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 ›

Photo by jetalone on flickrThe third Thursday of November (one week before Big American-Style Thanksgiving) marks Beaujolais Day - setting off a sort of Cannonball Run of wine, with distributors racing to get wildly celebrated bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau, the red wine made exclusively from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France, to market. We were busy drinking some middle-of-the-road Sauvignon Blanc last night or we would have totally reminded you yesterday. According... more ›

The 57th Annual Austin Fine Arts Festival is set to showcase the creative powerhouse of Austin artistry Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15 at Republic Square Park. The festival will shine a light on the work of more than 220 visual artists as well as Grammy award winning musicians. The event will also feature artist demos, local food, and art activities. Tickets are $8, kids 12 and under get in free. Saturday's festivities run... more ›

FRIDAY [16] art • Artist's Reception: Joan Winter: From Marfa to Sudari at Flatbed Press and Gallery (6-8pm) art • Flatstock 12 Poster Convention at Austin Convention Center (11am-6pm) books • Jack Pendarvis preseents The Mysterious Secret of the Valuable Treasure at BookPeople (3:00pm) books • John Sellers presents Perfect From Now On at BookPeople (7:00pm) sxsw • SXSW Film Festival at Everywhere sxsw • SXSW Music Festival at Everywhere theatre • Austin Shakespeare... more ›

FRIDAY [9] art • Grand Opening Party for DRAW, 150 artists strong at Gallery Lombardi (7pm - 10pm) comedy • Todd Barry, Matt Bearden at Emo's Lounge music • Deerhoof, Macromantics, Experimental Dental School at Emo's music • Primordial Undermind at End of an Ear (6pm, Free) music • The Everyday People CD Release Show with The Hero Factor, Live Oak Decline at The Parish Room music • Lucinda Williams, Heartless Bastards at Stubb's... more ›

Searching for a great way to celebrate Bastille Day? Austinist has been tipped to what will certainly be a célébration magnifique. Although not the national holiday it is in France, you can still celebrate Saturday at the Texas Culinary Academy's Bastille Day Celebration. Bastille Day celebrates the storming of the Bastille, a prison and symbol of tyranny, that signaled the beginning of the French Revolution. A holiday for some, and an excuse to party... more ›

Grape Vine Market will be hosting their German & Italian Food & Wine Fest this weekend. It's a great chance to learn more about the wine, beer, and food from these regions, as well as an opportunity to take advantage of some great discounts. The event will begin Saturday at noon and continue all afternoon. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it's a great excuse to swing by and have a free drink, or three. more ›

In this case, seven is a very lucky number: it's the number of years that Grapevine Market has had their doors open on the corner of Anderson and Shoal Creek. If you ask us, it's one of the best specialty food shops in town -- not that we're biased by all of the free samples they offer every time you visit. Opened on May 26th, 1999 by three wine aficionados, Chuck Huffaker, Steve Savina and Bob Thomajan, whose love of great wine, food, spirits and beer was the driving force behind building their dream store, the shop was built around a core philosophy that "gastronomic decadence should be overly available and easily accessible to everyone." more ›

It’s been almost a week since we enjoyed brunch at the home of former Central Market executive chef Roger Mollett and his partner, Greg Murphy, and we have to tell you – Chef Roger looks damn good. Two years ago we were called on to create an apron design for a fundraiser benefiting Chef Roger, who was simply not feeling too hot. Alamo Drafthouse brought the Rolling Roadshow out to the Barr Mansion for a showing of Vatel, and everyone from Texas Culinary Academy students to Grapevine Market to Marta’s Flan came out to share their products and show their support. Mayor WIll Wynn even proclaimed it Chef Roger Mollett Day in Austin, Texas. Still, as a culinary community, we were worried. more ›

* more ›

We don't know what culinary genius came up with the idea for an Austin Chocolate Show and Competition, but we think they might need a big, wet kiss from Austinist. Not only is it an event devoted to chocolate, but it's free! more ›

Those metal shaping genuises down at Ion Art Signs (407 Radam Lane) are having a garage sale this Saturday, August 20th, from 10am to 4pm. more ›