Food-o-File

Now that the swing and cocktail eras are back in vogue, you may do all your shopping for those college graduates and brides-to-be at Reuben's Emporium (11637 Research, 345-2866), the impressive flagship store of the large local wine and spirits retailer. Browse some of the attractive shopping areas: a gifts and glassware room with leather-bound travel bars, crystal and glass decanters, stemware, cocktail shakers, and bar tools; a tequila room featuring rare 100% blue agave tequilas, plus salts, stemware, and margarita mixes; a tartan-carpeted Scotch room boasting some of the rarest malts outside the Highlands; and an art-deco martini room with an expansive selection of vodkas, gins, and vermouths. Check them online at http://lonestar.texas.net/~emporium.

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Authentic Asian Chefs' Secrets Revealed

In recognition of Asian/Pacific Cultural Heritage Month in Austin, Central Market (4001 N. Lamar, 458-3068) has scheduled classes featuring local Asian chefs. Thai Spice partners Vicki Vicha and Orasinee Ratana-Apron kick off the month-long celebration the day this issue hits the stands: Thursday, May 6. That's followed by savory Chinese delicacies from Pao's Restaurant owner Steve Pao on May 13, the delectable Nepalese cuisine of Kala Uprety of Kala's Kuisine on May 20, and the secrets of sushi master Frank See of Jade Restaurant on May 27.

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Bocaditos

The dizzying pace of local restaurant openings continues ...

Buzz is the serious prices at chic new Sardine Rouge (311 W. Sixth, 473-8642) are not deterring diners eager to sample the Asian-influenced French seafood menu of chef Norbert Brandt and the delectable desserts of pastry chef Lisa Fox ...

Residents along Hwy360 welcome the debut of Pacifica (3801 Capitol of Texas Hwy, 327-3332), where chef Michael Neff is serving Pacific Rim cuisine in an attractive new spot at the entrance to Davenport Ranch ...

Look for the upscale Bellagio Italian Bistro (6507 Jester Blvd. at RR 2222, 346-8228) to open within the week ...

Readers advise us that Nick's Pizza is no longer on RR 2222 and that even the building is gone ...

Other readers rave about a great new pizza joint, New York Pizzeria (Hwy 71 at Bee Caves Rd., 402-0202), where they serve hot slices of pie with thin, crisp crust ...

Manor Road restaurant row has a brand new tenant in Gaby & Mo's (1809 Manor, 457-9027), a coffeehouse, bar, and eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with cold drinks, hot coffee, and daily blue plate specials ...

The new breads are ready and lunch is finally on the menu at Russell's Bakery & Coffee Bar (3339 Hancock, 419-7877) ...

Diners at Ay Chiwawa! (1014 N. Lamar, 236-8924) can now enjoy a cold beer with their interior Mexican specialties since the addition of a new beer and wine license ...

Taco queen Maria Corbalan swears that the beers and sangria will be as affordable as everything else at Taco Xpress (2529-A S. Lamar, 444-0261) now that she has a beer and wine license, too ...

The talented folks at Si Bon (801 S. Lamar, 326-8323) have added catering director Matthew Wendel (450-1099) to their staff for private parties and special events. Friends celebrated a birthday with an elegant afternoon tea party there just last weekend.