This Week’s Top Food Events: Whiskey Dinner, Brandy Class, Wine Tasting

Welcome to EventWire, Eater Austin's rundown of the best upcoming local dining and drinking events. Here is where you should be spending this week from Monday, September 26 through Friday, September 30.

Monday, September 26
What: Go back to school at Parkside tonight when Parkside Projects’ beverage director Paul Ozbirn leads a tasting of brandies from around the globe. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres throughout the tasting.
Where: Parkside, Downtown
Details: Tickets are $32.50 per person (includes tax and gratuity). The brandy class runs from 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday, September 26
What: Wild boar salumi, pizzas, ricotta tart, oh my! For a preview of Apis’ upcoming pizzeria, head to Pizzeria Sorellina’s pop-up at fellow pizza spot Bufalina, with pies like verde with smoked kale and ramp pesto, Manilla clam, and wild boar salumi in several styles.
Where: Bufalina, East Cesar Chavez
Details: The pop-up goes from 6 to 9 p.m. Prices vary by dish.

Monday, September 26
What: Hyde Park Bar & Grill on Duval Street is ringing in 34 years with a birthday bash tonight. The oversized-fork-adorned landmark is celebrating with a meet and greet with Texas country singer/songwriter Cory Morrow from 7 to 8 p.m., happy hour prices on drinks, $5 small plates, a free sharable Wom Kim’s Peach Pudding for every table, complimentary balloon twisting for kids, and giant balloon sculptures. Bonus: There will be prizes for the best fork selfie with the aforementioned oversized fork out front.
Where: Hyde Park Bar & Grill, Hyde Park
Details: The party goes from 6 to 9 p.m. For every Cory Morrow Burger (featuring bacon, cheddar, chili, onions, avocado, and a fried egg) sold $2 will be donating to the Salvation Army.

Wednesday, September 28
What: Free wine tasting alert! Stop by Italic for a happy hour hosted by Antonio Benanti of Benanti, one of Mount Etna's premier wineries. In addition to the happy hour tasting, the rustic Italian spot will be featuring three special Sicilian dishes (shrimp-stuffed olives, a crostini topped with olives, raisins, pistachios and ricotta salata, and an anchovy pizza) on its dinner menu that conveniently pair with the wines.
Where: Italic, Downtown
Details: The happy hour runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. No reservations required for the happy hour or dinner.

Wednesday, September 28
What: To celebrate the release of its Pineapple Hop Totem (think juicy pineapple + hop-forward summer seasonal brew), Blue Owl Brewing's DIY Tiny Terrarium Workshop series continues with Pineapple Hop Totems.
Where: Blue Owl Brewing, East Side
Details: The $30 registration fee covers the class, take-home terrarium, a Blue Owl glass, and four sample pours. The class runs from 8 to 10 p.m. though arrive early to start your tasting.

Wednesday, September 28
What: Whiskey lovers, listen up. Freedmen’s Bar and Smokehouse is kicking off a Monthly Whiskey Dinner series, which includes a guided tasting of a featured distillery paired with a three-course barbecue-centric meal made from locally sourced ingredients. This inaugural dinner with showcase three very special single-malt Scotch whisky expressions from Scotland-based Aberlour and Capra Premium Dorper Lamb.
Where: Freedmen’s Bar and Smokehouse, West Campus
Details: Tickets are available for $36 per person. Dinner goes from 7 to 9 p.m. The monthly dinners will be hosted on the last Wednesday of every month, except December.

Thursday, September 29
What: Banger’s is celebrating California-based Ballast Point’s 20th anniversary by tapping 20 brews from the award-winning craft brewer. Headlining will be Sour Wench. Plus, you can win Ballast Point prizes and glassware.
Where: Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, Rainey Street
Details: Get in on the fun from 6 to 10 p.m.

Thursday, September 29
What: It’s the 2016 Austin Whiskies of the World event. Consider this an opportunity to up your whiskey knowledge by experiencing as many whiskeys as you can, attending whisky seminars, and indulging in whisky and food pairings.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Austin, Downtown
Details: Tickets are $140. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Valid photo ID required.

Thursday, September 29
What: Thursday Night Throwdown is a monthly latte art competition brought you by the Austin Coffee Society. It is a single elimination bracket tournament where baristas face off head to head and pour their best designs for three judges.
Where: Apanas Coffee & Beer, 1007 South Congress Avenue
Details: Buy in for competitors is $5, and sign up begins at 7 p.m., first come first serve. The event is open to any and all coffee professionals and enthusiasts.

