Austin Foodie Bits ~ Food and Wine Events, January 26 Edition

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One of my daughter’s favorite book series is Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
In one of the books the three main characters are diverted to a hotel in Las Vegas in an attempt to keep them from accomplishing a critical task. Before they know it they’ve lost all sense of place and time. In the past when I visited Vegas it was only for a day or two here and there, so I never quite realized how easy it is to get sucked in. However, now that I’ve spent six straight days in Vegas, for business purposes no less, I completely and totally understand how one can be totally consumed.

And that little story my friends is my long-winded excuse for why there was no Foodie Bits last week. I was in Vegas. Working. No, really. I was.

But I digress. This blog isn’t about Vegas, it’s about Austin, and there are plenty of fun food and drink events this week to consume us all.

Friendly reminder: Valentine’s day is just two and a half weeks away. If a fantastic night on the town is your intent, do you have your reservations yet? If not, I’d get those going. Don’t blame me if you end up waiting three hours for an 11:30pm seating because you procrastinated. I’m doing all within my writing power to motivate you to MAKE THAT RESERVATION.

In the Spotlight

One of the most interesting things going on about town was in the spotlight a couple of weeks ago, but it is are worth a mention again. The inaugural Sip and Savor Austin has been going on for about ten days and will continue through the end of the month. This city-wide celebration of food and drink is bringing out the best in special menus, items, and offers from spots all around town. Take a few minutes to review the menus and events then work them into your upcoming dining and shopping plans.

Be Spontaneous – Events in the Next Seven Days

• January 27: Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Dim Sum – Learn how to throw your own dim sum party at this hands-on class. Tackle dumplings, potstickers, buns, spring rolls, and other fun small treats you can make for parties year round. $65/person. Whole Foods Culinary Center. 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Reserve online.
• January 28: Houndstooth Coffee and Antonelli’s Cheese Coffee and Cheese Pairing – Wine and cheese are a common pairing, but who would have thought about pairing wine and coffee? The Antonellis Houndstooth Coffee, that’s who. Enjoy four cheese and four coffees along with a lively chat about these unexpected taste companions. $25. 6:00 pm. E-mail sean@houndstoothcoffee.com to RSVP.
• January 28: Winemaker Dinner Series: Apolloni Vineyards – Oregon’s Willamette Valley is fast becoming the darling of the American wine world, and Apolloni Vineyards cultivates the Pinot Nori, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc varietals for which the region is so well known. Enjoy a selection of wines and paired dishes including braised lamb shank, broccolini with toasted hazelnuts, and carrot and chile gratine while you chat with the winemaker and learn more about the region and its wines. $45/person. Whole Foods Culinary Center. Reserve online.
• January 29: Entertain Like a Gentleman – Sometimes having that special someone to dinner in your home trumps any dinner out on the town, but only if you’re prepared to, well, prepare dinner. In this class you’ll learn all you need to know to make a five course meal that will impress your guest. $50/person. Central Market North Lamar. 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Reserve online.
• January 29: Winter Wonderland Wine Tasting – Take break from the weekend to enjoy tastes of 30 wines paired nibbles in the Underground at MAX’s Wine Dive. The basic tasting is $50/person, or you can sign up free to be a member of the MAX’s Black Door program and enter for $40. For an extra $20 you’ll taste 10 more wines and take home a gift certificate to use the next time you eat at MAX’s in February. 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
• January 29: Cool Mint Café Big Night Fest – Enjoy an evening of dancing, food, and the Italian spirit featuring sausages made and cured in the Cool Mint kitchen along with organic produce from their garden. $35/person. Drinks and dancing at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30. Call 512.396.2665 to reserve.
• January 31: Fonda San Miguel Favorites – Fonda San Miguel is an Austin institution and Chef Miguel Ravago a beloved expert in interior Mexican cuisine. Spend the evening learning about Chef Miguel’s adventures and his creations like ceviche, salpicon, red snapper, and tres leches cake. $50/person. 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Reserve online.

Plan Ahead – Events in the Next Three Weeks

• February 1: Jack Allen’s King Estate Wine Dinner, $65/person; Jack Allen’s Kitchen, 7:00 pm.
• February 2: La Sombra Argentina Dinner and Wine Pairing, $55/$65 members/non-members of the Food and Wine Foundation; 7:00 pm -10:00 pm.
• February 3: Dazed and Confused 512 Beer Dinner, $65/person; Alamo Lake Creek, 7:00 pm.
• February 3: Parkside, An Evening with Shawn Cirkiel, $45/person; Whole Foods Culinary Center, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
• February 4: Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top Pura Vida Tequila Autograph Signing, price varies based on how much tequila you buy; Twin Liquors Hancock, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
• February 5: Valentine’s Cookie Decorating, $60/person; Central Market North Lamar, 10 am – 1:00 pm.
• February 5: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Reception, $40/person; Nest Modern, 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm.
• February 9 – 14: Central Market Chocolate Fest, prices vary by activity; Central Market North Lamar and South Lamar.
• February 11 – 14: Love Is in the Mix Mixology Nights, $55/person; Urban American Grill, reservations available between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
• February 14: Alamo Draft House Valentine’s Day Feasts, $75/person; Alamo Village, Alamo South Lamar, Alamo Lake Creek, Alamo Ritz
• February 19: Beer and Chocolate Class, $35/person; NXNW Brewery.
• February 20: Chef Diablo Does TexMex with Vino, $60/person; Central Market Cooking School, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm.