Food-o-File

After several months of investigation and millions of dollars in damages to America's tomato growers, the Food and Drug Administration announced last week that tomatoes were not indeed the source of the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak during the spring and summer. The outbreak has slowed somewhat in recent days, and the focus of the investigation is now jalapeño peppers. Remember that salmonella is found in the fecal matter of humans and animals and does not occur naturally on produce, so any large-scale crop contamination is the result of irrigation or washing of produce with contaminated water. Once again, homegrown or local farmers' market produce is your safest bet... On to better news – Darryl Wittle, local operating partner in Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (320 E. Second, 457-1500, www.flemingssteakhouse.com), was recognized for his outstanding commitment to both the industry and his community with an award for Outstanding Restau­rateur 2008 by the Texas Restau­rant Association at their annual convention in late June. Wittle has been a fixture in Austin restaurants for 20 years... parkside (301 E. Sixth, 474-9898, www.parkside-austin.com) chef/owner Shawn Cir­kiel announced recently that he has promoted longtime sous-chef Ben McBride to the position of chef de cuisine... The Ware­house District has a new option for lunchtime dining. Drop into Starlite (407 Colorado, 374-9012, www.starliteaustin.net), and check out chef Josh Hines' inviting new bistro-style menu from 11am to 4pm, Monday through Saturday. The popular Starlite brunch is still available Sun­days from 11am to 3pm... Not to be outdone by the political platform of either presidential candidate, the folks at Austinuts (2900 W. Ander­son, 323-6887, www.austinuts.com) have developed their own five-point "Nut-i-festo" that includes a gas-hike-fighting 10% discount on all purchases through Election Day in November... FYI – the excellent low-temperature-pasteurized natural milk products from Remember When Dairy that I raved about a couple of weeks ago can be delivered directly to your door by Greenling Organic Delivery (www.greenling.com, 440-8449)... If you're looking for a great meal that comes with a built-in opportunity to give something back to organizations involved in Austin's sustainable agriculture movement, check out the August event schedule of Dai Due Supper Club (www.daidueaustin.com). Part of the proceeds from each August dinner will benefit a local organization or important cause. Chef Jesse Griffith's mouthwatering menus will include local organic produce, fresh Gulf seafood, pastured and grass-fed meats, and artisanal cheeses and other dairy products. Make necessary reservations now as these dinners always sell out quickly.