Past EventWires

Week of September 19-23

Monday, September 19 and Beyond
What: Boiler Nine's subterranean lounge The Boiler Room is launching a $5 social hour today. Choose from six $5 cocktails, and five $5 snacks (including that irresistible beer bread!).
Where: Boiler Nine Bar + Grill, Downtown
Details: The $5 drinks and snacks menus are offered from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Wednesday, September 21
What: Explore the world of Chilean wines at Whole Foods Market at 6th Street and Lamar—no passport required. Local sommeliers are going head-to-head in a Wines of Chile pairing challenge, and you get to be the judge.
Where: Whole Foods Market, Downtown
Details: The Chilean wine-centric happy hour lasts from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 22
What: Join in a Bavarian Brotzeit-style happy hour with Edible Austin and Champignon Cheese (read: cheese, breads, and beer) at ABGB. Cheese maven Cathy Strange will offer a guided tour of the pairings, and The Austin Polka Band will provide the jams.
Where: The ABGB, South Austin
Details: The free event goes from 5 to 8 p.m. A portion of proceeds will benefit The House That Beer Built, a collaboration between Austin breweries and Austin Habitat for Humanity.

Thursday, September 22
What: Ready to party? Icenhauer’s is celebrating six years on Rainey Street and marking the occasion with free food, drink specials, and live music
Where: Icenhauer, Rainey Street
Details: The party is from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. 10% of sales will be donated to the American Red Cross to help raise funds for those affected by the Louisiana floods.

Thursday, September 22
What: At Art Bites, the worlds of food and art fuse. Ten of Austin's top chefs are paired with a piece of art from the Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery, and each chef is tasked with creating a bite that is inspired by the artwork. Featured chefs include Peter Maffei of upcoming Cannon + Belle, Zach Hunter of Fixe, Stephen Bonin of Geraldine’s, Amir Hajimaleki of Oasthouse Gastropub, and more. DJ Gatsby will provide the evening’s soundtrack.
Where: Russell Collection Fine Art Gallery, 1137 West 6th Street
Details: Tickets are $45 per person and include food, wine, and cocktails by Tito's Vodka. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. All profits and 5% of art sales that evening will benefit local nonprofit Hopefully Sow, which supports Central Texas foster children.

Thursday, September 22
What: During the past few months, Banger's has been working with different breweries to create one-of-a-kind concoctions including (512) Brewing Company's strawberry version, and the intriguingly-named 4th Tap Spruce Wayne and the Sausage League. These brews can only be found at Banger’s, and once it’s gone, it’s done forever.
Where: Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden, Rainey Street
Details: The beers are available beginning at 6 p.m. Taste them while you can!

Thursday, September 22
What: To celebrate Historic Scoot Inn's new lounge, dubbed the Ivy Room, the bar is throwing a party to break it in. There will be $1.45 drafts of Lone Star (because of its 145th birthday), along with happy hour and other food and drink specials all night long.
Where: Historic Scoot Inn, East Side
Details: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Thursday, September 22
What: For another birthday celebration, Dock & Roll celebrates five years of serving seafood from the trailer with a party full of free bites from the new menu.
Where: Steampunk Saloon, West Sixth
Details: 8 to 9:30 p.m., RSVP recommended

Friday, September 23
What: Break away from your sad sack lunch this Friday. Whole Foods Market’s catering branch is celebrating one year on the east side by hosting a Friday food truck fest where you can eat, drink, shop, and love on some adorable animals. Açaí Hut, Whole Foods Market, Moojo ice cream and cookie sandwiches, Wanderlust Coffee, Kristen Saksa Juen handmade ceramics, Psyche Jewelry, and Gypsetter Traveling Boutique will be on-hand. Plus, there will be furry friends from Austin Animal Center and Austin Wildlife Rescue. The Photo Bus ATX will also be offering free photos!
Where: Whole Foods Market Catering, 6201 Bolm Road, Suite #101
Details: Visit from 11:30 to 2 p.m.

Week of September 12-16

Monday, September 12 and beyond
What: Beginning today, South Congress Hotel is redefining 'Monday blues' with blues and bourbon in the Lobby Bar. DJ King Louie and DJ Manolo Black will be spinning Motown’s finest, and the bar will feature specials on the Old Fashioned ($6) and the Gold Rush ($6).
Where: South Congress Hotel, South Congress
Details: Every Monday from 7 to 11 p.m. Free event and free valet parking available for up to three hours.

Monday, September 12 through Thursday, September 15
What: Chicago's Goose Island Brewing Co. is bringing a bunch of beer, classes, and music this week, from a beer and cheese class with Antonelli's at the cheese shop, sour beers at Banger's, to coffee and beer classes, and more.
Where: Throughout Austin
Details: Check out the full schedule here.

Tuesday, September 13
What: Tiki continues at Whisler's. The east Austin cocktail bar’s 4th annual Tiki Takeover will include a tiki-themed menu, tiki burlesque, surf music by the Boss Jaguars from 9 to 11 p.m., and a few surprises.
Where: Whisler's, East Sixth
Details: Party goes from 4 p.m. to close.

