As a prelude to CNU XVI, Envision Central Texas and the Congress for the New Urbanism are hosting "From Boom to BEST? The Future of Central Texas", a lunch featuring a discussion by Andrés Duany of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, Hank Dittmar of The Prince Charles Foundation for the Built Environment and our own beloved mayor. Topics include fostering walkable development, transit, sustainability in times of booming growth and the impact of mixed-use development... more ›

Drink up! Austinite-by-way-of-Houston Mark Sayre has been named Texas’ Best Sommelier for 2007 by The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas along with The Texas Sommelier Association. A recent hire of the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Sayre received his award last night at the Grand Tasting sponsored by Whole Foods Market at the third annual Texas Sommelier Conference. The winner of the statewide competition (which was limited to 25 candidates) was determined through... more ›

MONDAY [11] film • Patton Oswalt live with "Ratatouille" sneak preview at Alamo Downtown film • Music Monday: "Harry Nilsson's Birthday Party" at Alamo Downtown food • Central Market Cooking School Class: Sushi 101 with Chef Timothy Thomas at Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N Lamar ($70, 6:30-9:30pm) music • Maserati, My Education, Lazar Wolf at Emo's music • Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Cheer Accident, Oh, Beast at Emo's music • Manu Chao at Stubb's... more ›

FRIDAY [30] music • The Skeletons at South Austin Speedshop (7pm) fashion/music • Couture de Amore with fashions by Loves, Mariessa; Stiletto Gold; Sea and Enemies; Amy Kline (Jewelry), and Clap!Clap!, Golden Bear, Haunting Oboe Music, The Valentines at The Parish Room ($10) music • Video/CD release for "The Projeckt" at Latitude 30 music • Bluebonnet Blues Festival, benefitting Historic Main Street Association of Marble Falls, at Marble Falls music • 3rd Annual Global... more ›

THURSDAY [29] theatre •Yellow Tape Construction Company presents I Am Not Tartuffe at play! Theatre (8pm) theatre •The City Theatre Company presents The Boys Next Door at The City Theatre (8pm) theatre •Ohio Trip, a "slide show adventure" by Elizabeth Cobbe at Women & Their Work Gallery (7:30pm) theatre •The Vortex presents Hamlet at The Vortex (8pm) theatre •Hyde Park Theatre presents Zell Miller III's My Child, My Child, My Alien Child at Hyde... more ›

MONDAY [26] film • "The Grand Duel" Spaghetti Western Feast at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown film • "The Cool Ones" at Alamo Drafthouse Downtown food • Merry Edwards Wine Dinner at Hudson's on the Bend, 3500 RM 620 N ($160, 7:30pm) music • Alpha Rev at Waterloo Records (5pm, Free) music • A&D=Rock Night at Beauty Bar... more ›

Every year - from large festivals to more intimate tastings, from foodie seminars to elegant galas - the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival showcases many of austinist's culinary favorites. At locations throughout town, the festival highlights not only local restaurants and culinary talents but local products as well. This year, the festival includes old favorites such as demos and classes by local and national celebrity chefs as well as the ubiquitous Sunday... more ›

Andy Roddick, the world’s sixth-ranked men’s tennis player and part-time Austin resident, was in town last weekend for his Second Annual Andy Roddick Foundation Charity Gala. Founded in 2001, the Andy Roddick Foundation raises money to benefit organizations that aid in the development of at-risk children and families, including those that have been abused, abandoned and neglected. The Foundation’s goal is to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all... more ›

Truecraig had some thoughts on the shot heard round the world in his column. Mr. Hollywood Jason Patric dropped his suit against the ever-aggressive Austin Police Department. Austin ranks as the second-best city outside of Hollywood in which to make a movie. We checked out the Zuraach Collective and took some photos. AM Syndicate, Nina Simone, Talking Heads...take a listen in AV Bits. It was a busy news week in the Kingdom of George.... more ›