Food-O-File

Because one of my main interests is the concept of food as an expression of culture, I'm pleased when circumstances offer me the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. Next week, in connection with the current exhibit at UT's Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center commemorating the works of Isaac Bashevis Singer, noted authority on Jewish culinary heritage Joan Nathan will lead a pair of classes at the Central Market Cooking School (4001 N. Lamar, 458-3068). The class on March 5 will be based on recipes from Jewish Cooking in America (Random House, $35 hard), Nathan's multiple award-winning cookbook that is the basis for an upcoming 26-part PBS cooking series. Then, on March 6, the class will feature recipes for such treats as babka, challah, and rugulach from Nathan's newest work, The Jewish Holiday Baker (Schocken, $23 paper).

Just in time to do battle with national chains Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels on Austin's Avenue, a locally born eatery with roots on South Congress is opening a spiffy new bakery/sandwich shop in the ground floor of the historic Littlefield Building. The newest Schlotzsky's Deli (Sixth & Congress,
473-2867) is remarkably different from the original 1971 shop at 1301 S. Congress. In keeping with the desire of Schlotzsky's CEO John Wooley to upgrade both the quality and appearance of all its new outlets, the decor at Schlotzsky's Littlefield location is classy and comfortable. The menu includes the original sandwich with several variations, garden salads, pizzas, coffee, pastries, desserts, and artisan breads. Custom-designed platters from Sgraffito are loaded with a tempting selection of individual cakes, cheesecakes, and fruit tarts created by the company's executive pastry chef Rebecca Rather, and product specialist Quincy Erickson has developed a tasty new line of cold sandwiches, plus some substantial meal salads using pastas and grains. This store could really change people's attitude about Schlotzsky's altogether.

The Corpus Christi-based Water Street Seafood Company makes its first splash in Austin with a new location at 3908 W. Braker Lane. The grand opening party for the first local outlet is scheduled for this Saturday, February 28, from 7-10pm, and benefits the Austin Symphony Orchestra's Youth Programs Endowment Fund. Tickets are $14 and can be purchased by calling 343-6523. Known for casual atmosphere and fresh Gulf seafood, the Water Street Seafood Company opens for business here on March 2.

On Tuesday, March 10, The French Room at the Hotel Adolphus (1321 Commerce in Dallas, 214/742-8200) will recreate the menu from the first-class restaurant on the R.M.S. Titanic. Executive chef Brent Wuest will collaborate with Rick Archbold and Dana McCauley, authors of Last Dinner on the Titanic (Hyperion, $24.95 hard) and Donald Lynch, author of Titanic, An Illustrated History (Hyperion, $29.95 paper) for authenticity. Dinner begins at 7pm and reservations are limited to 90 people. The $175 ticket price includes the eight-course dinner, wine, an autographed copy of the book, tax, and gratuity. Archbold and Lynch will be on hand to narrate the events of the maiden voyage and discuss the food courses. A string quartet will play the original music chosen for the ship and guests are encouraged to dress in Edwardian attire. The fact that there was no complimentary ticket attached to the press release was surely an oversight on their part.

Unfortunately, the same day I published an item about the Ethiopian buffet on Fridays at St. Elias Orthodox Church, caterer Ruth Skivofilax advised me that due to illness and low customer turnout, she's already canceled her weekly offering.

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Send restaurant news, chef/menu changes, food events, or intriguing rumors to: "food-o-file," The Austin Chronicle, PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765.