The recently relocated Texas Folklife Resources (1317 S. Congress, 441-9255)
continues its fascinating and educational series on The Art of Food with a program titled “Jewish Holiday Cooking in Central Texas.” The program, curated by respected folklore scholar Suzanne Seriff, Ph.D., is sponsored by Central Market (4001 N. Lamar, 206-1000) and will be presented in the CM Cooking School on Sunday, May 17, 10am-noon, and from 2-4pm. The material and demonstrations will focus on food and traditions from both the Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jewish communities in Central Texas. Cooks will demonstrate the preparation of Jewish holiday foods such as blintzes and challah during the interactive presentation. Cost is $10. Call 458-3068 to reserve a spot at one of the presentations.
Viva Ninfa!
Legendary Houston restaurateur Ninfa Laurenzo, founder of the Ninfa’s restaurant chain and arguably the first person to popularize fajitas as a dish in Mexican restaurants, was in Austin last week to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with her sons Gino and Tom Laurenzo, proprietors of Ninfa’s on Sixth (612 W. Sixth, 476-0612). On Wednesday, “Mama” Ninfa regaled a packed classroom at the Central Market Cooking School with anecdotes about her illustrious 30-year career as a restaurateur, while chef Arturo Martinez prepared gorditas, puerco adobado, and a tres leches cake. The next evening, she hosted a reception and art show honoring her niece, artist Socorro Martinez of Monterrey, Mexico, at the downtown eatery. Following the reception, guests enjoyed a four-course dinner complemented by a selection of world-class tequilas. The whole evening was a benefit for Los Diablos, a baseball program for Latino youth. Ninfa’s on Sixth has just begun delivering their famous fajitas in a central Austin area bounded by Lake Austin Boulevard, I-35, Woodward, and 38th Street. Delivery is limited to beef, chicken, or pork fajitas and side dishes only, with individual orders or party packs for lunch or dinner daily ($10 minimum). Call 481-8808 to order.
“I Hate to Eat and Run….”
After her successful edible art installation at Rhythm House (624 W. 34th, 458-4411), pastry chef/graphic artist Louise McLaughlin has decided to move to San Francisco. “I feel like I’ve learned so much in Austin, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me while I’ve been here,” she told me,” but I’m very excited about San Francisco.” Eddie Bernaland Tim Albright, co-owners of 34th Street Cafe (1005 W. 34th, 371-3400) wish Louise the best but are anxious about replacing her addictive coconut cake. Evidently, the dessert position which McLaughlin leaves vacant at 34th Street is one of many gone begging lately. There seems to be a shortage of trained pastry cooks around these days.
Nutrition Notes
Whole Foods Markets (Central, 476-1206; Gateway, 345-5003) hosts chiropractor/nutrition expert Dr. William Kok to speak on the difference between good and bad dietary fats on Tuesday, May 19 (Gateway) and Thursday, May 21 (Central). As part of the Body Balance (30% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat) diet program, Whole Foods hosts a cooking class by Green Gourmet caterer Diana Welsch on Wednesday, May 20, 6:30-9pm, at the Fresh Planet Cafe. Cost is $30. Call 476-1206.
A Recent Loss
Chef Eddie Behrhorst died on Monday, May 4, after a short battle with lymphoma. In the two years prior to his death, Behrhorst had been chef at Boulevard Bistro in Houston and Mezzaluna in Austin. Last week, his family and friends gathered to celebrate his life at the home of his sister, Connie Behrhorst.
This article appears in May 15 • 1998 and May 15 • 1998 (Cover).