Jo’s Hot Coffee Good Food hosts the 6th Annual Chili Cold Blood Chili Cook-Off, Two Steppin’ Competition and Benefit on Feb. 4 from 11 am to 3 pm in the Jo’s parking lot on South Congress Ave. The event is sponsored by Shiner and all proceeds benefit the Lila Tenenbown Recovery Fund.
Featured bands performing include Li’l Cap’n Travis, Chili Cold Blood, Chaparral and Woodsboss. Free two-stepping lessons at 11 am, dance contest at 12 pm, live music and chili tasting from 11 to 3. Winners announced at 3 pm for 1st and 2nd Place Chili, People’s Choice Award and Best Showmanship, with prizes including free nights at Hotel San Jose and Hotel Havana, bar tabs at the Hotel San Jose lounge, cases of Shiner beer, Central Market gift baskets, trophies and more. The event will also include a bake sale by Katy Cupcakes and a silent auction. Chili tasting tickets are $20 each and are available at the event.
The event is sponsored by Shiner, The Flatwater Foundation, Central Market, Royal Blue Grocery, Frank Hot Dogs Cold Beer and SIMS Foundation.
ABOUT THE CHARITY
The 6th Annual Chili Cookoff is one that is especially important to all of us at Hotel San Jose and Jo’s Coffee. This year’s benefactor is our dear friend and former coworker Lila Tenenbown, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year at age 32. Lila is one of those unique humans that leave a wonderful and lasting impression on all who meet her, and the circle of people she has touched runs through just about every vein of the City of Austin. Lila has dedicated her life to serving others – her work at the SIMS Foundation has helped to provide mental health and addiction recovery services for Austin-area musicians and their families, and Lila is the first person to offer a hand in helping others in need through her charitable work. All proceeds of the Chili Cookoff will benefit the Lila Tenenbown Recovery Fund. We Love Lila So Much.
For more information about the event go to www.joscoffee.com. Jo’s Coffee is located at 1300 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Texas 78704.
This Valentine’s Day Bistrot Mirabelle invites lovers and food lovers alike to enjoy the spirit of southern France without having to travel across the globe. Chef Clinton Bertrand has put together a three-course dinner, including a complimentary glass of champagne, priced at $37.95. The bistro also offers a thoughtful wine list along with full bar.
The prixe fixe menu includes the following:
· Aperitif: Complimentary glass of Bouvet Rose Brut from the Loire Valley
· First Course: Baked Blue Point oysters with Mornay sauce
o or endive and romaine salad with strawberry champagne vin, bacon and crispy goat cheese
· Second Course: Grilled ribeye with bleu cheese glacage, pomme puree and truffled cream spinach
o Or grilled salmon with roasted potatoes and fennel, finished with brown butter hollandaise
· Third Course: Raspberry Tart with vanilla Chantilly
o Or dark chocolate ganache candy bars with peanuts and white chocolate
To make a reservation, visit http://www.bistrotmirabelle.
Paggi House is serving up a four-course dinner fit for cupid this Valentine’s Day. Guests can choose from an array of Chef Ben Huselton’s specially created menu options made to inspire romance, and as always, you may complement each course with a paired glass of wine. Selections that include butternut squash risotto with black truffles and fresh snapper with brocollini, lump crab and blood orange buerre blanc will evoke adoration during your meal that will linger long after.
MENU:
First Course
Beet Carpaccio
baby red beets, goat cheese, balsamic gelée
Veal Sweetbreads
wild mushrooms, quail egg, madeira jus
Tuna Tataki
Fuji apple, living watercress, pine nuts, yuzu vinaigrette
Second Course
Simple Salad
cucumber, red onion, roasted tomato, fine herb vinaigrette
Lamb Loin Salad
Texas arugula, toasted pecans, Dijon-mint vinaigrette
Bisque
Asian pear, chives
Third Course
Butternut Squash Risotto with Black Truffles, sage and parmesan reggiano
Surf and Turf
prawns, New York strip, garlic whipped potatoes,
charded asparagus, sambal butter
Snapper
brocollini, lump crab,
blood orange buerre blanc
Fourth Course
Selection of Desserts
PRICE:
$85/person
Wine pairings available
Limited à la carte menu available
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 14
Reservations recommended.
WHERE:
Paggi House
200 Lee Barton Drive
Austin, TX 78704
Read below to find out about pampering packages for your valentine from Lakeway Resort and Spa, Viva Day Spa, Hiatus Spa + Retreat, and Travaasa.
LAKEWAY RESORT AND SPA
Lakeway Resort and Spa, nestled on the shores of Lake Travis, combines the grandeur of a world-class destination with the charm of the Texas Hill Country. To celebrate Valentine’s, Lakeway Resort and Spa is hosting a special “Sleepless in Seattle”movie and dinner overnight stay on Saturday, February 11th. Executive Chef Jeff Axline has created a special menu inspired by the romantic movie with an elegant five-course dinner while the movie plays.
