April 2nd Blog
Austin Chefs Rock at Food Festival Event
The 22nd edition of the Hill Country Wine and Food Festival unfolded this weekend. In the absence of former corporate sponsor Saveur Magazine, the event had a more local flavor. The fact that I didn’t have to worry about running into Mario, Bobby, Wolfgang or Emeril at every turn was actually rather calming.
And I’ll tell you what: at the huge event at the Hilton on Friday night (Stars Across Texas) where chefs from across the state did their thing, it was our Austin chefs that stole the show. Larry Perdido from Moonshine offered a newer, more robust version of his macaroni and cheese. I loved it. Jeff Blank from Hudson’s did succulent lobster chunks topped with bisque with a wonderfully thick consistency and luscious flavor. Elmar Prambs from the Café at the Four Seasons blew me away with prime rib morsels rubbed with espresso and truffle oil. Chris Bauer from Finn and Porter at the host Hilton rocked with Seared Scallops and Grilled Zucchini along with seared Foie Gras and sashimi style Himachi. Hard to say no to that! Cool River has always impressed at the stars event and Chef Andrian Corkill offered a crab and shrimp ceviche marinated in chardonnay. It’s one of his specialties and it was the bomb!
There were chefs from across the state, including some puffed up Iron-Chef looking types from Quattro in Houston but in my humble opinion, the Austin area chefs led the field in originality, plating, taste and execution. The event, probably due to the higher price point ($125) per person was not as zoo-like a last year and it made things more comfortable.
My only real complaint: I’m not sure what Absolut or Grey Goose vodkas were doing at a Food and Wine festival. If you ask me: too many spirits on display that night that took away from the smaller wineries.
Estancia Churrascaria
No sooner had we mentioned the imminent arrival of monster Brazilian meat emporium Fogo de Chao than up sprang Estancia Churrascaria on Highway 290 in Sunset Valley (next to the Holiday Inn Express) which opened on Monday, March 26th. Go figure. Estancia is managed by Fogo alumni and the place just exudes great tastes and aromas. The Pichana (top sirloin) was amazing as was the chicken and the sausage. The place is small and they’re going to have to do a huge volume to make it at the price points they’re at. But I’ll certainly be back.
The owners are Ironi and Adriana and they’re a very sweet couple. I wish them well. 892-1225.
Chicago Style Italian at Botticelli’s on S. Congress
Two brothers from Chicago have opened Botticelli’s on S. Congress just up from the Continental Club. If you crave Chicago-style Italian beef and sausage subs with hot peppers, then this is your place. The bruschetta is a delight as is the Boticelli bread. Make sure to try The Original. (Hint: if you love Italian cold cuts, peppers, et al baked into hot bread) you’ll love this sandwich.
Both brothers have been in Austin for a while and have earned their spurs with management gigs at Manuel’s, Café Bleu and Captiol Brasserie among other spots.
I heard about this spot from Chris, the manager at La Traviata. And I saw he and his boss, chef Marion Gilchrist at the opening. They don’t see it as competition, they see it as a great place to go and eat. Can’t say as I blame them. This place has great promise.