Tuesday, September 13
What: "2 Chefs, 2 Decades"—a dinner series featuring Alcomar chefs Alma Alcocer-Thomas and Jeff Martinez’s food memories—continues this week with a Mexican Independence Day celebration. The meal will feature foods from Puebla, which is considered the cradle of the revolution with cuisine that incorporates Spanish, French, and indigenous Mexican influences.
Where: Alcomar, South First
Details: Tickets are $68 per person and includes 4 courses, 4 pairings, tax and gratuity. Dinner will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 14 and beyond
What: It's all dub records, daiquiris ($6), and scorpions ($6) during Dub Wednesdays at the South Congress Hotel’s lobby for another themed-weekly event.
Where: South Congress Hotel, South Congress
Details: Every Wednesday from 7 to 11 p.m. Free event and free valet parking available for up to three hours.

Wednesday, September 14
What: Fixe is hosting The Prisoner Wine Company Tasting giving attendees to taste five wines from its portfolio and enjoy complimentary bites from the kitchen. There will also be special pricing on each bottle available for purchase.
Where: Fixe, West 5th Street
Details: The tasting is $25 per guest. Call the restaurant to make reservations, or book online with a note about attending the event. The social runs from 5 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, September 14
What: Hosted by Jason Kosmas of 86 Co. and Jessica Sanders of Drink.Well and Backbeat, Women’s Club Wednesday is poolside at the W Austin. Guests can enjoy complimentary 86 Co. spirits with interactive stations and demonstrations, to learn how to make a variety of cocktails, paired with bites from the hotel, plus shop a pop-up from Psyche Jewelry.
Where: W Hotel Austin, Downtown
Details: The gathering is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the W’s Wet Deck. Open to the public. Free but RSVP is encouraged.

Wednesday, September 14
What: Jeffrey’s is hosting an evening featuring a five-course dinner with cuisine from chef Rebecca Meeker and multi-vintages of Peter Michael wines. Beverage experts Peter Kay, director of sales at Peter Michael, and the restaurant's beverage director June Rodil all will be on hand.
Where: Jeffrey’s, Clarksville
Details: $300 per person for tasting menu and pairings. Hors d’oeuvres are served at 6:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 15
What: Noble Sandwich Co. is hosting The Ale and Tale Dinner, another five-course dinner from chef John Bates paired with seven Jester King Brewery beers, many of which are only available at events and dinners.
Where: Noble Sandwich Co, Brentwood
Details: Tickets are $80 per person, gratuity not included. Dinner starts at 7 p.m.

Thursday, September 15
What: Get a taste of the eclectic world of wine at The Wine & Food Foundation’s New Vintage event where you’ll discover dozens of wines in various styles and varietals from all over the world. Plus, there will be bites from Austin hot spots including Central Standard Kitchen and Bar, Bullfight, Hudson’s on the Bend, and more.
Where: 800 Congress
Details: The event runs from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 for members and $85 for non-members. The sommelier chat before the event at The Townsend will run you $35.

Friday, September 16
What: Start the weekend with Tamale House East’s "The Diez Y Seis Celebration: South of the Border & East of the Highway," which commemorates the 206th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence from Spain. Taste traditional favorites from south of the border, plus craft beers from local neighboring breweries including Zilker Brewing, Blue Owl Brewing, Hops & Grain, and Independence Brewing. Bonus: There will be select food and drink specials.
Where: Tamale House East, East 6th Street
Details: The celebration lasts from noon to midnight.

Week of September 6-9

Now through the end of September
What: Dine for a great cause this month at all three of ELM's eateries. When you order the red beans and rice ($15) at Irene’s or the Louisiana Board at Easy Tiger ($15), all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross to aid flood victims in Louisiana. Meanwhile, Italic will donate all proceeds from the sale of its bucatini all’Amatriciana ($15) to the Italian Red Cross in support of earthquake recovery efforts in Central Italy.
Where: Irene’s, Downtown; Easy Tiger, Dirty Sixth; Italic, West 6th Street
Details: Fundraising lasts through the end of September.

Tuesday, September 6 through Thursday, September 8
What: Winebelly is celebrating three years with a three-day, three-dollar anniversary party. Yup, that’s $3 dollar glasses of wine, draft beers, and some of its popular bar snacks—for three days. Every evening after 6 p.m., the team is also opening large format bottles the bar has collected and will pour everything tableside.
Where: Winebelly, West Oltorf Street
Details: The party lasts from 3 to 6 p.m. each day.

