Alright, folks: As you wind down the hours until you marvel at fireworks, kick back red-white-and-blue cocktails and engage in general Fourth of July debauchery, we have gathered up this week's must-read food news. Read further to see what you missed in this week's culinary headlines.
Jack Allen celebrates the tastes of Texas
CultureMap’s former food editor Jessica Dupuy is publishing her third local cookbook. The Uchi: The Cookbook and The Salt Lick Cookbook author is gearing up to release her most recent work: Jack Allen’s Kitchen. The upcoming fall title lists both Jack Gilmore, executive chef/owner of Jack Allen’s Kitchen, and Dupuy as co-authors. According to the book’s description on Amazon.com, “[Readers] will find recipes that feature the bounty of each season, engaging profiles of Central Texas farmers and purveyors, and an open invitation to pull up a chair at Jack Allen's Kitchen, relax, and have a good time.” Grab a copy for just under $31 at this link.
Franklin Barbecue jets off to West Texas... for a day
Franklin Barbecue will hit the road this summer, parking its wheels in the plains of West Texas for a day. Pitmaster Aaron Franklin will make a stop at the Gage Hotel on Saturday, August 16 to showcase his signature smoked meats. Starting at 7 pm, the world-famous pitmaster will walk attendees through prepping his signature 'cue. Music from Kolton Moore will follow. To make reservations to attend the event, contact the Gage Hotel.
Watkins leaves the Carillon
According to the Austin American-Statesman, Josh Watkins is no longer with the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center’s renowned restaurant, The Carillon. Watkins, who had been the restaurant’s executive chef since its opening in 2008, has not commented on his exit. No word just yet on who will replace Watkins or where the chef will hang his apron strings next.
Austin Restaurant Week celebrates finale
Austin Restaurant Week may have wrapped up, but the fun isn’t over yet. To celebrate the event’s success and all the money raised for Meals on Wheels and More, Tribeza is hosting a celebratory wrap party. A handful of the ARW participating chefs and restaurants will be in attendance to present Meals on Wheels and More with the money raised from this season's event. Picture: a giant pig roast, refreshing cocktails and live music. The event takes place at Meals on Wheels and More (3227 E. Fifth St.) on Monday, July 14 from 6 pm - 8:30 pm. Tickets cost $20.
Eat gelato, tour Italy
As if being named one of the top gelaterias in North America by the Gelato World Tour wasn’t cool enough, Tèo Gelato is adding even more swagger to its cred. Founder Matthew Lee is hosting a competition this summer to award one lucky winner with a ticket to the gelato world championship in Italy this September. To enter the delicious contest, patrons must supply their contact information at the Tèo Gelato store. Interested in entering? Well, you better hurry! The winner will be announced at public party on August 13 with complimentary gelato and gelato cocktails. Happy gelato eating!
Opening reports
It's finally happening, folks: Dai Due is about to wrap up its days at the farmers market and move its way into the brick-and-mortar butcher shop and restaurant. "Please join us this Saturday – Independence Day weekend – for our last market of the summer. Stock up on your favorites, as it may be a couple of weeks in the interim as we settle in to our new spot at 2406 Manor Road," the company posted on Facebook. Expect to find venison hot dogs, juicy burgers, pimento cheese, grilling hens and much more at the company's final market day. In other opening reports, the much-anticipated Scarlet Rabbit in Round Rock opened Tuesday, July 1.
Aaron Franklin heads west.
