food-o-file

Jamin House Cafe

Hwy281, Marble Falls, (210) 693-3979

11am - thru dinner, 7 days a week

It's a 45-minute-to-an-hour drive through the Hill Country, but if you're in the mood for Caribbean, visiting the Jamin House Cafe in Marble Falls is worth it. Run by the creative team behind the Cayman Islands' Crow's Nest restaurant, Jamin offers a full and varied menu - both island food and more traditional Central Texas fare. Appetizers include Conch fritters ($3.95) and Jerk Ribs ($3.95) while main courses include Fiery, Deep-Fried Coconut Scallops or Shrimp ($11.95), a wide range of fish dishes, Jamaican Curry Chicken ($8.95) and jerk barbeque including chicken, pork, and ribs. The plates come loaded with side dishes - beans and rice, cole slaw, greens, and corn bread. For the less adventurous there are any number of pizzas, catfish dishes, and burgers on the menu - but the Caribbean food is the real reason to go. - Louis Black

AUTHOR GUADALUPE RIVERA COOKS TO BENEFIT MEXIC-ARTE

Jalisco's Restaurant and Bar

414 Barton Springs Road 476-4838 September 12 6:30pm What better way to kick off a week of Dies y Sies celebrations than to attend a benefit for Mexic-Arte Museum featuring the recipes of famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo? Fridamaniacs and Mexican food lovers alike can pay $50 to spend an evening with Guadalupe Rivera, author of Frida's Fiestas - Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida Kahlo. The menu will be prepared from recipes presented in her excellent book about life in the home of Rivera's father, Mexican muralist Diego Rivera and her stepmother, artist Frida Kahlo. During the evening, the author will share stories and recuerdos about the gracious meals and elaborate celebrations that were Kahlo's trademark. Its the perfect fusion of two Austin favorites - food and art. Call Mexic-Arte at 480-9373 to make reservations.

-Virginia B. Wood

CHUING GREEN CHILES

Chuy's (both locations), Shady Grove, Romeo's, The Hula Hut

September 1-17

Forty-Five tons of New Mexican green chiles have made their way to town for Chuy's Seventh Annual Green Chile Festival continuing through September 17. The Hatch green Chiles are being fireroasted and and incorporated in specialty dishes such as Pork Chile Verde Enchiladas, Chipotle Shrimp Quesadillas (Chuy's), and BBQ Smoked Brisket Chile Rellenos (Shady Grove). Owner Mike Young's other popular restaurants, Romeo's and The Hula Hut, are also hosting seasonal specialties. Inspired home chefs who want to explore New Mexico-Mex can purchase these chiles throughout the festival - the less culinary inclined can take home limited edition T-shirts and green chile tattoos.

-Jennifer Scoville