Tuesday, September 6
What: It’s your chance to taste some of France’s most sought after wines when The Red Room Lounge hosts renowned distributor and exporter Jeanne-Marie de Champs for a wine tasting event. Sample four of her highly acclaimed selections from Burgundy, Loire Valley, and Champagne, as well as paired cheese and charcuterie from Vince Young Steakhouse.
Where: The Red Room Lounge, 306 East 3rd Street
Details: The tasting runs from 5 to 7 p.m. $25 per person.

Tuesday, September 6
What: It’s a Texas star chefs will shine brightly at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa when host Chef André Natera (Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin) and guest Chefs Kevin Fink (Emmer and Rye, Austin), Omar Flores (Casa Rubia, Dallas), Diego Galacia (Mixtili, San Antonio), Julio Peraza (Omni Hotels & Resorts), and Andrew Wiseheart (Chicon and Contigo, Austin) present a six-course seated dinner to benefit the Ment’or BKB Foundation, which aims to provide educational and mentorship opportunities to aspiring culinary professionals around the country.
Where: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Barton Club Drive
Details: The wine reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and a silent auction at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person for the wine reception and six-course dinner.

Tuesday, September 6
What: Meet, drink and dine with John Forrest, winemaker and owner of New Zealand’s Forrest Estate Winery, during a five-course wine dinner at The Bonneville.
Where: The Bonneville, West Cesar Chavez
Details: Dinner starts at 7:30 p.m. and is $75 per person. RSVP by calling 512-428-4643.

Wednesday, September 7 and beyond
What: Whole Foods' next food truck phase is Scrambled, which launches Wednesday with updates to sweet and savory breakfast favorites, including vegan options.
Where: Whole Foods Market flagship store, West 6th and North Lamar
Details: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October 30

Wednesday, September 7
What: Come celebrate the official grand opening of plant-based food trailer Curcuma. Inspired by Ayurveda, the menu includes black lemonade, veggie chips and green goddess chips, kitchari bowls, and more. Come for the samples of golden mylk and Casa Brasil cold brew; stay for the live music and impressive raffle (e.g. massage, yoga, supper club tickets).
Where: Curcuma food truck, 603 West Live Oak Street
Details: The truck will be open for dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. and the party goes from 8 to 10 p.m. BYOB.

Wednesday, September 7
What: Tamale House East is celebrating the installation of its craft beer bar with a Taps & Tamales Party. Enjoy a selection of exotic tamales (e.g. pumpkin tahini and blackened pork belly) and special tappings of rare and regional barrels from Texas producers. There will be giveaways too.
Where: Tamale House East, East 6th Street
Details: The party goes from 5 p.m. to midnight and is all ages. Free entry, though RSVP is encouraged. Beer and tamales are a la carte from $5 and up.

Wednesday, September 7
What: Easy Tiger is hosting a special Whiskey Wednesday featuring Dan Garrison of Garrison Brothers, the first and oldest legal whiskey distillery in Texas. Dan will lead a free seminar on Texas bourbon, which pairs perfectly with the Garrison Brothers Bourbon Flight (featuring The Flagship and three single-barrel bourbons).
Where: Easy Tiger, East 6th Street
Details: The seminar is free and runs from 6 to 7 p.m. Bourbon flights are $20 and available from 4:30 p.m. to close. No RSVP needed.

Wednesday, September 7
What: In celebration of National Beer Lover’s Day, Austin's Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations are hosting a Saint Arnold Brewing Company pint night spotlighting two special Saint Arnold beers, Saint Arnold’s Art Car IPA, and Divine Reserve No.16. The Poutine Burger is also being served only for this one-night event. The burger features a freshly ground beef patty, topped with a farm egg, Tillamook cheddar cheese, Kennebec fries, caramelized onions, tomato, red leaf lettuce, its signature Sassy Sauce, plus a special steak sauce made with Saint Arnold’s Divine Reserve No. 16. Bonus: There will be glassware giveaways and raffles for swag.
Where: All Austin area Hopdoddys
Details: Dig in from 6:30 until 10 p.m. or everything runs out.

Thursday, September 8
What: Be the first to see meadery Meridian Hive’s new look at its rebranding party. The artisan crafted honey wine maker will have four of its finest on tap, and there will be live music from Barebones Orchestra, and more.
Where: Spider House Cafe & Ballroom, North Campus
Details: The party is from 7 to 11 p.m.

Friday, September 9
What: Culinary scientist, educator and author Ali Bouzari will host a seminar at Emmer & Rye around his book release for Ingredient: Unveiling the Essential Elements of Food. The book been described as "everything a cook/bartender/person needs to know about food."
Where: Emmer & Rye, Rainey Street
Details: The seminar lasts from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Limited room. RSVP by emailing the restaurant or calling 512-366-5530.

For a look at events that took place during the summer, check out Eater Austin’s archives.