One June 26^th, 2010 Slow Food Austin hosted a historic educational event.  The Texas Showcase was an opportunity to meet local food artisans, chat with them about their craft, and taste their delicious food.  We envisioned an event where guests could slow down and mingle with food artisans and develop a new appreciation for the local foods of Central Texas.

Many people commented about how “intimate” the event was and raved about the benefits of such a “personal” encounter with food artisans and their products.  I overheard conversations about tastes, textures, and production methods.  There was lively discussion, wonderfully simple foods & drinks, and intriguing demonstrations.

Our mission is to “reconnect people with their food” and we are proud to say that this showcase did exactly that by educating them about food in the context of taste, pleasure, laughter, and community. We hope to continue offering taste education events like this.

We’d like to offer a special thanks to our co-sponsors, supporters, and artisans.  This event couldn’t have happened without their generous contributions.

Edible Austin, Slow Food Austin and Welcome Books invite you to

A Slow Taste of Tuscany

A celebration and special dinner at Primizie Osteria

We present this event as part of a celebration across North America of Slow Food and Douglas Gayeton’s new book Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:00

Join us in honoring the simple and superb pleasure of fresh food that has been prepared slowly and locally.

Tickets ($85) include a multi-course feast highlighting local ingredients, an autographed copy of the book ($50 value), and a contribution to Urban Roots. Gratuity and taxes separate.

Please RSVP at www.primizieaustin.com by Nov. 6
Primizie Osteria, 1000 E. 11th St., Austin, TX
Telephone: 512.236.0088

Sponsored by Zagat & Welcome Books | Edible Austin | Slow Food Austin

Raw Talk & Tasting: Raw-Milk Cheese Meets Local Hops and Honey

At this first annual fundraiser for Slow Food Austin you will enjoy an evening of unique flavors, meet some of their producers and mingle with other Austinites who share a passion for slow food, set to the tunes of Austin’s Lost and Nameless.

Cathy Strange, Global Cheese Buyer for Whole Foods Market, will lead an educational presentation and tasting of raw-milk cheeses complemented by the hand-crafted beers of Austin’s (512) Brewing Company and local honey from Round Rock Honey. Baskets of artisan baked bread from Lauren Hubele of Bona Dea Breads and homemade crackers from the Barr Mansion kitchen will accompany.

In the United States, the sale of raw milk cheeses that are aged less than 60 days is illegal. Fortunately, Slow Food’s Presidia program is working to protect this delectable artisan food, and at the recent Cheese 2009 event in Bra, Italy, Slow Food focused on pairing beer with cheese.

And don’t plan on leaving empty-handed! Our silent auction is chock full of Austin’s most delicious and quaffable goodies, as well as unforgettable culinary experiences. Tour the Austin Farmer’s Market with a local expert, then have dinner cooked at your house using the market’s most mouthwatering offerings. Join a CSA. Expand your culinary skills with lessons from a local chef. Leave Barr Mansion with your arms laden with premier wines, gift certificates to your favorite local merchants, and organic taste treats, this silent auction will be the most delectable in Austin’s history.

October 21, 2009
6:30–8:30 pm
Barr Mansion
Tickets: $50 ($40 Slow Food members)