Take it from a true Texan, one whose culinary world was once bounded by burnt T-bones on one side, and over-the-top Tex-Mex on the other: the food scene in Austin is Light Years beyond what it was when this reporter went to school at the University of Texas.
Evidence? How ‘bout the inaugural Austin FOOD & WINE Festival. It’s set for this coming weekend, April 27 through 29.
Underscoring just how serious the foodie community takes this event is the lustrous line up. Look for the likes of Masaharu Morimoto, Marcus Samuelsson, Andrew Zimmerman, and Tim Love to enlighten your palate.
Here are some highlights:
- Show up early Saturday at the Auditorium Shores grilling area and Time Love will put on a grilling demo for you. Among the niceties of grilling meat just right: choosing the right wood, building the fire and seasoning the steak – all the while quaffing ice-cold white wine. Really.
- Proving it’s not all about cow flesh, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto pulls out his cutting implements and slices into some fish. The result is the sort of sushi and sashimi that’s he’s famous for. Learn how to master the art of sushi with the master himself, starting at 10 a.m. in the Hickory Tent at Auditorium Shores.
- Take on tequila in a serious way when cocktail kings Jim Meehan and Nate Wales show you how tequilas and mescals pair perfectly with just the right kind of salt. Adds a whole dimension to the traditional salted rim. This too is on Saturday, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Auditorium Shore Pecan Tent.
- Do Texas wines have a shot at cracking the big time, transforming form just niche products to major players in the world’s wine trade? Come ask a quartet of wine experts Sunday morning the 29th, at Auditorium Shore Oak Tent. Take a taste of Texas vitaculture and see if it is ready for the major leagues.
Download the app to learn more about the first-ever Austin FOOD & WINE Festival.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Austin FOOD & WINE Festival)
