Sure, Edible Austin magazine is hosting its Eat Local Week this week in Austin, but while they have events every night, I’ve culled the best for you below. Ok, ok, so it’s the two free ones that involve alcohol. Drink Local.
TUESDAY, 12/9: Drink Local Night at The Monarch, 6–9 pm
A celebration of locally made spirits featuring the ultimate Drink Local Cocktail Contest produced by Tipsy Texans David Alan and Joe Eifler, searching for the best seasonal cocktail from the finest mixologists. Meet your local distillers and sample their favorite holiday season cocktails. Cocktail contest starts at 7 pm.
Participating distillers: Dripping Springs Vodka, Lone Star Distillery, Paula’s Texas Spirits, Pepe’s Z Tequila, Treaty Oak Rum, Tito’s Vodka and Savvy Vodka.
Food for the event will be provided by the Austin chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, an international service organization of distinguished women professionals in the food, wine, and hospitality industries. They’ll prepare hors d’oeuvres from Cooking with Les Dames d’Escoffier: At Home with the Women Who Shape the Way We Eat and Drink. The 2008 cookbook, which includes favorite recipes from members Julia Child, MFK Fisher, Marcella Hazan and Alice Waters along with dozens of other Dames, will be available at the event. A percentage of sales go to Austin Dames’ scholarships for local women culinary students and to support Urban Roots.
Friday, 12/12: Meet Your Local Brewers Happy Hour at the Whip In Parlour Cafe & Market, 3-7pm.
Live Oak Brewing Company, (512) Brewing Company (love you, Pecan Porter!), Independence Brewing Co., Uncle Billy’s Brew, Real Ale Brewing Company, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and Shiner Beers will be on hand for the meet-n-greet. As in, meet this beer. Greet its maker. Special 10% discount offered on taste selections. Also enjoy Indian offerings from the Whip In menu, featuring Loncito’s Ranch grass-fed lamb and local produce for vegetarians and vegans.