Food-o-File

Unfortunately, the off-with-my-head department is an all too regular feature these days. In a recent item about East Side Pies (1401–B Rosewood, 542-9033), I referred to co-owner Michael Freid as a "journeyman baker," referring to the fact that he is well-traveled and has a variety of work experience. It turns out that in many trades journeyman refers to a training level, somewhere above apprentice but below master. For the record, Freid studied at the CIA, trained in Germany and Italy, and achieved master-baker status some time ago. We regret the error... Fans of excellent Thai food are celebrating the opening of the second Madam Mam's (4514 Westgate Blvd., 899-8525) location this week. Sap and Mam invite their friends to visit the new spot, which is bigger than the Drag outlet and also has plenty of parking... Hoover's Cooking Northwest (13376 Research, 335-0300) is now cooking from 11am to 10pm daily, good news for lunch fans... Austinites certainly must have a big appetite for frozen confections, judging by the rapid growth in the number of scoop shops around town. National and regional chains are expanding, but homegrown Amy's still reigns supreme. The newest Amy's outlet is partnered with a nifty retro burger joint called Phil's Icehouse (5620 Burnet, 524-1212). They have a variety of tasty burgers and sandwiches, hand-cut regular and sweet-potato fries, Frito pie, hot dogs, sodas, and Amy's milk shakes. Gelato shops are growing in numbers, too. The newest outlet of the three-store local chain Gelato's (3100 Guadalupe, 323-3202) is located a few blocks north of campus with plenty of parking. They are serving gelato, sorbetto, breakfast pastries and coffee, grilled and toasted panini, and sodas... I was two out of three in my choices for the Top Chef finalists. Lee Anne eliminated herself with the poor execution of her overly ambitious wedding-reception menu and the Napa Valley judge's negative response to her too-busy lamb dish. After the complete cast reunion this week, weepy Dave, whiny Harold, and cutthroat Tiffani move on to Las Vegas and the final.

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Event Menu: May 14–22

Spicewood Vineyards (www.spicewoodvine yards.com) suggests you treat Mom to a luncheon catered by chef Beth Pav of Cooking by Design; $35 for adults, $12 for an alternative children's menu upon request. Make reservations at 830/693-5328; Sunday, May 14, 1pm.

Ace Mart Restaurant Supply hosts its annual customer appreciation celebration at the 9411 N. Lamar location. Festivities include door prizes, giveaways, product demonstrations, and a 10% discount on nonsale items. Open to the public; Wednesday, May 17, and Thursday, May 18, 8:30am-5:30pm.

Alamo Drafthouse Village hosts a five-course Mother's Day feast paired with the charming romantice comedy Moonstruck. Tickets for dinner and the movie are $50. Make necessary reservations online at www.originalalamo.com; Sunday, May 14, 7pm.

The third installation of the Sustainable Shopper's Ball takes place in conjunction with the Sunset Valley Farmers' Market (Highway 290 West between Brodie and Westgate). A special facet of this event is the Tour d'Organics bicycle ride through area organic farms. The local ride will offer three mileage options at three different prices and will begin and end at the market. Healthy organic meals will be available at the farms. For more information and registration, visit www.tourdorganics.com or call 866/258-6179. Saturday, May 20, 9:30am-3:30pm.

Becker Vineyards (www.beckervineyards.com) hosts its annual Lavender Festival, a complimentary event featuring vendors selling lavender plants and products, gardening kits, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and food concessions. Lavender luncheons will be prepared by area chefs from Austin's at Rose Hill Manor (Saturday) and My Own Chef Catering (Sunday). Lunch is $35 plus tax and requires reservations (830/644-2681); Saturday, May 20, 10am-6pm, and Sunday, May 21, noon-6pm.

Area Rotarians have formed the nonprofit Mother Maryam Foundation to raise funds for humanitarian needs in developing nations, such as a medical clinic on the Nile River in the Sudan. Ronald Cheng, owner of Chinatown (Greystone and MoPac) will host a benefit for the new foundation, and the public is invited. Make reservations by contacting foundation Chairman Awad Abdelgadir at 442-6907 or [email protected]; Monday, May 22, 5:30-9pm.