By Ginny, on May 17th, 2012%  I recently ventured to Henri’s Cheese and Wine for a little Italian Wine education. Surprisingly, it was my first official visit to the South Lamar shop, but it certainly won’t be the last. Henri’s Cheese and Wine is South Austin’s newest eatery and specialty grocery featuring both lunch and dinner alongside a large selection of retail cheese, wine, and more. Daily dining selections include gourmet sandwiches, small plates, and salads. Gourmet lunch spot by day and wine and beer lounge by night, needless to say, Henri’s is a very welcome addition to the neighborhood.  Henri's Cheese and Wine To be fair, any place specializing in cheese and wine is primed to be an instant classic in my book, but there is much to love about the neighborhood spot. On this particular evening, I joined a few fellow wine lovers for a tasting event with Italian wine expert Pier Mana. Continue reading Henri’s Cheese and Wine
By Ginny, on May 10th, 2012%  Join Central Market for its ongoing Passport to France event happening now until May 22. More details and events listed here. Just in time for summer, Vino Vino will host a special wine event this Saturday, May 12 featuring heat friendly pink wines. During Saturday’s Pink Fest, join Vino Vino in tasting 50 plus pink and Rosé wines. The event runs from 12:00 – 2:00 pm and costs $20 per person. In conjunction with the Mayor’s Fitness Council, 15 area restaurants will team up this Saturday, May 12 for healthy dish showdown. During the Taste of Heath: Austin Chef . . . → Read More: May Foodie Happenings By Ginny, on May 7th, 2012% How would you like to take a Tour de France with no passport, plane fare, or packing required? Beginning Wednesday, May 9, Central Market will send guests on the ultimate culinary excursion through France during a two week celebration of the country’s most delicious offerings. During Central Market’s ‘Passport to France’ event, stroll through the aisles to discover artisanal cheeses, from-scratch breads, and a spectacular selection of French wines. If picking the perfect apéritif or fromage isn’t your cup of tea, there will cheese and wine experts on hand to play guide throughout the event. Each store location will also host special French themed cooking classes to help guests discover their inner Julia Child. For the home chef, visit Central Market’s well-stocked seafood and meat markets for the right ingredients to create the perfect steak frites or bouillabaisse. Work up an appetite by engaging in a traditional game of Pétanque before devouring a freshly made crepe. Better yet, stock up on usually hard to find French pantry staples such as Melfor Vinegars, Nectors de Bourgogne juices, and Paysan Breton Butters for a taste of France all summer long. Bon Appetite indeed. At an event held at the lovely French Legation Museum, I received a taste of some of Central Market’s ‘Passport to France’ offerings. With glasses of (reasonably priced) wine, bites of decadent cheese, and Nutella-filled crepes, it was an excellent preview of what to expect during the special two week event. Central Market’s ‘Passport to France’ event, running from May 9-22, will kick off this Wednesday with a champagne toast at each store location. Central Market North Lamar will host an opening ceremony Viva la France! event from 6-9 p.m. featuring French cuisine, wine, and live music by Rumbullion. Central Market Westgate will raise a champagne glass at 3 p.m. at the store’s Bistro 420 café followed by live music from Datri Bean from 6:30-9 p.m. Full list of events after the jump! Continue reading Central Market Hosts Passport to France Event May 9-22
By Ginny, on May 3rd, 2012%  This Saturday might be the Kentucky Derby, but the only hat you need to concern yourself with is a sombrero because it is Cinco de Mayo! So dust off your best Mexican dress or guayabera because it’s tequila time! Since Cinco de Mayo is the day we join our Southern neighbors in celebration of Mexico’s culture and heritage, there are plenty of festivities taking place around town. La Condesa’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party is always one of the best fiestas, and this year’s 4th Annual Event will be bigger and better than ever. The always free fiesta kicks off at 4pm on Saturday featuring fun for the whole family.
