Food-o-File

Big changes are taking place at two of Austin's five professional culinary programs this month. The Culinary Academy of Austin (6020-B Dillard, 451-5743, www.culinaryacademyofaustin.com) has been purchased by the Triumph Higher Education Group, which is affiliated with the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and Museum in France as well as descendants of the renowned French chef. Triumph will continue to operate the school as CAA while the facilities are updated and expended, and then the program will become the first American campus of the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts this fall. The Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts (476-2276, www.naturalepicurean.com), Austin's only vegetarian/vegan cooking program, has been purchased by the owners of Yoga Yoga. While some community classes will continue to be offered at the school's original space at Casa de Luz (1701 Toomey), the professional program celebrates the grand opening of new facilities at 1700 S. Lamar on Saturday, June 26, from 11am to 1pm. Festivities will include cooking demonstrations, food tastings, live music, and door prizes. While you're there, ask for information about the scholarships available for the term beginning in August... Kudos to Wheatsville Co-op (3101 Guadalupe, 478-2667, www.wheatsville.com) for being awarded the 2010 Howard Bowers Fund Cooperative Excellence Retailer of the Year Award for its outstanding service to its co-op members and the community of Austin. Be sure to congratulate them when you stop in to buy some of the summer sweet corn from J&B Farms near Hondo... Tuesdays are good days for bargains in the Warehouse District. Maria Maria (415 Colorado, 687-6800, www.mariamariarestaurants.com) presents Taco Tuesdays with plates of six beef or chicken tinga tacos for $6 along with $3 draft beers or $10 buckets of six Coronitas from 4pm until closing. Down the street at Imperia (310 Colorado, 472-6770, www.imperiaaustin.com), Tuesday is Sake Flight Night, with nine premium sakes in three flights of three. While you're in the neighborhood, check out the newest dining spot, M Two (208 W. Fourth, 478-7222) where Matt Clouser (formerly of Uchi) and Mark Strouhal (formerly of Kenichi) are on the range Tuesdays through Saturdays from 5:30pm to midnight in the space once occupied by Saba Blue Water Cafe... Melbourne, Australia, cupcake baker Jess Pryles is back in Austin this week doing another guest shot at Sugar Mama's Bakeshop (1905 S. First, 448-3727, www.sugarmamasbakeshop.com). She'll be behind the counter through Saturday, June 26, if you'd like to drop in for cupcakes and a chat... Considering pork ribs for the Fourth of July menu? Kocurek Family Artisanal Charcuterie has a limited supply of Richardson Farms pork ribs available for the holiday. Reserve your ribs at 291-4461 or [email protected] and pick them up at the farmers' market of your choice on June 26 or July 2... How much fun is it to play Name That Austin Location during episodes of Friday Night Lights this season? So far, I've seen Sam's BBQ, Galloway Sandwich Shop, the Lamme's candy factory on Airport, La Palapa, Emo's, and Fran's Hamburgers on South Congress. What am I missing?