Eat Local Week
It's pretty self-explanatory, no?
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., Dec. 3, 2010
When Edible Austin magazine hosted the first Eat Local Week in December 2007, some people questioned the rationale of holding a celebration focused on local food between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They were obviously unaware of the incredible bounty of fresh produce available at local farmers' markets in the late fall. This year's event is the biggest and best yet, with more than 60 restaurants and markets offering bargain prices on special menu items based on local produce and an action-packed lineup of culinary events guaranteed to engage every palate and passion. Due to the sponsors' generosity, 100% of the proceeds from Eat Local Week will be donated directly to Urban Roots, a local nonprofit that teaches gardening and marketing to Austin teens.
See complete details about each event at www.edibleaustin.com, and visit www.frontgatetickets.com to buy the $100 VIP pass or tickets for individual events. Whatever you do, don't miss this great opportunity to play an active part in our local food community! Also, tune in to Food Love Austin on KOOP 91.7FM at 1:30pm Thursday, Dec. 2; I'll be talking to Queen of Spoons Susan Gayle about Eat Local Week.
Event Schedule
Friday, Dec. 3
BookPeople hosts a free multimedia preview party with filmmakers, farmers, books by local authors, beer, and food. 6-8pm.
Saturday, Dec. 4
Urban Farm Bike Tour Routes depart from four points around the city, stopping at urban farms and community and school gardens. $25 each, $40 per family. 9am.
Pig Roast and Harvest Dinner The bike tours conclude at Springdale Farm (755 Springdale Rd.), where chefs will roast Richardson Farms pigs and serve a picnic. $35 per person or $20 add-on to bike tour ticket. 5pm.
Sunday, Dec. 5
Drink Local Coffee Festival Take a relaxing drive to Cuvée Coffee's facilities in Spicewood for panel discussions by veteran local coffee roasters, a barista contest, great coffee drinks, and fresh, hot beignets. $10. 11am-3pm.
Monday, Dec. 6
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar offers a movie feast inspired by the film Chocolat. $65. 7pm.
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Drink Local Night Austin's best bartenders mix up cocktails made from local distillers' products around the bars at Péché and Cedar Street Courtyard. $25. 6-9pm.
Wednesday, Dec. 8
Holiday Gift Fair Better Bites of Austin hosts a free, indoor and outdoor fair at the City Hall Atrium, with 30 local food artisans' wares available to sample and for purchase. 4-8pm.
Thursday, Dec. 9
Fine Art and Food Night: Enjoy a progressive dinner and Downtown gallery crawl from Wally Workman Gallery to Austin Museum of Art – Downtown to Arthouse at the Jones Center. $20. 6-9:30pm.
Friday, Dec. 10
An Evening With Michael Pollan, food activist and author, at Bass Concert Hall is preceded by a showcase of Farm Direct local food resources. $26-42. 8pm.
Saturday, Dec. 11
Media Celebrity Cook-off The Sustainable Food Center's Downtown Farmers' Market will feature Addie Broyles and Nik Ciccone working the hot plates with local food. 10am.
Texas Craft Brewers Mini-Festival Wheatsville Food Co-op and Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery host with samples of local brews. $15. 2-5pm.
