If you attended both Austin Food & Wine Festival this year and last year you know what a treat this year was. While I enjoyed last year\’s event, this year festival goers experienced less crowded demos, plush green grass and little to no waiting lines making for an enjoyable experience.
While I consider myself a foodie and prefer wine over beer and cocktails one of my favorite demos this year was Bill Norris\’ \”Drinking Vinegars & Shrubs\”. Bill shared some tips and tricks and discussed how to use old world ingredients to make the perfect cocktail. He made attendees his creative bitter berry drink with a delicious mix of strawberry and rhubarb.
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| Bitter Berry drink from Bill Norris |
This festival would not be complete without Austin\’s sweetheart Paul Qui. Paul\’s demo was titled \”Qui Ingredients\”. Paul in so many words explained the key ingredient is the team you work with. What a true testament to who he is and his success.
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| Paul talks \”Qui Ingredients\” |
Paul and his team made a fun fondue with various fruits, breads and delicious Antonelli\’s cheese.
A friend asked me what was my favorite dish during the festival. I would say overall everything that came from the fire pit. Day one the fire pit was manned by Tim Byres and Jason Dady.
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| Jason Dady\’s fish and fowl dish |
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| Tim Byre\’s pork taco |
Day two the fire pit was all about Austinites. Jack and Bryce Gilmore did their thing on one side of the pit while Rene Ortiz did his on the other side.
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| Rene Ortiz of La Condesa and Sway made a mouth watering lamb |
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| Chef Jesse\’s shrimp dish |
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| Around The World with Pinot |
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| Myself, Heather Forrester and Alicia Kim on the Veuve Cliqout airstream |
Austin Food & Festival\’s Facebook fan page: Austin Food Wine
Austin Food & Festival\’s Twitter account: @AustinFoodWine
Sushi ATX 