Not to gush, but Satay Restaurant owner Dr. Foo Swasdee is simply the kind of person from whom our politicians and business leaders could learn a thing or twelve - especially in the selfless and admirable departments. After the 2004 tsunami, she returned to her native Thailand to assist in disaster relief efforts, and after returning to Austin continues to throw her muscle behind Thai Tsunami Orphanage. The Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce and Texas... more ›

With great weather, a social atmosphere, and big crowds, there were many good times to be had at last year's Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival Sunday Fair in Georgetown. Having braved the long drive, we found a huge, beautiful park filled with white tents full of salsa, BBQ, chocolate, tamales, and copious amounts of booze. This is probably one's best chance to experience the gluttony of the THCWFF at a moderate cost,... more ›

The Driskill Hotel's David Bull has made like a tree and leaved his post as Executive Chef. According to the Austin America-Statesman, after concluding his Hill Country Wine and Food Festival obligations, he'll make a circuit of the state, overseeing food and beverages at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, then do the same at Dallas' Stoneleigh Hotel, then come back to roost at the Seaholm Plaza Hotel where he will oversee culinary... more ›

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Local big name Chefs Tyson Cole of Uchi and David Bull of the Driskill Grill will go head-to-head “Iron Chef” style this Saturday during the Healthy Chef Showdown at the Austin Farmers’ Market. Cole, named one of Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs of 2005 and Bull, who tried to kick Bobby Flay's ass on the real Iron chef and lost (but still kicks ass if you ask us), will get all Celebrity... more ›

WEDNESDAY [30] music • Odyssey: The Journey Cover Band with special arena rock/hair metal DJ sets by Car Stereo (Wars) at Whisky Bar (10:30pm-2am, Free, Odyssey at 11:30pm) ® music • Thor, Zolar X, The Ends at Emo's music • X, Rollins Band at Stubb's music • Giant Squid, Lions of Tsavo, Slo-Bula, High Cost of Living at Beerland music • Wax Wednesdays (BYO vinyl) at Ruta Maya (8pm) music • Summer Wardrobe, Vacation... more ›

First things first. Alamo Drafthouse EAT DRINK WATCH MOVIES events pretty much always kick ass, but the bar just may have been raised with the upcoming showing of Stephen Chow’s God of Cookery, loosely based on Japanese wundershow Iron Chef. Alamo South Lamar Exec Chef John Bullington and Alamo Village Exec Chef Trish Eichelberger face off Wednesday, August 30 at 7pm at The Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. The stakes? The title of Alamo Iron... more ›

Elsewhere in the Ist-averse [08.05 in Special] Out the Other's ACL Previews: Son Volt, Willie Nelson, The Long Winters and More [08.05 in ACL] Keep Keith Away From The Trees: Stones Confirm Zilker Details [08.04 in Music] Political Tidbits & Outlawing Cleavage [08.04 in Politics] It's Not What You Think! [08.04 in News] Walker, Hungarian Ranger [08.04 in News] Extremely Rare: Free Concert Worth Attending [08.04 in Music] Project Runway #1 In Our Hearts... more ›

The August + September edition of the Alamo Drafthouse guide has left us punch-drunk. We can't believe they have packed so many unique and fun events into a usually sleepy time of year. The following are some highlights to book early for: - Blanks On A Blank: Yes, Snakes On A Plane is finally out this month, and in what must be a first, the Alamo will be showing winners from a SOAP parody... more ›