NO VA's Brunch, Germany's Wine

Counter 3. Five.VII monkeys around, Austin Eastciders expands, and more afternoon bites.

If J.G. Ballard’s High-Rise (and the subsequent Ben Wheatley film adaptation) taught us anything, it’s that not going out to brunch can have disastrous results in packed urban environments. Dystopia is serious business, which surely is what motivated NO VA Kitchen + Bar to add brunch service on Sunday between 10:30am-3pm. Ward off the basest instincts of humanity with braised pork cheeks with poached eggs, a brunch burger, and plenty of mimosas starting July 3.

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We know you like hemming and hawing on things, but, trust us, if you don’t sign up for Antonelli’s Cheese Shop’s summer camp series, you are going to have serious FOMO. Starting Sunday July 24, food artisans from Kiskadee Chocolates, Sheena’s Pickles, SoCo Homebrew, Miche Bread, and Two Hives Honey will teach you all sorts of awesome things. Sign up here.

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American hippies had their Summer of Love. British ravers had their Second Summer of Love. You and I, my friend, have our Summer of Riesling. The Wines of Germany promotion – encouraging restaurants and wine shops to serve at least two by-the-glass offerings – began Monday and will continue through the end of August. Jeffrey’s, Josephine House, Lake Travis Wine Trader, Lenoir, parkside, Perla’s, the Red Room, Sway, TRIO, and Whip In are all participating. Some on that list will be hosting special events, so stay tuned.

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Austin Eastciders is opening a new production facility in Southeast Austin that will allow them to increase production of their ciders to 140,000 barrels a year. That means more of the pineapple variety you have seen on everyone’s Instagram feed the last few weeks.

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Tickets are now open for wine dinner with Counter 3. Five. VII and Infinite Monkey Theorem on Tue., July 12 (two seatings, 6pm and 8pm). Beverage director Jason Huerta will highlight the 2014 Bubbles Universe and the 2014 Cabernet Franc. The menu has not been released yet, but we are betting that Cheeto foam will not be used in any way. Reserve your seat here.