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 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% I was four for four for excellent meals this weekend, and I can’t wait to share them all with you! First things first, it is Monday morning so obviously this means you all are counting the seconds until this weekend’s upcoming 3 days of fun in the sun and R&R. I am headed to Florida for a much needed vacation, but whether your weekend is in Austin or maybe you are visiting my favorite coastal getaway, Port Aransas, I have got you covered. More updates to come throughout the week, so if you have any tips, parties, etc send . . . → Read More: Austin Labor Day 2011 Events and Happenings 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 August 11th, 2010% Set on the beautiful fisherman’s wharf overlooking the water Trout Street has one of the nicest views in Port Aransas. We wanted to grab a burger at the Port Aransas Brewery, but with two fishing tournaments in town, there was a line out the door. So onto the next choice, Trout Street. Trout Street is an old standby and there is usually not a wait. The food is fairly average – never amazing, never bad, but if you go, I recommend the Mahi Mahi sandwich or Fried Shrimp. Next time, I will try the burger, but when in Port Aransas, it is pretty difficult to not try and soak up as much fresh fish as possible. 
Mahi Mahi Sandwich Continue reading WEEKEND EDITION: Port Aransas, TX: Trout Street
By Ginny, on August 11th, 2010% The pasta at Shell’s is the absolute stand out, but not necessarily what one would like to dine on pre-beach time. The Shell’s menu is mostly sandwiches, pasta, salads and fresh seafood choices that primarily use either Asian or Italian flavors. Good luck choosing what to order with a blackboard filled with a million dishes that all sound wonderful. The made in house breads are absolutely great, but skip the mango gazpacho – unfortunately it seemed to have a very condensed flavor which sadly doesn’t reflect the generally fresh dishes Shell’s serves. A great spot to enjoy a pre-sun lunch or take out dinner for the house. Go early because it Shell’s gets packed! 
Seaburger – a blackboard special made with locally caught crab, shrimp, and grouper Continue reading WEEKEND EDITION: Port Aransas, TX: Shell’s Pasta & Seafood
| | 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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