Food-o-File

The Threadgill's World Headquarters trial run party in mid-October looked like an indoor version of the Armadillo World Headquarters reunion held two summers ago. Armadillo regulars embraced Threadgill's regulars while greeting musicians, local politicians, and restaurateurs. Using priceless AWHQ memorabilia -- murals, posters and photos -- Eddie Wilson has transformed the former cafeteria at 301 Riverside into a shrine to the local music scene that also serves the crowd-pleasing Threadgill's Southern comfort food. Threadgill's World Headquarters is open daily, 11am-10pm; 'til midnight on weekends. Once the drive-thru window opens, there may be no more home cooking (besides at Threadgill's) in near South Austin...

Two local cooks really made the most of trips to New Orleans in September. Hot sauce entrepreneur J.P. Hayes entered some of his Chipotle Del Sol Southwest Seasoning in the Hot & Spicy Food Show at the Morial Convention Center, and came home with a first prize in the Seasonings/Dry Rubs category. The award-winning mix is for sale at Sgt. Pepper's. At the same venue, new Bertram's pastry chef Louise McLoughlin attended the International Pastry Fair to learn pastry, chocolate, and sugar work techniques from the world's top professionals. Louise has created an impressive dessert menu at Bertram's, including an exceptional Banana Coconut Cream Napoleon...

Homebrewers, the deadline is fast approaching to enter the Texas Brewer's Festival Competition. Entry forms, recipes, fees, and samples of your brew must be submitted to Austin Homebrew Supply, 306 E. 53rd, by November 2. Call 476-8427 for rules and info. The Brewer's Festival & Brew Ha Ha will be held November 16-17 at Fourth & Colorado...

The owners of Manuel's are launching their new Micro Gallery with an exhibit of the photographs of renowned movie and music photographer Allen Pappé at a gallery opening party on Thursday, Oct. 24, 5-7pm...

Flipnotics Coffee Space celebrates their Third Anniversary with a party, Oct. 26, 8pm-1am. Look for them to expand their menu soon, adding pastas, soups, and homemade desserts...

A few of the 48 seats remain for the annual Austin Chamber Ensemble Benefit at The Belgian Restaurant, on November 3 (7pm). For $75, chef-owner Jean Louis DeHoux prepares a delectable six-course meal enhanced by live chamber music between courses. For reservations, call Martha McDonald at 345-3399...

Austin's Dia de los Muertos festivities begin this weekend. Las Manitas, La Peña, and ALLGO/Informe-Sida will host a Multimedia Performance Art Feast curated by artist Rene Anguiano on Friday, October 25, 6-9pm at Las Manitas. Altar-building workshops will take place at MEXIC-ARTE Museum on October 26, 11am-2pm and at the Victory Grill on October 27, 2-5pm. On November 1, Dia de los Muertos mass will be celebrated at 7pm, followed by a community procession to the Our Lady Family Center at East Sixth & Chicon, where Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklorico will perform. To order pan de muerto, call La Mexicana Bakery at 443-6369 or Joe's Bakery at 472-0017. Dora Tovar of 30 Mujeres import shop, 1900 E. Cesar Chavez, expects a large shipment of specially made sugar skulls, the only place in town we've found them. Materials such as candles, retablos, calaveras, papel picado, and incense for building ofrendas (altars) can be purchased at the following locations: El Porvenir, 2217 Santa Rita; Tesoros Trading Co., 209 Congress; Cantu's Mexican Imports, 1500
S. First; Green & White, 1207 E. Seventh.