The amuse-bouche course of Lakeway’s exquisite Valentine’s dinner starts off with Dungeness Crab Cake, tomatillo cocktail sauce, shaved asparagus, piquillo peppers. The first course includes smoked Pacific salmon, cucumbers, chicory and parmigiano reggiano with Oregon truffles. The second course consists of pan-roasted duck breast, pinot noir poached pear, heirloom carrots and parsnips. The third course includes grilled filet of beef, lobster and butternut squash risotto and a red wine glaze. To finish off the elegant meal the fourth course is a chocolate mousse cake, valhrona chocolate ganache with white chocolate anglaise.
“Sleepless In Seattle”Valentine’s Package:
You can take the elevator home with our Valentine’s Package! This package is available for the night of Saturday, February 11th only and includes resort accommodations, a chilled bottle of champagne in your room upon arrival, a five-course dinner for two adults, “tickets”to the movie and tokens for the concession stand before dinner. Must book between January 11-February 11 and stay Saturday, February 11.
Rates start at $330 per guest room package, plus resort fee and tax. When booking this package use 2012VDAY, there are a limited number of the packages available. You can book online at www.lakewayresortandspa.com or by calling 512-261-6600.
*Valentine’s dinner cannot be booked separately and is only available as a package.
TRAVAASA
Fall in love with Travaasa Austin this February as the city’s only experiential resort provides guests with romantic and engaging classes-for-two. Travaasa’s on-site experts will guide couples on a romantic journey, teaching guests how to incorporate love and affection into new elements of their relationship.
Couples will leave Travaasa feeling more connected and ready to explore a new chapter together. Rates begin at $379.50 per person (double occupancy) and include two nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, a romantic dinner, wine and cheese selections upon check-in, two $125 spa credits, and access to the array of experiential programming. Below, is a selection of romance-inspired classes available throughout the month of February.
For the foodies:
Aphrodisiac Culinary Demonstration
Breakfast in Bed Culinary Demonstration
Romantic Dinner for Two Culinary Demonstration
For the focused:
Relationship Strength Challenge
Partner Yoga
Couples Medicine Ball Routine
For the free-spirited:
Romantic Dance
Vision of Love Vision Board
Energy Vibrations of Love Meditation
*For an added indulgence book the Total Travaasa and receive additional meals and daily spa treatments of your choice.
For reservations or additional information, please visit www.travaasa.com/austin.
HIATUS SPA + RETREAT
Special Offer: Founding Membership Locks In $49 per Month Spa Services. Available until February 14th.
Award-winning day spa, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has created some special Valentine’s Day inspired packages that are the perfect gift for a loved one or a way to just spoil yourself. The lush 6,000 square-foot Austin location offers eighteen private treatment rooms and a relaxing nail therapy lounge with zero-gravity chairs.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat is known for its unique and innovative membership program called the H-Circle. Specially created for their new location, the Founding Membership locks in $49 per month for one of their “Essential Services”every month. This introductory offer is only available through February 14, 2012. For more information on the benefits of H-Circle membership, click here.
Treat yourself or that special someone this Valentine’s with one of Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s five Valentine’s inspired spa packages!
- Lover’s Trio- 60 minute Massage ($100 value), Mani/Pedi Retreat ($100 value) and Facial ($100 value) for $239 (save $61)
- Pure Love- 80 minute Massage ($140 value), 100% Organic Facial ($119 value), Mani/Pedi Retreat ($100 value) and Body Glow ($85 value) for $369 (save $75)
- Love on the Rocks for 2- 60 minute Hot Stone Couples Massage ($148 value) and Hot Stone Pedicure ($84 value) for $379 (save $85)
- Be My Spa Valentine- Hiatus Facial ($100 value), Eco-Gel Manicure ($55 value), Neck Wrap ($25 value) and Eye Pillow ($22 value) for $169 (save $33)
- Love Thyself- Body Glow with Rose + Ylang Ylang ($85 value), 60 minute Heart Chakra Balancing Massage ($119 value), Spa Manicure ($35 value) and Perfecting Facial + Peel ($139 value) for $319 (save $59)
For more information or to schedule one of these packages please call 512.362.5777 or visit www.hiatusspa.com. Valentine’s Packages available now until Sunday, February 19th.
VIVA DAY SPA
Kiss your stress goodbye with the tasty Delicious Duet package. Start out by spending quality time detoxifying in our infrared sauna. Then, you will be whisked away to receive a full body dry brush exfoliation treatment, a delicious 60 minute Swedish massage using Viva’s very own Oh So Coconut-Vanilla Whipped Body Butter, and a hot steam towel treatment to melt away your tension. You will also receive a warm cocoa butter hand hydration treatment, a cozy hydrating body wrap, a Viva Magic Mint Scalp Treatment and a warm sugar foot scrub to make you feel new from head to toe. Served with spiced chai, your choice of fine chocolate from our menu and a natural bristle brush for a take home gift.