La Condesa will be serving up some of their famous Mexican street corn (featured here), chorizo sandwiches, and more. There will be plenty of cervesas and cocktails courtesy of event sponsors Cazadores Tequila, Dos Equis and Tecate. The event also features a full line-up of live music including: DeeJay Honeycomb Este Vato La Guerrilla Mariachi Tamazula Bombasta Ocote Soul Sounds (DJ Set) Charanga Cakewalk The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta takes place on West 2nd Street between Guadalupe and San Antonio from 4-10pm this Saturday, May 5. Since every party needs an after party, the fiesta will continue at Malverde from 10pm – 2am complete with DJ sets by DJ Chicken George & Ocote Soul Sounds. Full release with parking details after the jump! Continue reading Cinco de Mayo Happenings
By Ginny, on April 30th, 2012% In honor of this weekend’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, today’s featured dish of the day is Mexican Street Corn from La Condesa.  Indulgent and approachable, La Condesa’s version of the much loved classic Mexican street food is pitch perfect. For only $4 a pop, this dish is also budget-friendly bright spot on the Mexican restaurant’s otherwise high-end menu. Each fresh ear of corn is grilled until charred and tender before being painted with mayo. The corn is then rolled in a generous layer of salty queso cojito and dusted with dried chili arbol powder for a kick of spice. Once drenched in lime juice, it is hard to beat. Between the mayo and cheese, this dish is certainly more filling than an average corn on the cob, making it an even bigger bang for the buck. Both messy and addictive, this is one dish I’d skip on a first date or business lunch to avoid an inevitable dining disaster. It is one menu item best enjoyed with friends on La Condesa’s relaxing patio, house specialty cocktail in hand. As for what to drink…. Continue reading Dish of the Day: La Condesa
By Ginny, on April 24th, 2012%  Renowned Pastry Chef Pichet Ong and TRACE Executive Pastry Chef Janina O’Leary are teaming up this Thursday, April 26 to debut a menu of treats to satisfy every sweet tooth craving ever imagined. If a showcase of sinfully delicious sugary treats isn’t enough, The W’s resident mixologist Joyce Garrison will be on hand to create a cocktail pairings for each of the four dessert courses.
The generously priced menu is $25 per person and $40 with drink pairings. The special evening begins at 9:00 PM, which is perfect for attending post Umlauf or Live Fire! More details here. For reservations, please call 512.542.3660. The event takes place this Thursday, April 26 at 9:00 PM at TRACE Restaurant, located at 200 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701. View the mouthwatering menú after the jump! Continue reading Happenings: Special Dessert & Cocktail Tasting at TRACE this Thursday, April 26
By Ginny, on April 24th, 2012% This Thursday, April 26 is a night of many delicious events, and one top pick is the 14th Annual Umlauf Garden Party. Set in the picturesque sculpture garden created by Charles Umlauf, the Garden Party has long been known one of the best events of the spring social season. Each year this exceptional event offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy snacks and sips from some of Austin’s best chefs and artisan purveyors. With favorites such as Swift’s Attic, TRACE, and Paggi House represented, this year is certainly no exception. If you are able to take a breather from tasting . . . → Read More: Happenings: Umlauf Garden Party on Thursday, April 26 By Ginny, on April 13th, 2012% Add a little spice to your work week by joining Tapeña Wines for a not to miss evening celebrating friends, tapas, and wine. Taking place this Thursday, April 19 from 5-7pm at Downtown’s Roaring Fork Restaurant, this fun-filled event will include complimentary tastings of Tapena’s delicious Spanish wine paired with tasty tapas. Along with sips and bites, the evening will include live entertainment, treats, and more! The details: Tapeña Wines: Spend the Night With a Spaniard! Roaring Fork 701 Congress Avenue Thursday, April 19, 2012 5:00pm – 7:00pm Explore savory Spanish culture where the wine is flavorful and the art of conversation . . . → Read More: Wine Happenings: Tapeña Wines Meet Up on Thursday, April 19 | | AboutGinny’s Austin is one girl's take on everything happening around Austin, focusing primarily food, music, and events around town.  |
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