Food-o-File
Not a chef, but want to eat like one? We've got you covered during the International Association of Culinary Professionals conference.
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., May 20, 2011
The International Association of Culinary Professionals holds its annual conference in Austin June 1-4. The IACP has nearly 3,000 members, including nationally respected chefs, cooking instructors, food writers, cookbook authors, culinary historians, and other food professionals. About 1,000 of those folks are expected to savor the flavor of Austin next month. They'll be taking culinary tours, attending educational seminars and a cookbook fair, checking out local eateries featured in our Restaurant Poll, attending parties, and appreciating local music. While the conference is closed to nonmembers, there are a handful of events open to the public; all but one have ticket prices and require advance registration.
• Chefs Move to Schools at the Texas Capitol Local chefs, culinary students, and other food professionals are encouraged to join IACP members at a public ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of Michelle Obama's childhood obesity prevention initiative on the south lawn of the Capitol. Free. Wednesday, June 1, 5:30pm.
• The Culinary Trust Presents Three Hot Chefs This dinner featuring Tyson Cole of Austin; Holly Smith of Kirkland, Wash.; and Brad Farmerie of NYC at the Hotel Saint Cecilia (112 Academy) benefits the philanthropic wing of IACP; buy $135 tickets at www.theculinarytrust.org. Wednesday, June 1, 8-10:30pm.
• Culinary Book Fair More than 50 cookbook authors will be on hand to sign their books, which will be sold in the ballroom of the Austin Hilton Downtown (500 E. Fourth). $10 advance, $15 at the door. Register at www.iacp.com. Friday, June 3, 1:30-3:30pm.
• Edible Texas Wine Food Match Five top Texas chefs will serve three-course meals designed to pair with Texas wines, and a panel of expert judges will choose the winner at the AT&T Conference Center (1900 University). The contest benefits the Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts; $100 tickets ($80, IACP members) are available at www.edibleaustin.com. Friday June 3, 7-10pm.
• Up in Smoke This walk-around tasting presents many delicious aspects of Texas barbecue along with local craft brews on the grounds of Boggy Creek Farm (3414 Lyons) to benefit the Sustainable Food Center. Tickets are $65 online at www.iacp.com. Saturday, June 4, 6-9pm.
The production crew for a new Cooking Channel show called Eat St. is in town this week checking out local food trailers. Look for Austin-based segments the next two Tuesdays at 7pm, focusing on the Oaxacan cuisine of El Naranjo (May 24) and the Korean/Mexican barbecue fusion of Chi'Lantro (May 31).
