We kicked off the 2025 Austin Food & Wine Festival weekend Friday evening with an event celebrating Texas, foodie-style. Think tailgate energy, cooking over an open flame, and Lone Star favorites served hot off the grill—all with the Austin skyline as the backdrop.
The evening brought together chefs and restaurants for a taste of Texas across every table. From smoky barbecue and perfectly grilled steak to scallops, mushroom carnitas, and over-the-top desserts, it was the kind of event where you wanted to make one more lap just to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
We sipped, raised a glass, and danced under the Austin skyline while tasting dishes from Michelin-starred chefs like Ali Clem of La Barbecue, Diego Galicia of Mixtli, and the dynamic duo Kevin Fink & Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. From smoky BBQ and vibrant Mexican plates to Thai bites and sweet southern treats every dish was a Texas love letter on a plate.
Made In Texas was a delicious way to kick off Austin Food & Wine Festival weekend and a reminder of just how diverse the Texas food scene has become. If Friday night was any indication, this is absolutely an event to keep on your radar for the 2026 event.