Food-o-File
Pamela Boyar is the best, according to the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association; plus, our cup runneth over with events you should consider attending
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., Feb. 3, 2006
Food People in the News
Kudos to Sunset Valley Farmers Market founder/manager Pamela Boyar for the well-deserved honor she received from 400 of her peers recently. Boyar was named Farmers' Market Manager of the Year by the North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association during their annual convention held in Austin earlier this month. Busloads of conventioneers visited Sunset Valley, Boggy Creek Farm, and the Downtown Farmers' Market during their stay... Chef James Holmes has left the Alamo Drafthouse Village and begun serious development of his as-yet-unnamed South Austin bistro to be designed by Michael Hsu. We'll keep you posted on the scheduled fall opening on that project. Meanwhile, the Drafthouse folks have promoted from within and moved South Lamar sous chef Trish Eichelberger into the top spot at the Village... Being named to the Saveur magazine Top 100 for 2005 has been a real boost for Kakawa Whole Bean Chocolates. Owner Tom Pedersen reports he's been invited to do interviews on food radio programs around the country this month and has seen hits increase on his Web site... And speaking of Hsu, we hear his other current restaurant design project is for Sandra Bullock's new eatery.
Event Menu :: Feb. 4-9
Rob and Amy Cartwright, owners of Austin's newest microbrewery, Independence Brewing Co. (3913 Todd Ln. #607; www.independencebrewing.com), invite you to a monthly tour day and beer tasting. The event will also offer chocolate tastings, Mangia's heart-shaped pizzas, and unique gift ides for Valentine's Day. Admission is free. Check the Web site for directions; 1pm, Saturday, Feb. 4.
Austin's first Chocolate Show & Competition (sponsored by Paris Gourmet) at the Texas Culinary Academy (11400 Burnet Rd., 837-2665) will showcase entries created by TCA students, as well as the works of local retailers and artisan chocolatiers: Grapevine Market, Expressions Chocolates, SXUL Chocolates, Quintessential Chocolates, Fat Turkey Chocolates, Wiseman Chocolates, Kakawa Whole Bean Chocolates, Miles of Chocolate, plus chocolate fountains from the Chocolate Cup. The event is open to the public noon-3pm, Saturday, Feb. 4.
Onion Creek Kitchen at Juniper Hills Farm (830/833-0910; www.juniperhillsfarm.com) has added a Farmer's Series to their regular cooking-school schedule. Longtime area farmer Harley Clark will share lessons learned in 30 years of organic farming in the Hill Country, and a light lunch based on produce from the late winter garden will be served. Cost is $45. Call or check the Web site for directions; 2pm, Sunday, Feb. 5.
Vivo Mexican Restaurant (2015 Manor Rd., 482-0300) announces new hours that include Sunday evenings from 5 to 10pm and Mondays from 11am to 10pm. They've designated the first Sunday of every month as Gay and Lesbian Night, with regular live entertainment and a portion of the proceeds benefiting AIDS Services of Austin, Project Transitions, and the Interfaith Care Alliance; 5-10pm, Sunday, Feb. 5.
Gina's Kitchen (917 W. 12th, 236-0705, www.ginaskitchen.com) offers two very different dinner classes for you and your valentine. Try the Thai Cooking class by Jam Sanichat or the Aphrodisiac Foods for Your Sweetie class by Dana Drutz and Bill Chambers. Call or check the Web site for prices and reservations; 7pm, Thursday, Feb. 9; 7pm, Tuesday, Feb. 14.
