Food-o-File
Pace yourself and brace yourself: October is a very busy month for foodies
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., Oct. 8, 2004
Everything Happens in October!
First, in the off-with-her-head department, we apologize for misspelling the name of Castle Hill Cafe sous chef Arik Skot Williams (get him to tell you the story). Then I unintentionally renamed a new baby. Former Chronicle contributor Rebecca Chastenet and her husband, Cedric, welcomed son Nicholas Remi in August. And now, the news. The venerable 76-year-old UT-area burger joint Dirty Martin's Kum-Bak Place (2808 Guadalupe, 477-3173, www.dirtymartins.com) has recently reopened after a complete interior upgrade. "We gutted the front room and put in all new plumbing, electrical, flooring, and ceiling tiles," says owner Mark Nemir with pride, adding that "we also put in a new hood over the grill and a stove that will come in handy when we start offering a down-home, made-from-scratch Southern breakfast in early November." Nemir maintains that Dirty's has lost none of its funky retro charm with the upgrade and swears things are in good enough shape to go another 75 years... Popular SoCo seafood spot 7 (1706 S. Congress, 383-8877) is expanding, and not a moment too soon. Architect Aubrey Carter helms the project creating space for 10 more seats in the dining area and adding a comfortable lounge with a full bar. 7 continues to serve dinner during the construction phase but will return to serving lunch and dinner when the new space debuts later this fall... We hear European expats are finding their way to the new 360 Primo Coffee Bar (9828 Great Hills Trail #120, 795-9292), just west of the Arboretum. They sell Italian Segafredo Zanetti espresso, Bindi cakes, and gelato imported from Italy, as well as light breakfast and lunch fare. Mixed coffee drinks, beer, and wine are on the way... Check out the new Mango's Mexican Grill (7010 Hwy. 71 W., 288-8698) near the Y in Oak Hill, where proprietor Joan Castillo says she's serving Mexican food with "a beachy slant."
Event Menu Oct. 8-14
Water Luau at Shady Springs Party Barn (9401 Sherman Rd.) is a benefit to provide affordable counseling services to the local gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. The unique family oriented GLBT event offers plenty of activities for young and old alike, as well as a delicious Hawaiian feast provided by Eastside Cafe. Tickets are $25 for adults ($35 at the door) and $5 for children 12 and under. Complete registration information and directions to the party barn at www.waterloocounseling.org, 444-9922. Saturday, Oct. 9, 5-11pm at Shady Springs.
Central Texas Barbecue Association Open House at Austin's Historic Farmers' Market (6701 Burnet Rd.): This new organization dedicated to promoting one of Central Texas' most valuable culinary, business, and tourist resources invites barbecue lovers to come and check them out. There will be refreshments from Lone Star beer, CTBBQA members, and barbecue from BBQue World Headquarters. Get involved in planning the first Central Texas Barbecue Festival and catch a sneak preview of Russell Yarnell's documentary "Masters of Texas BBQ." For more info, call 474-9675 or e-mail [email protected]. Sunday afternoon, Oct. 10, 2-5pm.
All-You-Can-Eat Sushi at Zen Japanese Food Fast (1303 S. Congress, 444-8081) to benefit the South Austin campus of the Open Door Pre-School. Adults $15, kids $5. Sunday afternoon, Oct. 10, from 1 to 3pm at the south location only.
Philippine-Pacific Island Festival and Friendship Day at Fiesta Gardens (2101 Bergman Ave.) The shores of Town Lake will become an exotic Pacific Island paradise complete with Philippine and Polynesian foods, Pacific Island arts and crafts, games, music, martial arts, folk dancing, and costume exhibitions. Admission is free, and proceeds from food sales benefit "Saheli," a sister organization of SafePlace. The party is presented by the Austin Filipino-American Association (929-7227) Sunday afternoon, Oct. 10, noon-5pm at Fiesta Gardens.
The Film and Food Party kicks off the Austin Film Festival and benefits the Young Filmmakers Program in the Driskill (Sixth and Brazos) ballroom. Join the party after the screening of Stage Beauty, where many of Austin's best chefs will serve signature dishes. Tickets are $100 for AFS members, $125 for the public. Wednesday evening, Oct. 13, 9-11pm at the Driskill Hotel.
The Austin Museum of Art invites you to experience La Dolce Vita on the grounds of Laguna Gloria (3809 W. 35th), the annual celebration of the good life that benefits all the museum's worthwhile programs. Nosh, sip, and dance under the stars as some of Austin's best chefs serve up their culinary artistry. Tickets are $75 ($85 at the door). For more information, visit www.amoa.org or call 495-9224. Thursday evening, Oct. 14, 6-9pm at Laguna Gloria.
