ATX FOOD NEWS | Eating our way through Austin, one delicious bite at a time.

In for #SXSW & Falling in Love with ATX? #AFWFest Next!

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Kay Marley-Dilworth

So you’ve come to Austin for #SXSW and you’re already falling in love with our city. What’s a lovelorn tourist to do? Come back, next month. You won’t regret a minute you spend at the Austin Food + Wine Festival. I suggest you go All In, the VIP experience that includes Chef Tim Love’s incredibly popular Hands On Grilling Demo, and evening events. If you’re being a bit more budget conscious, I can guarantee that you will eat and drink every penny’s worth of the Weekender tickets.

Chef Jason Dady always offers up a unique nibble, and fun presentation.

The #AFWFest showcases our excellent local talent, and brings in names every foodie knows, from Andrew Zimmern to Ming Tsai. The beverage industry is also very well represented. The annual Chef’s Showcase, in the Grand Tasting tent, features some of the best Austin and Central Texas chefs, all cooking up delectable bites for you to taste. One of the things I love is that when you walk up to the table, it’s almost always the chef handing you food. My inner fan girl geeks out over the likes of Chefs Sonya Cotê and Ji Peng Chen casually placing a scrumptious offering in my hand.

After forgetting sunblock one year, I had sympathy for this pig.

There are over 40 cooking demos, beer, wine and cocktail tastings, and so very much to enjoy in the Grand Tasting tent. This year I’m looking forward to the Sunday Gospel Brunch with Robert Randolph + the Voices of Greater Calvary Gospel Choir. The Fire Pit always delivers up innovative and tasty dishes, too. Plus, Chef Jack Gilmore cooking from the top of his converted fire truck barbecue pit is a sight to behold.

So go ahead, book your next trip, buy your #AFWFest tickets, and come back to see us. We’ll welcome y’all back with a ‘col beer or glass of wine.

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Categories: Austin, Festival | Tags: #AFWFest, Austin Food & Wine Festival, SXSW | Comments Off

The Rules for #SXSW

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Kay Marley-Dilworth

It’s officially the busy season in Austin, when you can’t throw a stick without hitting someone* from out of town/state/country that is “in for SX.” Just in case you aren’t aware, there are a set of standards for this festival. We call them The Rules for #SXSW. Please abide by these not-so-difficult directives for decorum, and we will welcome you back next year. Be a tool, and we’ll make sure we have on our pointy toed cowboy boots for kicking your ass outta here.

1. Mind your manners. We say “please,” and “thank you,” especially to service industry folks. Do not even think of complaining to a door person about the wait, your need to use the restroom superseding the fire marshal’s occupancy regulations, or the fact that the party requires you to be on a guest list, if in fact you are not on the list.
2. Pick up after yourself. #DontMessWithTexas by throwing your garbage on the ground. Find a trash can and/or recycle bin.
3. Spend your dollars at a locally owned establishment. We have stellar restaurants, coffee shops, bars and brewpubs here in ATX. You can drink Starbucks pretty much anywhere. Try our goods. We haven’t become a mecca for foodies by serving up average products.
4. Don’t get stinkin’ drunk. No one’s festival experience is improved by dealing with a sloppy drunk. Yes, you will find many a free beer or cocktail during SXSW. Be responsible with your imbibing. It’s okay to have fun, but no one wants to hold your hair while you return a breakfast taco to the earth in front of a line of people waiting to get into a venue.
5. Use public transportation. Not only does SXSW have a great shuttle system, but there are taxis, Uber, Lyft and now zTrip to choose from, along with a fleet of very interesting, often entertaining pedicabs. Note: zTrip promises no surge pricing.

*Normally, you can’t throw a stick without hitting a musician. This is the one time where, even with bands in town, the musicians will be the minority.

Categories: SXSW | Tags: SXSW | Comments Off

Fab last minute Valentine’s day gift ideas

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Kay Marley-Dilworth

Photo credit: Josef Stuefer

It happens. Life gets busy, or we’re waiting for payday, or we suddenly find ourselves transitioning from being single to in a relationship, and Valentine’s Day is upon us. Relax, don’t stress, because I have some fabulous last minute gift ideas that your sweetie will adore.

Your cheese lovin’ lover will be delighted to receive tickets to a class at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop. The next class is on February 23rd, and explores French cheese, along with nibbles and Easy Tiger bread. You may BYOB ($4 set up fee) or purchase beer, wine and cider beforehand in the shop. Or, thrill your sweetheart with a Cheese of the Month Club gift membership.

Avoid the crowded restaurant scene by creating a romantic dining experience at home. A candlelit dinner for two is easily attainable, even if you are a failure in the kitchen. Set the scene with subdued lighting, using candlelight instead of bright overhead lights. A quick trip to a thrift store will net you inexpensive wine glasses or water goblets to use as candleholders for the table centerpiece (see number 39 on this list).

For a no fuss dinner, Central Market Dinner For Two is a chef-prepared meal freshly made, and includes heating instructions. The North Lamar location will have Beef Bourguignon with thyme baked potatoes, and green beans with almonds. (Suggested wine pairing is a cabernet sauvignon.) At the Westgate store you’ll find Smoked Salmon Cakes with Remoulade sauce, a romaine salad with corn salsa and Ranch dressing, roasted tomato bisque soup, and French dinner rolls. (Pair this meal with a rosé.) Finish the meal with a bottle of bubbly and Anthony’s Chocolate Mousse Cake, but let that cake come to almost room temperature, for full, decadent flavor. Your date will most certainly be impressed.

Surprise your chocolate lover with artisan chocolate from Delysia Chocolatier. Visit the shop on Saturday from 11am – 7pm, or Sunday from noon – 5pm and choose between truffles, bark, molded chocolate, and drinking chocolate.

Photo Credit: Delysia Chocolatier

I love this whimsical, edible cowboy boot. Does your Valentine have dietary restrictions? Delysia’s Wellness Collection of truffles is Gluten-free, dairy-free, and Vegan.

Want the full service restaurant experience? Open Table has a quick check feature on their site for Valentine’s Day reservations for two. As of this publication time, there are still a few dinner spots open at select Austin restaurants. For early or late seating times, work your meal around one of the showtimes for FETISH: A Valentine’s Ménage à Trois at Marchesa Hall. Your senses will be seduced by the aerial artists, burlesque performers, contortionists and showgirls in an evening of sensual delights as fetish-inspired scenes play out for your viewing pleasure. Ticket prices vary, but we think you should reserve a front row table for two.

Is your true love happier outdoors than in? Austin Kayak has a Valentine’s gift guide tailored to active lifestyles. Two hearts, and tandem kayaks, y’all.