By Ginny, on April 10th, 2012%  A projected forecast of near perfect days predicted for the remainder of April means ample opportunity to spend time enjoying Austin’s great outdoors. Thankfully, Austin has plenty of ways to spend time enjoying this perfect spring weather before the summer heat rolls to town. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or outdoorsy in that you like porch drinks, Ginny’s Austin will begin a new April series of posts detailing where to spend your days. Hit the sticks by visiting the Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) for the ‘Art on the Green’ exhibit, ongoing until May 20. The interactive outdoor art installation features a nine hole put-put course with each hole designed by a local artist. The creative holes range from modern to humorous and are as much fun to look at as play. Set on the grounds of the stunning Laguna Gloria, one doesn’t have to be Bubba Watson to enjoy this golfing excursion. The family-friendly course is open Tuesdays from 12-8pm, Wednesdays from 12-4pm, and Thursdays-Sundays 10am-4pm. Green Fees: Non-Members: $8; 12 and under $4
Members $4; 12 and under $2
50% off Twilight Tuesdays 4–8pm BUT WAIT…there’s more to discover! Continue reading April Outdoor Happenings: Art on the Green Exhibit
By Ginny, on March 28th, 2012% California and Washington have long cornered the domestic wine country market, but in recent years, their little neighbor-that-could Oregon has quickly become one of the best kept secrets among insiders. Known for its smaller wineries, most wine makers in Oregon value a more classic approach over modern technologies in creating their wines, resulting in wines that are both unique and approachable. Further, the region is well-known for its commitment to producing sustainable and eco-friendly wines. This reputation makes Oregon wines a natural fit for farm to table style restaurants, especially since most tend to be both food-friendly and affordable. . . . → Read More: Wine + Food: Texas Meets Oregon for Dinner at Travaasa Austin this Thursday By Ginny, on January 18th, 2012% At long last, the highly anticipated line up and ticket prices have been announced for this April’s inaugural Austin Food and Wine Festival. The festival will take place April 27-29 and tickets will be on sale starting January 24 at 12:00 PM sharp. As mentioned here, C3 Presents partnered with Food & Wine and culinary rockstars Tyson Cole, Tim Love, and Jesse Herman last year to launch an annual festival celebrating Austin’s burgeoning culinary scene in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival. Yesterday’s announcement gives more insight to what foodie fanatics . . . → Read More: 2012 Austin Food & Wine Festival Line-Up & Ticket News By Ginny, on November 30th, 2011% Chef Ross Burtwell from nearby Cabernet Grill was on site whipping up delicious food to pair with the wines. Burtwell opened the Cabernet Grill shortly after purchasing the surrounding Cotton Gin Village in 2002. With updated 19th century log cabins nestled in the heart of historic Fredericksburg, the Cotton Gin has become known as an elegantly rustic escape just a short drive away from Austin or San Antonio. 
As the Cabernet Grill’s executive chef, Burtwell has created a casual, elegant restaurant which celebrates Texas food and wine. Cabernet Grill features an all Texas wine list based on Chef Burtwell’s philosophy that committing to sourcing locally should extend beyond just food. Restaurants have generally been resistant to pouring Texas wines because early vintages perhaps didn’t measure up to wines from other regions. Many featured grape blends not conducive to the Texas climate, but winemakers have adapted, resulting in far superior, mature Texas wines. Chef Ross Burtwell and wineries like Pedernales Cellars are committed to disproving the misconception that Texas wines can’t measure up to high quality dishes. Using this experience as an indicator, it is safe to say they are well on the way to accomplishing this goal. The Tasting: The food pairing began on a high note with a curried pheasant, sausage, and apple chowder paired with the 2010 Vionger.  First Course Continue reading Hill Country Travels: Pedernales Cellars + Cabernet Grill Tasting
By Ginny, on November 30th, 2011% Recently I was fortunate enough to take an excursion to Pedernales Cellars for an afternoon filled with remarkable food and wine tastings. The Pedernales Cellars Winery is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country near Stonewall, TX, just east of Fredericksburg. With views overlooking the picturesque Pedernales River Valley, the winery feels miles away from city life despite being located just over an hour from Austin.  Pedernales Cellars Just a sample of the view! Continue reading Hill Country Travels: Pedernales Cellars
By Ginny, on August 29th, 2011% Happy almost Labor Day Weekend everyone! If your plans take you down South to Port Aransas, here are some favorite places to visit while in the coastal city! Snoopy’s While not actually in the city of Port A, Snoopy’s is a great place to stop in either on the way to the beach or headed back. This was one of my favorite places to go growing up, and I am happy to report Snoopy’s is just as loveable today. While this is the type of place you know the fried shrimp are going to be perfect, Snoopy’s menu is not just limited to baskets of greasy goodness. My favorite order is the stir fried shrimp and rice. The daily selection of broiled fish is another favorite. Skip the Creole, but do save room for a post meal treat at neighboring Scoopy’s. Cash only. $-$$. Snoopy’s. 13313 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78418. (361) 949-8815. http://snoopyspier.com/  Hushpuppies @ Snoopy's
[expand title="Pics from Snoopy's"]  Shrimp and Rice @ Snoopy's
 Creole @ Snoopy's...not my fave, go for the fish or shrimp!
 Fresh Fish of the Day @Snoopy's Fried Okra @ Snoopy's [/expand] Venetian Hot Plate Who knew fine Italian could be found at the beach? One of the best restaurants for a dinner on the town is no question Venetian Hot Plate where the flowing red wine and classic Italian menu is a fan favorite to locals and visitors alike. Venetian of course features an abundance of seafood options to choose from, but the best order on the menu takes a bit of planning ahead. The daily lasagna should be preordered ahead of time to ensure availability as quantity is limited and its deliciousness is the worst kept secret in town. The food is rich and red wine is always flowing so maybe share an entrée with a friend because you don’t want a food coma to interfere with a trip to Sharkey’s later. Reservations recommended, shirt and shoes required. $$$. Venetian Hot Plate. 232 Beach Avenue, Port Aransas, Texas 78373 361-749-7617. http://www.venetianhotplate.com/  The House Specialty Lasagna @ Venetian Hot Plate [expand title="Pics of Venetian Hot Plate"]  Caprese Salad @ Venetian Hot Plate  Pasta w/Vodka Sauce @ Venetian Hot Plate Seafood Mixto Appetizer @ Venetian Hot Plate
 Fresh Fish @ Venetian Hot Plate Dessert! @ Venetian Hot Plate [/expand] Continue reading Labor Day Travel Edition: Port Aransas
By Ginny, on May 18th, 2011% I am so excited to share with you all a new food event headed to Austin next spring, the Austin Food & Wine Festival. From BBQ, tacos, trailers and farm to table dining, Austinites have long recognized the talent and innovation of the local food community, and this new festival will help to nationally showcase Austin as a food destination. The weekend’s events will be held throughout the city, much like a SXSW but for food. No word on ticket costs just yet, but whatever the amount, I do not doubt it will be worth every penny. Together with . . . → Read More: The First Annual Austin Food & Wine Festival By Ginny, on April 21st, 2011% I am off to eat my way through the Big Apple for a few days! Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Pending I survive the Ice Cage my brothers are encouraging, I will be back next week. If you see these three, say hi! I will be sure to tell this girl how much Austin misses her and she needs to move back! (Ignore the gloves…they are a joke, I promise!) She will again try and woo me to join her by taking me to BYOB sushi places with huge rolls for $5… . . . → Read More: Off to NYC… | | 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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