2.5 Hours $199 Single; $389 for Two
+ 30 minutes of massage $35
+ a Viva Custom Designer Facial $80
Chocolove Spa Package Gift Certificate
Have you ever wanted to be slathered in chocolate from head to toe? Now’s your chance! It begins with a full body dry brushing and hot steam towel treatment to prepare your body for your chocolate immersion. Next, you’ll get a 60 minute Swedish massage with Viva’s Custom Whipped Cocoa Cocoon Body Butter. And then be swaddled in this decadent wrap so that the chocolate can permeate your being. While wrapped, your scalp will get a much deserved massage. Once you are unwrapped, you’ll be gently peeled from the treatment table and slip into a Choco-Foot-Love Pedicure. Sip on hot chocolate and nibble on fine chocolates while we pamper you. Plus, take home your natural bristle body brush as a gift! A Chocoholic’s dream!
Chocolove Spa Package for $215 includes 2.75 Hours of Pampering 1 Hour Swedish Massage Full Body Dry Brush Exfoliation Hot Steam Towel Treatment Cocoa Cocoon Body Wrap Scalp Massage Choco-Foot-Love Pedicure Served with Hot Chocolate & Chocolates Take Home Dry Brush
The Butcher’s Burger at TRACE. Look at that perfection!!
Tillamook cheddar, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, Dai Due yellow mustard, house made ketchup, mayo, and pickles
Award-winning restaurateur Kevin Williamson, entrepreneur Matt Luckie and Asleep at the Wheel front man Ray Benson announce the grand opening of the Rattle Inn Featuring Ray’s Backstage. The grand opening starts at 8pm and tickets are for purchase for $30 via Event Brite. Located between the iconic Ranch 616 and Star Bar in the popular West Sixth Street District, the Rattle Inn has it all: live music, outdoor patios and a great downtown Austin scene.
“The Rattle Inn completes a long held dream of mine to make the block of Nueces Street from 6th to 7th an Austin destination,” says owner Williamson. “Locals and those visiting Austin can dine at Ranch 616, have happy hour at Star Bar and hear music at the Rattle Inn without leaving the block.”
Grand opening festivities to kick off on Monday, January 23 with live music from Asleep at the Wheel (tickets available via eventbrite.com) and other acts throughout the week. Ray’s Backstage will host everything from nationally renowned acts to two-stepping lessons and open mic nights.
The Rattle Inn will offer eclectic drinks such as their signature cocktail the Texas Heat, Ranch 616 favorites like Ranch Water, and a shot named Lady Bird after a Texas great. The drinks reflect a new approach to traditional Texas spirits with gourmand western as inspiration as well as wine by the full and half bottle and local craft beer on tap.
For more information go to www.therattleinn.com or call (512) 373-8306. For private event inquiries, please email events@therattleinn.com.
I headed over to HOPE Farmers Market this morning. While I didn’t necessarily need a bunch of groceries, it was more to wander and feast my eyes. I ended up picking up a couple things for fun and wanted to share my bounty with my readers.
First I picked up a bunch of baby carrots from the bulk carrot bin brought in by Johnson’s Backyard Garden. I can’t wait to roast them with baby potatoes. Next I picked up a container of Curry Chicken from Lamba Royal Indian Food. I’ve had this curry before and I love it because it’s not made with dairy. I could eat Indian every day but sometimes get overwhelmed that so many dishes include cream (hello thunder thighs). The next 2 products were from The Letelier Food Company. I bought a vegan pate made with goat cheese, white beans, roasted garlic, and a little bit of basil, parsley, olive oil and lemon juice. I also bought their Pear and Onion Confit made with a balsamic reduction. They let me in on the little secret that it’s amazing on burgers. So tonight I’m making cheeseburgers with Fontina cheese and this spread. I can’t wait! They also threw in a soft and incredible smelling baguette. I can’t wait to try everything!
I wish I could’ve gotten more but I ran out of cash and the ATM at the market charges a $4 fee, so be sure to bring cash! I also had to save a little of my money to get some breakfast at The Seedling Truck which I wrote about here.
I spend the morning at HOPE Farmers Market and after an exhausting grocery trip, I was ready for some grubbin’. The weekend is all about brunch to me so I was looking for breakfast despite the fact that was it lunchtime. I’ve been dying to go to the Seedling Truck, run by Royal Fig Catering. I know that their source their ingredients from local farms and who doesn’t love that? Their bacon breakfast sandwich must be pretty delicious because it was sold out. I’m glad it was because I would’ve ordered it and I never would’ve ordered the Polenta Cake with Poached Egg, Kale Pesto, and Goat Cheese. So I ordered my second choice and waited about 10 mins til it was ready.
It was pretty before I broke the yolk, but it was glorious after. I could not recommend this more!! You can catch The Seedling Truck for brunch Saturdays from 9am-1pm at the Barton Creek Farmer’s Market, and Sundays 11am-3pm at HOPE Farmer’s Market. I haven’t been for dinner yet but will be going soon. They’re open for dinner Fridays 6-10pm at the East Side Drive-In and Saturdays 5-10pm at House Wine (behind P.Terry’s on South Lamar). Some of the dishes on their dinner menu that look enticing include Root Beer Glazed Short Ribs with Turnip Mash, and the Smoked Red Fish, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Tomato Salad with Fennel Vinaigrette. You can also order a Family Meal for 4 ($60) and you can Sweet Potato Harissa, Roast Pork Rack, Collard Greens Turnip Mash, and a Baguette.
