Food-o-File
What's cooking in the Central Texas food scene.
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., June 1, 2001
Farmer's Markets Save the World
Yep, early summer crops are beginning to show up in local farmer's markets and farm stands. From all reports, this should be a great year for peaches (longer cooling hours, more rain), tomato crops are looking good, and sweet corn is on the horizon. Remember every time you purchase local produce or value-added products made by local growers, you are playing an important part in the cycle of sustainable agriculture. Making a living in agriculture is a dicey proposition in the best of circumstances, and our Central Texas growers need all the support and encouragement they can get. Every purchase made from an area farmer strengthens the local agricultural economy and enhances the biodiversity of our regional environment. Patronize them now during peak season: South Austin Farmer's Market, 2910 S. Congress, every Saturday, 9am-1pm; Austin's Historic Farmer's Market, 6701 Burnet Rd., daily, 8am-6pm; Westlake Farmer's Market, 4100 Westbank Drive, Saturdays, 10am-1pm; Armadillo Farmer's Market, 301 Riverside, Wednesday afternoons, 3-6pm; Lakeway Farmer's Market, 1718 Lohmann's Crossing, Tuesday afternoons, 2:30-6pm; Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons Road, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9am-2pm.
Hot Browns
Many thanks to reader Joan Allen, who brought the mistake in our roundup of Austin's best sandwiches ("The Art of the Sandwich," May 18) to my attention. Kentucky Hot Brown sandwiches are indeed indigenous to Louisville, Ky., rather than St. Louis, Mo., as I misstated. As usual in situations like this, off with my head. After some Web research on Hot Browns piqued her appetite, Allen also requested a suggestion as to where she might find one here in Austin. I have no idea, so readers' tips will be greatly appreciated.
Bocaditos
By now everyone knows HEB will open a Central Market in Houston in a matter of days, but fewer people may know what we received in the trade. A local outlet of the popular Houston chain La Moreliana Carniceria, Fruteria y Taqueria (3600 S. Congress, 851-2909) is the newest addition to the strip of mostly Hispanic businesses between Alpine and Ben White on South Congress. The store is stocked with grocery products from Mexico, a full-service meat market, a produce department, and a taqueria where it's possible to eat in or take out. There is also a section featuring Spanish-language CDs and videos. Bienvenidos a La Moreliana… Both P. F. Chang's (10114 Jollyville, 231-0208; 201 San Jacinto, 457-8300) and its corporate sibling Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (230 E. Second, 457-9367) join the downtown fine dining sweepstakes in the coming week, opening outlets in the general vicinity of the Convention Center. Mother of Pearls Cajun & Creole Restaurant & Bar (9033 Research, 719-4455), still the only place to enjoy dinner and live music in North Austin, has changed its hours of operation. The restaurant will now be open Tuesday-Sunday, 4:30pm-2am, and will serve a $14.95 Sunday brunch from 11am to 2pm with bottomless mimosas, screwdrivers, and Bloody Marys. Mother of Pearls showcases some of Austin's best-loved bands and features what they describe as a "Tex-Cajun" dinner menu. Check www.motherofpearls.com for band and event schedules… Drop into Grape Vine Market (7938 Great Northern Blvd., 323-5900) and congratulate them on their second anniversary!
