skeptics of the Hallmark holiday? Whatever the reason, Liberty Tavern is the place to be for Valentine’s specials from 5pm onward.

Bar specials include the nicely priced Heartbreakers Cocktail Menu: the Black Heart, a bubbly concoction of Moscato with a float of Guiness ($5.50), the Red Light, featuring Angel’s Envy bourbon whiskey, raspberry simple syrup, dry vermouth and a splash of soda ($6) and the Stupid Cupid shooter comprised of Angel’s Envy, Malibu rum, cranberry juice and triple sec ($4).  To ensure one doesn’t drown in his/her sorrows, Liberty Tavern will feature a hearty dinner special – a Slow-roasted Double Bone in Pork Chop with smashed potatoes and sauteed broccolini with thyme demi-glaze. Other menu items that may bring back that lovin’ feeling include a fall-off-the-bone Pork Shank, Steamed Mussels in a local hefeweizen broth and the Crab Mac served with lump crab, cavatappi pasta and a five-cheese Parmesan crust.

In addition to the anti-Valentine cocktails, Liberty Tavern has a place in its heart for local beverages such as Tito’s Kick'n Mule and the Texas Sipper on tap along with beers from Austin Beerworks, Circle Brewing, Adelbert's and Hops & Grain.  All local craft brews are $4 from 9pm until close.  All Texas cocktails are $2 off from 9-11pm daily as part of Texas Happy Hour.