Events – epicuriosities

Wine and Swine 2016

It is time for Wine and Swine once again! Early Bird tix on sale now!!

Squee!!! Two of the sweetest and cutest people in the Austin food scene are John and Kendall Antonelli. They have a fantastic cheese shop in Hyde Park called Antonelli’s. I have been to several of their delicious, entertaining and informative classes which usually sell out. They just announced their first ever beer and cheese bus tour on Saturday, October 15 at 10 AM – 4 PM. It includes stops at Pure Luck and Jester King as well as bubbly and snacks on the bus. Here are the deets with links for tix:

We are so excited to announce our first ever Cheese-y Bus Tour!. John and Kendall Antonelli have long dreamed of a trip combining their favorite things – cheese, beer, goats, cheesemakers, brewers, and …. a designated driver! Lucky for us, both Pure Luck Farm & Dairy and Jester King Brewery are located in our own backyard in Dripping Springs, and we’re jumping on a bus, enjoying some bubbles, and headed to both. Cheese and Beer are a wonderful match, and this day will be dedicated to celebrating the craftsmens‘ way of life. The trip will be 6 hours long and will consist of 5 different experiences. First, we’ll meet at the Cheese House; hitch a ride on a chartered bus that includes a sensory tasting, bubbles tasting (courtesy of Serendipity Wines), and cheese tasting; we’ll visit Pure Luck Farm & Dairy for a farm tour to see the goats and the cheesemaking, as well as eat their cheese; we’ll head to Jester King Brewery for artisanal sandwiches, followed by a cheese and beer pairing, and then a brewery tour; and then we’ll head home with the goal of arriving back at the Cheese House at 4pm. Since we’ll be taking the bus, there are limited seats.

Here is the Itinerary:

10:00am – 10:50am (55 minute bus trip) Leave the Cheese House on a chartered bus. While on the bus, John and Kendall will lead a short sensory evaluation while you, the guest, eases into the day. There will also be some bubbly drinks provided by Serendipity Wines, our co-sponsor of the event. Of course, we’ll provide some cheese-y bites to get the palates warmed up.

10:50am-12:10pm – Pure Luck Farm and Dairy: Amelia and Ben will lead the group on a tour of the farm, introducing us to the ladies that make the amazing milk and allowing us to peer through the windows into the Cheesemake room while we all enjoy the fresh air of the farm. In addition, they will lead us in a sampling of their amazing products.

12:10-12:30pm – (20 minute bus drive) Drive from Pure Luck Farm and Dairy to Jester King. This is a great time to share your favorite cheese stories and reminisce about that time we saw goats and ate amazing cheese at Pure Luck.

12:30-1:00pm -When we arrive to Jester King Brewery, you’ll be given your cheese-y sandwich for lunch and directed to reserved picnic tables under the trees. If guests want to purchase their own beer to enjoy through the afternoon, this is a perfect time to talk with the Jester King associates.

1:00 pm – 1:40 pm – John and Kendall, along with a Jester King luminary, will lead a Cheese and Beer pairing. We’ll be pairing 4 cheeses and 4 Jester King beers and discussing the background of each and the intended flavor combinations in the pairings.

1:40pm-2:00pm – Having had so much cheese and beer, this is your time to relax and digest.

2:00pm-3:00pm – Jeffrey Stuffings, founder of Jester King, will lead our group on a private brewery tour. We certainly need to have a questions ready, so that we can all be enlightened after the experience.

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Say goodbye. Shed a single tear, and board the bus. We’ll depart for the Cheese House at 3pm. (55 minute bus trip)

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A couple RSVP reminders: This event is $105 plus fees. Once you click to purchase tickets, you will only have 5 minutes to complete your order. To pay with a gift card, please contact us at events@antonellischees.com or give us a call at 512-650-4394. Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to other dates. You will receive a confirmation email which you should bring along with you to the event. If you’re unable to purchase one or more tickets, that means they are sold out. Please sign up for our waitlist (once per person); we are often able to accommodate guests off this list. Lastly, remember that you can come into the Cheese Shop anytime and taste cheese for free. Our cheesemongers are here to guide you through the case and answer any questions.

Cochon555 2016

Cochon555 has been one of my favorite foodie blowouts in Austin. They skipped us last year and the closest one was in Houston. I was very sad 🙁

They are back in Austin with not only the grand pig buffet but also 2 fabulous local celebrity chef dinners that have me drooling already. Which one should I go to?? All three if I can. Yay gluttony!

Click on pics below for tickets and details. Hope to see you there.

