Event Menu: June 20-26
Locally grown Tomato Me Crazy Day, red meat and wine pairings, and more
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., June 20, 2008
Downtown Austin Farmers' Market (Fourth & Guadalupe, www.austinfarmersmarket.org) celebrates Tomato Me Crazy Day with gardener contests, spoon races, a tomato splat, cooking demos, and door prizes. Saturday, June 21, 9am-1pm.
The nine Hill Country wineries that make up the Texas 290 Wine Trail will have help from the Texas Pork Producers Association this weekend at Vino al Pastor – literally wine and meat, shepherd's style. Each winery pairs with an area restaurant to present grilled dishes made with donated pork shoulder meat, complemented by a wine selection from that vineyard. Guests can enjoy a food-and-wine tasting at each stop along the road and get a recipe to take home. For participating wineries and restaurants, call Texas Hills Vineyard, 830/868-2321. Saturday, June 21, 10am until meat samples run out.
Greenling's Farmhouse Table Cooking class series will be held in the kitchen of the historic Bergstrom homestead (8310 Canoga Ln.), just five miles east of Downtown Austin. Classes include a tour of Green Gate Farms, the harvesting of fresh ingredients, and cooking demonstrations with a seasonal focus. Dai Due Supper Club chef Jesse Griffiths and Greenling forager Elizabeth Winslow will show participants how to preserve summer's bounty with chutneys, relishes, pickles, and fruit compote. $55 includes recipes, tastings, and wine. Reservations required; call 440-8449. Thursday, June 26, 6-8pm.
Beer aficionados will want to drop into Blue Star Cafeteria (4800 Burnet Rd., 454-7827, www.bluestarcafeteria.com); their Thirsty Thursday local beer tasting is back by popular demand. Local home brewers will share their secrets, and chef R.J. will offer some savory bites for pairing with beer. $15 per person; reservations required. Thursday, June 26, 8-10pm.