2015 Austin Food + Wine Festival
The legendary Austin scene has forcefully maintained its pre-eminence through a mix of vibrant music, the grandeur of being the Texas capital, the awesome University of Texas (I am an alum), as well as the killer food scene. Trudy’s. Kerby Lane Cafe. Rudy’s for gas station barbeque. The flawless Saltlick. Qui. Basically everything and anything in Austin is target-rich foodie heaven, despite my biased sentimentality for my hometown.
This year Food and Wine Magazine’s brings together a roster of food and wine talent for their annual “Austin Food + Wine Festival.” Local hero turned national foodie god Paul Qui -- of the aforementioned Qui Restaurant -- as well as The Food Network favorite Gail Simmons and Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern.
PHOTO: 2014 Austin Food + Wine Festival courtesy of Austin Food + Wine Festival
The full line-up of talent, http://www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com/#!talent, will be available throughout the weekend of April 24 - 26 for questions, photos and good-natured imbibing at Austin’s Auditorium Shores and Republic Square Park.
PHOTO: 2014 Austin Food + Wine Festival courtesy of Austin Food + Wine Festival
Start the 72-hour festival with the “Feast Under the Stars” event ($225). An intimate 5-course meal will be prepped by chefs from the Festival, complete with cocktail pairings and dessert. Then depending upon whether you have an “All In” ticket ($500) or a “Weekender” ($250) be prepared for over 100 food, wine and beverage exhibitors.
PHOTO: 2014 Austin Food + Wine Festival courtesy of Austin Food + Wine Festival
Personally, I think spending money for the “Feast Under the Stars” Thursday night and then buying the “Weekender” ticket makes the most sense -- the Thursday night intimate dinner is separate from the ticketed bundles. I would rather save the $250 split difference, not enjoy Fire Pit access or a grilling demo, and spend that money on bottles of wine.
Full ticket option list here: http://www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com/tickets/.
PHOTO: 2014 Austin Food + Wine Festival courtesy of Austin Food + Wine Festival
PHOTO: 2014 Austin Food + Wine Festival courtesy of Austin Food + Wine Festival
PHOTO: 2014 Austin Food + Wine Festival courtesy of Austin Food + Wine Festival
PHOTO: 2014 Austin Food + Wine Festival courtesy of Austin Food + Wine Festival