Two Charity Dinners

On Friday November 18th, at 9:00PM, Host Chefs Paul Qui of Kuneho, Thai Changtong of Thai Kun, Philip Speer of Bonhomie, and James Dumapit of Old Thousand will host a Cochon555 pop-up dubbed ‘A Late Nite Asian Speakeasy.’ Family-style dishes will be paired with Silver Oak wines and prepared by guest chefs celebrating the flavor-forward, spice-driven Asian fare so many industry, chefs, and line cooks indulge in after their restaurants close.

On Saturday, November 19th at 7:00 p.m., Chef Ben Runkle of Salt & Time will host a luxury guest chef dinner we call ‘Chef’s Course.’ Guests will enjoy a refined three-hour culinary experience and a savory climax of Bone-In Tomahawk Steaks, all paired with magnums of Faust Cabernet Sauvignon. Immediately following the meal, guests are invited to attend a concert featuring legendary rapper Kool Keith performing with special guest Mac Mall and friends, upstairs at The Swedish American Hall. Each dinner features a portfolio tasting of sophisticated scotches from Glenfiddich before and during dessert. A portion of each ticket benefits our charity of choice, Piggy Bank. Discover who the guest chefs are by clicking the links below.

Dolce Neve

Dolce Neve is one of my favorite gelato spots in town! I saw this post on Facebook and had to share. I will be casting my vote soon!

Dear all, we are representing Texas and the United States and the most prestigious gelato festival in Italy and we need your help!

September 29 – October 2, we are joining other 39 gelato makers at the Sherbeth Festival in Palermo, Sicily. Sherbeth is THE festival of real artisanal gelato and is the only event not sponsored by companies making pre-made gelato mixes. At the festival, the public and a technical jury will choose their favorite gelato flavor.

We have selected three flavors to bring to the event and we need your help pick a winner! The three flavors are:
– Mascarpone, polenta cake and orange liquor
– Brown butter and pecan crumble
– Mascarpone and cocoa nibs infusion

Until September 16, you can stop by the shop, sample the three flavors and vote for your favorite!

Live Fire 2016

It is that time of year again! Live Fire benefitting the grant program for the Austin Food and Wine Alliance. Tons of great chefs and wine vendors. And Eve Monsees and the Exiles?? They are taking a break from touring with Gary Clark, Jr. to appear for your listening pleasure. I will be checking you in at the front desk as usual. Click here or image above to buy tickets. See you there!!

Bam! Emeril and the Austin Food and Wine Alliance

Always wanted to have drinks and dinner with Emeril? Bam! Now’s your chance! Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse will share his New Orleans’ flare and flavor in Austin benefitting the Austin Food & Wine Alliance on Wednesday, Oct. 7 with his just-released cookbook, Essential Emeril.




Essential Emeril Cocktail Party & Book Signing Hotel Ella, 5 – 7 pm, $35 Enjoy cocktails, appetizers at the festive Hotel Ella with Emeril. Buy the book and get it signed!

Tickets still available for Cocktail party and book signing this Wednesday!!

Cochon 555 Austin 2015

UPDATE Special discount link for VIP and general admission

Cochon 555 was one of my favorite events last year. Tons of pork, drinkypoos and fabulous foodies. Come join the revelry!

CHEFS + RESTAURANTS

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Josh Jones
Salt & Time

Sarah McIntosh
Épicerie Café & Grocery

Andrew Wiseheart
Contigo

Thai Changthong
East Side King Thai-Kun

Quealy Watson
Hot Joy

Daniel Olivella
Barlata

Andrew Curren
Italic

Shane Stiles
Stiles Switch BBQ

Bryan Butler
Salt & Time

AUSTIN BBQ

The Driskill – Official Host Hotel

Sunday, October 18th

COCHON 555 ANNOUNCES HERITAGE BBQ IN SAN FRANCISCO, CHICAGO, WASHINGTON DC, TORONTO, AUSTIN – THE WORLD’S FIRST GLOBAL BBQ EXHIBITION TOUR HITS 5 CITIES

Notable chefs and farmers will spotlight their passion for global BBQ grilling traditions and old world cooking techniques and at a hyper-local five-city culinary tour across North America.

Cochon555’s Heritage BBQ announces the chef lineup at the fourth annual North American tour promoting heritage breed pigs and global grilling cultures. The culinary competition challenges [5] chefs to cook one whole heritage pig from a family farm for a group of 20 notable judges. Chefs have seven days to prepare one whole pig and present a “Judge’s Plate” consisting of 6 dishes scored on utilization, global influences, cooking techniques and overall flavor. The winner in Austin will be crowned the “BBQ King or Queen” and takes homes over $3000 in prizes. In addition to sampling the competitor’s dishes, the all-inclusive ticket includes “BBQ Traditions”, another tasting inside the event where 10 notable chefs prepare one dish from their favorite BBQ culture in non-competitive spirit. If you love global flavors and star-studded culinary events, this educational event is like a top chef classroom including grilling-styles like Hibachi, Korean BBQ, Asador, Braai from Africa, Char Siu, Caja China, Churrasco, Barbacoa, as well as regional American BBQ styles from Texas to Kansas City.

