You know a festival has arrived when the action starts to extend past the grounds. Not only did this year’s Austin Food and Wine Festival sell out, but the circus can no longer be kept in three rings. Maybe we should start calling it Food by Food Food.
• James Beard nominated Chef Jenn Louis of Lincoln Restaurant and Sunshine Tavern will be teaching Tartare 101 and participating in Rock Your Taco at AFWF Saturday, but you can meet her tonight, 5:30-6pm, at Métier Cooks Supply (1807 S. First). Louis will be signing copies of her new cookbook, Pasta by Hand, and perhaps telling a few stories about her three cats.
• Speaking of Rock Your Taco, Trace (200 Lavaca) has planned a sweet RYT afterparty with a Candyland theme. Executive Pastry Chef Angel Begaye is creating dessert offerings inspired by childhood classics and Chef Thomas Riordan has savory bites for the grownup in you. There will also be board game-themed games ($10 tickets) with prizes that include stays at the W Austin. The $40 ticket benefits the Austin Food and Wine Alliance.
• On Friday, the Container Bar (90 Rainey) is hosting a free Texas Outlaw Party between 4:30 and 6:30pm. Avoid the revenuers with Texas bites and sips from Treaty Oak Distillery, Grapevine Craft Brewery, and Wrath Vineyards.
• Finally, for those who prefer mustard to mostarda, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will be parking at the Buda Weiner Dog Races (204 San Antonio, Buda) between 9am and 5pm on Saturday, April 25, and at the H-E-B at 15300 I-35 S. (also in Buda) between 9am and 2pm on Sunday, April 26. It has nothing to do with the festival, but it will make a great Instagram for out-of-towners on their way home. Expect free wiener whistles and hot dog puns.
For continued coverage of this year’s Austin Food and Wine Festival, including news and gossip from the grounds, keep checking austinchronicle.com/daily/food.
This article appears in April 17 • 2015.