If you thought Austin was only known for its music, think again. It’s time to pack up and head south for the deliciously hip second annual Austin Food and Wine Festival, happening April 26 – April 28. For one weekend, they city will be invaded by your favorite chefs, wineries, mixologists, and food personalities. With over 40 events happening, there’s something to please everyone’s palette.
On Friday, check out the Taste of Texas kick-off event. Under the live oak trees of Republic Square Park, with beer or wine in hand, you’ll be mingling with the best of Texas talent, tasting bites that reflect their signature style, while jamming to live performances by Delta Spirit and Whiskey Shivers. The line up includes Tim Byres, chef and co-owner of Smoke, Terrence Gallivan and Seth Siegel-Gardner, executive chefs and owners of The Pass & Provisions, and Sarah Grueneberg, executive chef of Spiaggia.
On Saturday, check out Entertaining Around the World with Susan Feniger, Pork Que? with Kevin Williamson, and Latin Libations with Tony Abou-Ganim. And don’t miss the world’s largest Hands-on Grilling demo, led by Tim Love, where you can man a live grill and learn tips and tricks about cooking up perfect cuts of meat. The night ends with the Rock Your Taco competition in Republic Square Park, where chefs square off against one another to create the ultimate taco. Defending 2012 Rock Your Taco champion Tyson Cole will compete against Susan Feniger, executive chef of Border Grill, Brian Malarkey, chef and owner of Searsucker, Rene Ortiz, executive chef at La Condesa Austin, and more.
On Sunday, make time to check out the Grand Tasting Tent for demos and small plates prepared by your favorite chefs, including Jeff Martinez and Jesse Perez.
Tickets are either $250 or $850 with some events at an additional cost. But they includes access to over 40 demos, seminars and tastings, and daily Grand Tasting events. And sorry, no kids allowed, all attendees must be 21.