Hosted at The Driskill, this year’s competing chefs include Sarah McIntosh of Épicerie Café & Grocery, Josh Jones of Salt & Time, Andrew Wiseheart of Contigo, Thai Changthong of East Side King Thai-Kun, and Quealy Watson of Hot Joy. Each chef will be given a 180 pound heritage breed pig to create six dishes for a crowd of pork-loving enthusiasts. Non-competing chefs cooking BBQ Traditions include Daniel Olivella of Barlata, Andrew Curren of Italic, Shane Stiles of Stiles Switch BBQ, and Bryan Butler of Salt & Time.

As North America’s only “World’s Fair of Global BBQ”, guests will have the chance to pair spectacular wines, brews, and spirits with globally inspired BBQ dishes. The tour motivates grilling communities worldwide to support responsibly raised animals from local farmers. Participation of chefs, partners, consumers and media help create motivation for the BBQ restaurants to support the hyper-local movement and give us something we can sink our teeth into, honest food from real farmers.

The all-inclusive stand up tasting event features 1,400+ pounds of heritage pig, “pop-up” culinary experiences, premium wines, artisan cheeses, sustainable seafood, hand-crafted spirits, fine cocktails, and a very impressive selection of whiskies, ryes and bourbon. The stunning lineup of sponsors behind this celebration of heritage species include Williams-Sonoma’s local butcher demo, Wilsonart’s “Perfect Manhattan” featuring Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Breckenridge Bourbon, Hirsch and Luxardo and Creekstone Farms. A portion of the proceeds always benefit the local culinary school while building opportunities for local food producers. All tickets include endless drink and tons of food and are limited to only 250 tickets per event.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring Heritage BBQ to Austin again this year and pay tribute to global cultures by consuming local food the way BBQ was intended to be. Today’s BBQ restaurant doesn’t give us a choice to buy local, safe food with our hard-earned money and we’re on a mission to change that by hosting incredible events that honor the greatest social traditions on the planet, cooking over fire. This event returns the BBQ conversation to the original context of local meats, cooked with native spices, over fires and shared with a community. Therefore, the event will tilt the scales back towards creating long-term relationships for family farms and big protein buyers like BBQ restaurants. It’s only a matter of time until people demand better food choices when standing at the counter.” explains Brady Lowe. “We are standing right there with them, promoting honest food and a choice to buy safe food.”

RSVP REQUIRED

Whiskies of the World in Austin 2015

Tickets are still available for Whiskies of the World. Get yours now!

FOR THE LOVE OF WHISKY…
THIS SEPTEMBER WHISKIES OF THE WORLD RETURNS TO AUSTIN FOR
A FOURTH TIME
World-Class Event to Feature Tastings, Educational Seminars & more than
200 Whisky Expressions from Around the Globe

WHO: Whiskies of the World, an IWSC North America event.

WHAT: A whisky tasting event showcasing hundreds of whiskies from around
the world while promoting whisky knowledge and appreciation.

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel Austin
98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, TX 78701

WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2015
6:00-7:00pm Bon Vivant Hour & 7:00-10:00pm General Admission

TICKETS: On Sale Now | General Admission $120
Bon Vivant Hour an additional $85

AUSTIN, TX: Discover The Art of Whisky Thursday, September 17 at the highly acclaimed Whiskies of the World Austin expo, an evening of education and enjoyment of all things whisky. With hundreds of whiskies to taste, whisky masterclasses and food and cigar pairings, this event will satiate the savviest connoisseur. Whiskies of the World Austin will lead whisky lovers on the ultimate journey, showcasing the most unique whiskies while providing them the opportunity to converse with the personalities that comprise the whisky world.

“We are thrilled to bring Whiskies of the World to Austin for a fourth time,” says Douglas Smith, Event Director. “With the city developing into a major destination for food and beverage connoisseurs, it is time for us to expand our Austin expo offerings. This year, in addition to the hundreds of tastings in the main experience, we will debut the Bon Vivant Hour which will feature ten to twelve “VIP” whiskies paired with a delectable food sample. We are eager to add an additional level of tasting, while continuing to serve whisky lovers in the region. ”

The Austin expo is set to showcase hundreds of the world’s finest and most unique whiskies of different styles and origins: Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Canadian, Japanese, Indian, and others. In addition to the diverse golden spirits, sought-after products of American Craft distilleries will be presented as well, to demonstrate the growing popularity of the innovative, local distilled spirits, and craft distilling in general.

