Easy as apple pie
Austin's most delicious foodie fundraiser returns to these local restaurants
If you have been putting off having a evening out, may we suggest a big one: Dining Out for Life is celebrating its silver anniversary as one of Austin’s most delicious fundraisers.
Since 1994, AIDS Services of Austin has made it easy to give back with its annual culinary fundraiser, this year held on April 24. All you have to do is visit one of over 60 restaurant during lunch or dinner (or both) and the participating restaurants will do the rest by donating a portion of the proceeds to Helping Hands Food Bank and other lifesaving services of ASA.
The restaurants participating this year are offering a wide variety of price points to fit with almost every budget. Want a quick treat? Get a smoothie from JuiceLand or dessert from Amy’s Ice Creams or Lick. Or make a full evening of it at some of Austin’s best restaurants, a list that includes favorites like Guero’s Taco Bar and Maudie’s, casual eateries like Via 313 and Noble Sandwich Co., and upscale hot spots like Wu Chow, Emmer & Rye, and Wink.
Since this is the 25th year for the event, ASA is kicking things off with visits from two special guests: designer Mondo Guerra of Project Runway fame and living legend Pam Grier. As longtime HIV/AIDS activists, the pair hope to help usher Dining out for Life into a record-breaking year.
On April 22, Guerra, who disclosed his HIV-positive status during his season of Project Runway, will host a chic brunch at downtown’s Swift’s Attic featuring entertainment from some of Austin’s premier drag talent, savory and sweet treats, and, of course, mimosas. Guests are encouraged to come decked out in “food porn fashion,” which could include everything from shirts printed with watermelons to fascinators made out of chicken wings.
Later in the day, Grier will be on hand for a meet-and-greet before a screening of 1997 cult classic Jackie Brown at the Mueller Alamo Drafthouse. The actor will also be in the kitchen with Fabi + Rosi chef Wolfgang Muber on April 23 for a cooking class for members of ASA’s Women Rising Project, a support and education program for Central Texas women living with HIV and AIDS. Although the live event is only open to the group, it will be streamed through Facebook Live.
Click here for a list of participating restaurants, then treat yourself on Tuesday. We assure you this is the one day of the year you’ll want to save room for dessert.