A Culinary Passport to Asia

The Asian population of the Austin metro area, and indeed the entire state of Texas, has grown tremendously in recent years. One benefit of this growth has been an incredible expansion in the diversity of Asian culinary offerings – it is now possible to enjoy the enticing flavors of Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and various regions of China and India all over our city. In the coming week, Austinites will have the delicious opportunity to sample a bountiful array of delicacies representing many of those cuisines, all at the same event. The Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Culinary Academy, and Satay Restaurant join forces to host the Asia Food Fest 2007. The weekend's events include multiple celebrations, both hands-on cooking classes and expert cooking demonstrations, a five-course Asian fusion banquet with wine pairings, as well as an Asian Market Day capped off with amateur and professional Iron Chef-style competitions. The festivities commence on Thursday evening with a celebration of the 20th anniversary of Austin's popular Satay Restaurant, hosted by its accomplished executive chef/owner, Dr. Foo Swasdee. Guests will enjoy live music, a silent auction, and a tasting of Pan-Asian cuisine prepared by the eight distinguished guest chefs appearing during the fest weekend. Portions of the festival proceeds will benefit Dr. Swasdee's chosen charities – a Thai orphanage that serves Thailand's youngest tsunami victims and the Arc of Texas, a nonprofit that provides opportunities to children and adults with developmental disabilities. The rest of the events will take place on the TCA campus. For detailed schedule and ticket information, go to www.satayusa.com. To purchase tickets online, go to www.txasianchamber.org. Tickets are also on sale at Satay (3202 W. Anderson, 467-6731) and the Texas Culinary Academy (11400 Burnet Rd., 837-2665). Thursday, Sept. 6, through Saturday, Sept. 8.