This Week's Food Picks
Austin Meatball Festival tops best food and drink events in town
Before the chaos of Thanksgiving hits, there are a number of excellent food and drink events to check. From pizza and waffles to craft beer and wine pairings, this week's events include a little bit of everything — except the turkey.
Tuesday, November 18
Travel back in time at MoSpeakeasy
You'll need a ticket and a password to get into this special Prohibition-inspired Movember event at The League Kitchen & Tavern. This five-course dinner ($65) from Chef Louis Ciola III includes old timey cocktails and tunes — just be sure to dress the part for this blast from the past.
Wednesday, November 19
Keep it fly at laV's Flights & Bites supper
As a follow-up to the monthly Wine in Heels dinner series, laV hosts the latest edition of Flights & Bites. Sommelier Vilma Mazaite and Executive Chef Allison Jenkins have created a menu of wine and food pairings ($45) for this month's theme of "holiday entertaining," so that means roasted squash tortellini, pumpkin gâteau and more.
Meet up for happy hour and help out Green Gate Farms
Locally owned and family-run Green Gate Farms has been hit with some hard times lately. So Lenoir and Slow Food Austin are inviting everyone out to Lenoir's wine garden for specially priced drinks and snacks. Proceeds from the happy hour, including the $15 admission fee, will be donated to Green Gate Farms to help alleviate the financial stress.
Enjoy some craft brews at Banger's Founders Beer Dinner
Sip on some beers from Founders Brewing Company as Banger's Chef Ted Prater pairs each beverage with a tapas-style plate. Beer enthusiasts take note because this dinner ($75) includes the prestigious — and very limited — Kentucky Breakfast Stout from Founders, usually only available in April.
Thursday, November 20
Chow down and then laugh it off at WaffleFest
This festival at The Hideout Theatre features an all-you-can-eat waffle buffet with all the toppings you could ever want. Oh, and some of the best and brightest out of Austin's improv scene. WaffleFest runs through Saturday. Prices range from $8-$12.
Saturday, November 22
Become a carnie at the Home Slice Carnival O' Pizza
The Carnival O' Pizza is back for its ninth year at Home Slice Pizza. Part pizza love-fest and part Home Slice anniversary celebration, the event has great food and activities for all ages. Eat pizza, throw dough, play carnival games or give the Hands on an Eggplant Sub contest a try (it's a competition more intense than most Olympic games).
Grab a fork at the Austin Meatball Festival
Enjoy the culinary and the musical at the Austin Meatball Festival. Local restaurants will be competing for meatball prestige (and your taste buds), while Jimmy La Fave, Tameca Jones and the Rocketboys put on special performances in Winflo Osteria's intimate Listening Room.
Benefit AIDS Services of Austin during the Red Ribbon Brunch
AIDS Services of Austin's ongoing Red Ribbon series continues this week at Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar. This culinary benefit includes delicious Italian creations as well as brunch cocktails. Proceeds from ticket sales ($50) benefit ASA's life-saving care services and HIV prevention programs.
Sunday, November 23
Take it all in during the Hops for HOPE Art & Beer Bazaar
At the 2nd Annual Hops for HOPE Art & Beer Bazaar, artwork from some of the best contributors to this year's HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Campaign is paired with delicious craft beers from 16 breweries. The event at Fair Market includes live music, art sales, a raffle, food and more.