Food

"Chris Bauer moved to Austin from New Orleans to work at the Barton Creek Country Club. He then opened Finn and Porter at the Hilton, worked briefly at Vin Bistro, and since February is Executive Chef at Mizu, which serves prime beef, cuttlefish sashimi, three creme brulees, and a "slow meat omelette" in a new building near Lake Travis on RR 620. I talked with Chris on the deck at Mizu about his menu, Texan wine, and his favorite Austin dinner." more ›

Next Sunday, November 8th, they're toasting the humble fennel, a vitamin C-rich plant that has antioxidant properties and, uh, keeps your colon healthy. Best of all, the meal is free—"in celebration of the flavorful bulb and to thank his loyal family of customers," says Chef Gabriel Pellegrini. more ›

Tonight, Laguna Gloria presents what is arguably one of the most highly-anticipated food and drink events of the year. Now in its 20th turn, La Dolce Vita will host 50 restaurants and 20 vineyards this event for its international tasting party, benefiting Austin Museum of Art. more ›

As the economic slump continues, Austin continues to see casualties in the food and wine business. Having seen the likes of likable upscale concepts like Taste Select, Starlite, and Castle Hill Cafe disappear in the past year, it's not hugely surprising to see the recession hit the retail end of the wine business. Which brings us to Grapevine Market, the one-time king of Austin's wine and beer selection. A store employee confirmed by phone that the Anderson Lane location intends to shutter by December 15, with some in-store discounts beginning as early as next week to close out their inventory. more ›

The third Austin metro-area branch of Sprouts Farmers Market, at 2805 Bee Caves Road in Rollingwood/Westlake, opens this Friday. Like Austin-based Whole Foods and Central Market, the Arizona-based chain of stores differentiates itself by offering natural and organic foods. Its two other existing Austin metro-area locations, in Sunset Valley and Round Rock, opened earlier this year to strong buzz, and another store in the Great Hills area is slated to open next January. more ›

Though it may come as a surprise to many, The Informed Drinker is something of a wino. For as long as she can remember, wine seemed to be the logical complement to any classy affair. Date with husband: wine. Dinner party: wine. Ladies' lunch with Leslie after absolutely exhausting morning shopping for hats and matching thong bikini bottoms: Waiter, your finest vintage, please. However, the longer The Informed Drinker lives in Austin, the more she realizes that things like gin and rum can be classy, too. Tequila needn't be consumed after licking salt off one's wrist. Vodka needn't be inserted into a cherry Jello. In other words, alcohol can be sipped and savored, rather than dashing it away as quickly as possible in frat party-like fashion. Since The Informed Drinker has far less familiarity with spirits than her dear, fermented grape however, she has called in a team of experts to help her study these more serious alcohols. First up: Armando Zapata, tequila expert. more ›

Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon, Austin's best place to play chicken shit bingo, earned the dubious distinction of being listed among Comedy.com's "20 Worst Bars In America" list. Others on the list include The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club in Houston, a dive in Phoenix that "smells like puked up urine," and a laundromat-plus-bar in Chicago. (Thanks Annie) [20 Great Bars to Throw Up In] [Ginny's] more ›

Matthew Odam over at Austin360 offers a tasty tip: the Mighty Cone ended up with a little food leftover from the festival, so they're giving it away today, starting at 11 a.m., at their South Congress trailer. "One free chicken or shrimp cone to every customer," says M.O. "No strings attached." [Austin360] more ›