The Take-Out: July 25

This weekend, we're turning up the heat.

1) Eyes on the Pies
As Virginia Wood reported yesterday, Next Food Network Star contestant Rodney Henry will be relocating Dangerously Delicious Pies to Austin in September. But if patience is not your virtue, get an early taste this weekend at one of the Pie Man's semi-regular gigs at Live Oak Barbecue. Henry will be joined by his musically gifted son and a smoked beef tenderloin – although we doubt the latter had much say in the matter.

2) The Wild Brunch
Shawn Cirkiel's chavez is branching out to brunch beginning this Sunday. The chavez team says to expect a brisket carving station, peel and eat shrimp, made to order omelets, and $2 mimosas and champagne aguas frescas. We don't know what exactly a champagne agua fresca is, but we are going to keep ordering them until we break the story. For the sake of journalism.

3) Barrels of Fun
The barrels used to age Twisted X Brewery's new Imperial Black Lager have been through a lot. First they age in Garrison Brothers Texas Straight Bourbon whiskey. Then Dulce Vida's Limited Lone Star Edition Añejo gets a turn before Señor Viejo takes over for a victory lap. After four years of hard work, the barrels probably need a little emotional support. Give Twisted X's Schwarzbier a hug at Saturday's release party at Lamberts Downtown Barbecue. 7-9pm.

3) Heat Index
We've given Austin a year to replenish jalapeño supplies, but the Chronicle's 24th annual Hot Sauce Festival, benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank, will be returning to Fiesta Gardens on Sunday, August 24. Think you can beat the heat? Put on some rubber gloves, chop some habaneros, and click here.

5) Brand New Ballgame
It turns out that Spike, the Round Rock Express' team mascot, is a Chronicle reader. After reading Melanie Haupt's mixed review of the Dell Diamond's expanded dining options, the resourceful dog booked it to our offices with a sampling of the ballpark's in-house grub. We will take a few moments this weekend to vote for him in the Minor League's Mascot Mania contest. We are sure Spike is the best chef of the lot.