Food: StarChefs Rising Stars Revue Coming To Driskill on 2/21

February isn't traditionally a big month for Austin's food scene, but Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert aren't the only thing going this month for Austin's food nerds. In January, the culinary website StarChefs.com announced that their regional "Rising Star Awards" would be making a debut appearance in Austin in 2012 - each year, the site selects four metro areas and interviews and reviews a multitude of restaurants and chefs before making their top picks.

The awards announced showcase a who's who of Austin fine dining, with notables such as David Bull of Congress, Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Ned Elliott of Foreign & Domestic, Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine, Rene Ortiz of La Condesa, Paul Qui of Uchiko, and Contigo's Andrew Wiseheart. They've also included June Rodil of Congress as Best Sommelier, Josh Watkins of The Carillon as Best Hotel Chef, and John Bates and Brandon Martinez of The Noble Pig as Best Artisans. San Antonio winners include Jason Dady, Quealy Watson, and Jeret Peña.

All of this is well and good, but what makes it interesting is the concurrent announcement of an awards ceremony on February 21st featuring dishes from all of the winners. The walk-around, sip-and-stroll event will be hosted by Chef Jonathan Gelman of The Driskill Grill, and will also include cocktail and wine pairings from winning sommelier Rodil and mixologist Peña.

Tickets to the Driskill Hotel event are $85 and are available here. There is also a limited-ticket VIP option for $125 that includes a champagne and caviar reception...just in case all the other restaurants weren't quite fancy enough for you.

Image via DriskillHotel.com.