Alongside the knowledgeable ambassadors pouring their whiskies, the Expo will feature educational seminars conducted by master distillers, blenders, and brand representatives. These distinguished members of the whisky community will engage guests in the process of appreciation and celebration of fine distilled spirits in an intimate setting, all while sampling whisky expressions. Whiskies of the World is an annual opportunity for Austin attendees to discover just how complex and fascinating whiskies are with their distinct flavors and aromas, as well as with distillation and maturation processes. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.whiskiesoftheworld.com. Follow Whiskies of the World on Facebook andTwitter. #WOWATX

The Whiskies of the World Expo launches in Houston, TX debut on Saturday, September 19 and returns to Atlanta, GA for a third time on Friday, October 23.

About Whiskies of the World LLC: Whiskies of the World LLC, an IWSC Group North America event, began in San Francisco, CA in 1998. Under the direction of whisky enthusiast and event director, Douglas Smith, the event has expanded into Texas and Georgia. The IWSC Group is a global leader of alcoholic beverage events, including the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition. IWSC Group North America was launched in 2015 and currently includes the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Spirits of the Americas, Spirits of Mexico and Whiskies of the World.

Sip and Stroll at Central Market November 6, 2014

GRAB SOME WINE AT CENTRAL MARKET’S FESTIVE “STROLL”

Preview the coming season’s offerings Nov. 6

To get in the holiday spirit, Central Market is hosting a storewide Holiday Stroll. The event serves to highlight Central Market’s holiday items and provides a generous sampling of the foods and beverages CM will be offering this holiday season.

Guests in attendance will receive a stroll bag containing a holiday guide, coupons, store map of the stroll and a unique holiday wine glass. Feast your way through sweets such as the bakery’s honey balsamic blueberry pie and sample wines from all around the world.

WHO: Central Market North Lamar and Central Market Westgate

WHAT: An in-store stroll featuring sampling of new and unique items of the upcoming holiday season. Cost is $10 per person—registration information below.

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Central Market, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756

Central Market, 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78745

Reservations:

For complete information and to register for the stroll, go to http://centralmarket.turnstilesystems.com/ProgramDetail.aspx/CHEERSTOGOODTASTETheCentralMarketHolidayStrollANL1162014

Among the treats to be offered are:

COFFEE/BEVERAGES

Almond pumpkin spiced latte

Cow Cow hot chocolate

Apple cider

SWEETS

Yves Thuries macarons

Sucre marshmallows

GELATO

Pumpkin spice gelato

CHEF PREPARED FOODS

Chef’s selection of roasted turkey

House made pork sausage

Kale dressing

Butternut squash and apple dressing

DELI/CHEESE

DiBruno Bros. handmade cheese spreads

Holiday Brie en croutes

WINE

Domaine des Carteresses Tavel Rose

Bosio Gavi

Numerous wine pairings at food stations

BAKERY

Honey balsamic blueberry pie

Gougeres

Pumpkin spice cookies

PRODUCE

Holiday red grapes—CM’s best of the year!

Clementines

Big Reds and Bubbles

If you are looking for a fancy, dress-up event to kick off the holidays, The Wine and Food Foundation throw a mean party at the Driskill every year. Some of the best restaurants in town provide tasty bites. And you get to sample dozens of the best red wines and champagne in the world. I love sitting on the porch at the Driskill, sipping on a $200 bottle of wine, looking over downtown Austin and contemplating the coming Christmas season. Cheers, ya’ll.

Get Carried Away

12th Annual Big Reds & Bubbles | Thursday, November 6th | The Driskill Hotel | 6:30pm

Big Reds & Bubbles features a dazzling array of some of the world’s finest champagnes, sparkling wines and “big reds.” One of the most popular Foundation events, over a dozen of Austin’s finest chefs participate, pulling out all culinary stops. Set in the historic Driskill hotel ballroom, guests will enjoy an extraordinary evening complete with live music, and an outstanding charitable raffle.

$20 of each ticket sold is tax-deductible and will be donated directly to our 2014 beneficiaries including Austin Food For Life, Sustainable Food Center, The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Viticultural Fruit Lab, and the Texas Sommelier Association. Read more about these beneficiaries.

Tickets are Now Available

Member Ticket: $100

Members- Only VIP Ticket: SOLD OUT

VIP ticket holders can enjoy exclusive wines, bites by Chef Sonya Cote of Eden East and Chef Nicole Patel of Delysia Chocolatier and lush seating throughout the evening in our Big Reds & Bubbles VIP lounge.

General Admission Ticket: $125

2014 Big Reds & Bubbles’ Wine Provided By:

2014 Big Reds & Bubbles’ Restaurants:

Category: Events

Wine and Swine 2016

Antonelli’s Cheesy Bus Tour

Cochon555 2016

Dolce Neve

Live Fire 2016

Bam! Emeril and the Austin Food and Wine Alliance