Beer, Art, and Gift Baskets: Eat Local Week Wraps Up

Edible Austin's winter fundraiser, Eat Local Week continues through Saturday. Area restaurants and markets are participating by donating a portion of their proceeds from locally sourced menu items to Urban Roots. There are just a few more days full of Eat Local events to enjoy - we're particularly excited about the Local Brewers Happy Hour on Friday.

Wednesday

Better Bites of Austin, a trade association for local food producers, will be at City Hall today from 4-8pm hosting an Edible Local Holiday Gift Fair. Attendees will have the opportunity to make their own custom gift baskets with delicious goodies from Mary Louise Butters Brownies, Sesa Tea, Sticky Toffee Pudding Company, and more. There will also be opportunities to bid of pre-made gift baskets. Stop by to enjoy live music and free samples.

Treat yourself to a four course dinner at Fino as part of their Chef's Table Series. Bar Manager Bill Norris will be joined by Balcones Distillery founder, Chip Tate, as they offer cocktails, cask samples, and more. The dinner will being with a cocktail reception starting at 6:30pm - reservations can be made by calling 474-2905.

Thursday

Stop by Wally Workman Gallery from 6-8pm to celebrate the opening of their latest exhibit, Feast. The group show includes work by well-known Texas artists reflecting on the theme of feasting - yummy! Bites will be provided by Hosteria Verde, Portabla, and Fete. A portion of art sales, and the $10 suggested donation at the door, will go to Urban Roots.

Friday

The event we've all been waiting for, the Meet Your Local Brewers Happy Hour, takes place at the Whip In from 4-8pm on Friday. A $20 ticket gets you a pint glass and the opportunity to taste a staggering (literally) six beers from the likes of Live Oak, (512), Independence, Real Ale, Shiner, and St. Arnold. Jim Hightower and friends will provide entertainment in the Beer Garden where gourmet foods will be served. Bottoms up!

Saturday

Eat Local Week concludes where it started, at the Downtown Farmers' Market. At 10am, cheer on KXAN's Kate Weidaw and Bryan Beck from KGSR as they duke it out in a Media Celebrity Local Food Cook-off. Judges will include other members of the local media, farmers, and Urban Roots youth.