Food-o-File

2008 is certainly off to a brisk start. The newest Austin Java Cafe (9600 S. I-35, 292-9500) outlet has just opened in the Grove at Southpark Meadows. They serve breakfast all day, as well as lunch, dinner, and desserts daily. There's also an Austin Java Coffee House next door to the Cinemark theatre... The Triangle also boasts a new tenant, the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (4700 N. Lamar, 454-8200, www.beerknurd.com), a chain restaurant outfit known for its multitap beer selection and a menu that focuses on pairing beer and food... Three vegetarian varieties of the delicious handheld Aussie pies from Boomerang's (3110 Guadalupe, 380-0032) are now available at Central Market stores across Texas, with plans to add other flavors in the future. Look for the spinach and mushroom, curry veggie, and roasted veggie varieties in the chef's case... Salted caramel is the hottest new flavor in all kinds of desserts just now, so it's no surprise that you'll find luxurious salted-caramel and caramel-chocolate-chip gelato flavors at Tèo (1206 W. 38th, 451-9555; 500 W. Canyon Ridge). Another new offering at the Tèo midcity outlet in 26 Doors is a tasty selection of hot and cold Italian panini and pasta salads that are great with the imported coffee, gelati, and sorbetti... Congratulations to Belmont (305 W. Sixth, 457-0300; www.thebelmontaustin.com) Executive Chef Ben Nathan and his wife, Zaira, whose son, Lucca Joseph Nathan (8.5 pounds), was born Jan. 8... Culinary students interested in competing in the Stephan Pyles Culinary Scholarship Cook-Off must submit their applications by Jan. 21. The Iron Chef-style competition will be held at the Art Institute of Houston on March 1-2; the winner will receive a $15,000 scholarship, and the two runners-up will receive $1,000 each. Any student enrolled in an accredited culinary program at the time of the competition is eligible to enter, and applications are available to download at www.winefoodfoundation.org... Two talented Austin chefs are joining forces to provide a once-in-a-lifetime foodie vacation that offers the opportunity to live off the land and sea on the Pacific coast of Mexico for five days and four nights over Memorial Day weekend, May 22-26. Elizabeth Winslow (529-8569) of Dishalicious and Jesse Griffiths (769-7261) of Dai Due Supper Club will prepare all the meals with fresh seafood caught daily and fresh local produce and serve dinner on the beach by candlelight. Space is limited, so make reservations now. For more info about activities, prices, and accommodations, go to www.dishalicious.com.