Austin's Best Food and Drink Events This Week
Dinner parties, farmer's markets, beer, wine, and more for the week of July 15, 2021
Thursday 15
TACO RUMBLE: AUSTIN V. SAN ANTONIO The sparks and flavors are gonna fly in that city to the south of us as an all-star crew of San Antonio and Austin restaurants clash during the first annual Taco Rumble, presented by H-E-B and featuring ATX chefs from Asador, Austin Taco Mafia, Eldorado Cafe, Paprika, R19 Taqueria, and Texsueño going up against some of S.A.'s finest in this badass battle. Note: This ticket is all-inclusive for food and drink; no separate purchases required. Thu., July 15, (2021) The Espee, 1174 E. Commerce, San Antonio. $65-150.
Friday 16
AUSTIN OYSTER CO.: SHUCKFEST Join the crew of bivalve-forward aficionados at Still Austin Distillery for a culinary experience with great food and drinks from Austin Oyster Co., Still Austin, Austin Winery, Reese Bros BBQ, and Bearded Baking Co. – with live music from Pierson Saxon. Bonus: This shellfish-happy shindig is also a benefit for Shellfish Growers Climate Coalition and Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. Fri., July 16, 6-10pm. (2021) Still Austin, 440 E. St. Elmo, 512/276-2700. $15-65. austinoysterco.com
CRU HEMP LOUNGE: AUSTIN OPENING Yes, CRU Hemp Lounge. Owned by Atlanta-based entrepreneur Dennis McKinley. The largest Black-owned nightlife chain and largest hookah lounge chain in the United States. A fast-casual hookah-hemp lounge offering unique flavors, hemp oil extracts, small plates, and specialty cocktails. It's chill, we imagine; it's pretty snazzy, it's chill af, and it's opening today. Also, in the future? "The company is positioning itself to be a major brand name, with a customer base already in place, for when cannabis becomes legal nationally." We know, right? Fri., July 16, 7pm. (2021) CRU Hemp Lounge, 2716 Guadalupe, 205/613-8307. crulounge.com/cru-austin/
Monday 19
LUTIE'S: THREE-COURSE TEQUILA DINNER A little early to celebrate National Tequila Day, perhaps? No, not when this acclaimed new venue on the Austin culinary scene is hosting a three-course tequila pairing dinner with LALO, a new blanco tequila from Don Julio's grandson, Eduardo "Lalo" González. We mean, hey, mango, lime, and scallop ceviche; eggplant and summer squash tempura; grilled oysters; LALO-glazed chicken; churro ice cream with coffee caramel; and more – and the trio of accompanying tipples? We're swooning here. Mon., July 19, 7pm. (2021) Lutie's, 4100 Red River St., 512/675-2517. $200. luties.com
Ongoing
BARTON CREEK FARMERS MARKET Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Barton Creek Square, 2901 Capital of TX Hwy. S., 512/327-7040. bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org
HOPE FARMERS MARKET Sundays, 11am-3pm. Plaza Saltillo, 412 Comal, 512/727-8363. hopefarmersmarket.org
LONE STAR FARMERS’ MARKET Sundays, 10am-2pm. 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave. lonestarfarmersmarket.com
SFC SUNSET VALLEY FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Toney Burger Activity Center, 3200 Jones, 512/414-2096. sfcfarmersmarket.org
TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT LAKELINE Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Cedar Park, 512/363-5700. texasfarmersmarket.org/lakeline
TEXAS FARMERS’ MARKET AT MUELLER Sundays, 10am-2pm. Mueller Lake Park & Browning Hangar, 4209 Airport. texasfarmersmarket.org/mueller
BOGGY CREEK FARM STAND Wed.-Sat., 8am-1pm. Boggy Creek Farm, 3414 Lyons, 512/926-4650. boggycreekfarm.com
SPRINGDALE FARM STAND Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9am-1pm. Springdale Farm, 755 Springdale, 512/386-8899. springdalefarmaustin.com

The Best of Austin: Restaurants ballot is here! Nominations can be made now through Monday, August 22, at midnight. Vote now at vote.austinchronicle.com.