Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/809715
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AUSTIN FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL and Michael Fojtasek (Olamaie) as they grill on the fly. Learn something: Seminars fill up early, so plan ahead. Catch Food & Wine's Ray Isle for witty, practical wine advice, and learn from local Master Sommeliers Craig Collins and Devon Broglie during their deep dives on California's Paso Robles region. Must-see chefs include California cuisine godfather Jonathan Waxman and Food Network star Aarón Sánchez. Dance and dine: The final blowout is the Grand Tasting Tent, a collection of wines, spirits, and light bites served to danceable sounds from Austin's DJ Mel, famous for serving as former President Barack Obama's regular DJ. FOR GOURMANDS Love fest: The All-In pass, which includes everything mentioned above, is a foodie's dream. During the day, Lonesome Dove chef Tim Love (a festival co-founder) presides over his grilling workshop in grand fashion: ZZ Top is played, and Tuaca shots are inevitable. Night delights: Two evening parties cater to celebrity chef spotters. Taste Of Texas combines top-tier Austin talent with notable chefs from across the state. Festival veteran Diego Galicia of San Antonio's Mixtli says: "Taste of Texas gathers the best Texas chefs and guests with the best palates, so the pressure is on." Saturday's Rock Your Taco is the most competitive event of the weekend. San Antonio restaurateur and Iron Chef: Gauntlet star Jason Dady's thoughts? "Everyone walking through that door wants the title. I'm from Tacotown, USA, and I'm ready to bring that guitar back to where it belongs!" Dady is joined by national stars like Amanda Freitag, Hugh Acheson, and Alon Shaya in the showdown, judged by Graham Elliot and Food & Wine's Nilou Motamed. Since 15 tacos can be a bit much, try sharing or prioritizing your favorite chefs. austinfoodand winefestival.com . "I'M FROM TACOTOWN, USA, AND I'M READY TO BRING THAT GUITAR BACK TO WHERE IT BELONGS!" —jason dady If the festival itself isn't enough, snap up a ticket to the Feast Under The Stars prelude event on Thursday night. below right: Returning chefs include Austin's Drew Curren (left) and California's Jonathan Waxman. Sweet treats (below left) are always a hit. SCENE HOT TEST TICKET 42 AUSTINWAY.COM