“Bear in mind that you should conduct yourself in life as at a feast.”
- Epictetus
This weekend brings a number of ways to help you feast better this holiday season. Events cover everything from making tamales to grilling leg of lamb.
Holiday Dinner Party from Lambert’s – Cooking Class
Thursday, December 10, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $60
Central Market Cooking School
4821 Broadway St.
Lou Lambert, owner and executive Chef of Lambert’s in Fort Worth and Austin, will showcase his innovative talents in this holiday menu: Roasted-Beet Salad with Shaved Fennel & Candied Shallot Vinaigrette; Port Arthur Oyster & Shrimp Stew; Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Kalamata Olive Demi & Garlic Whipped Potatoes; and Cajeta Carmalitas with Mocha Ice Cream.
Tana Wheeler Benefit
Friday, December 11, 7 – 10 p.m., donations
Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms Road
Stonewall, Texas 78671
Grand Winery Tour at 8 p.m.; Silent Auction 7-9 p.m.; Music by Ten Foot Roosters. Proceeds will benefit Tana Wheeler, who is afflicted by stage 2 breast cancer and single mother of two children who lives and teaches in Johnson City. For more information, email Chris at beckerlavender@beecreek.net.
La Tamalada: Old-Fashioned Tamale Making
Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m.- noon, $25 museum members, $35 non-members
Witte Museum
3801 Broadway
Experience the tamale making techniques, while learning more about this San Antonio tradition. Class size is limited to 20 participants per session. To register, call (210) 357-1910.
Wine School
Saturday, December 12, 4 – 6:30 p.m., $20
Copa Wine Bar
19141 Stone Oak Pkwy.
Sample six Italian wines along with a small cheese plate with discussion led by Denise Eadson of Republic’s Diamond wine division. For reservations, call (210) 495-2672.
Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail: Holiday Wine Trail
December 12 & 13, $30 for one, $50 for two
Various locations
Take a drive to wine country and sample wine and food pairings at each of the trail’s wineries. If you visit four of the wineries on the trail, you will receive a commemorative Pinot Noir glass. Participants include Bernhardt Winery, Colony Cellars, Cork This! Winery, Messina Hof Winery & Resort, Pleasant Hill Winery, Retreat Hill Winery & Vineyard, and Windy Winery. Tickets are good for both weekends, but only one visit per vineyard included. To purchase tickets, see http://bit.ly/8zWq23.
Port & Stilton Tasting, and Port Shots, too!
December 12 – 13, Saturdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays, Noon-6 p.m., Free
Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms Road
Stonewall, Texas 78671
Sample the Vintage Port with a strong, delicious and pungent blue cheese! There will also be Port Shots: sample caramel, shoot some port and chase it with chocolate! Delightfully wicked! Live music will be as follows: Dec. 12 Chad Hudson; and Dec. 13 Doug Anthony. More information is at www.beckervineyards.com.
Christmas Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist
Sunday, December 13, 10:30 a.m. – noon, adults $25, children $12.50
Gruene Hall
1281 Gruene Road
New Braunfels, TX
Be inspired at a New Orleans style gospel brunch with buffet by The Gristmill and entertainment by Bret Graham and The Gospel Silvertones. The menu includes Oven Roasted Turkey Breast; Seasoned Roast Beef; Falls City Pepper Bacon; Migas; Buttermilk Biscuits and Gravy; and more. The meal includes one champagne drink; other bar beverages available at additional cost. Cowboy Kringle will be making a special appearance. Tickets are available at http://tickets.gruenehall.com/
Where the Bison Roam – Cooking Class
Monday, December 14, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $65
Central Market Cooking School
4821 Broadway St.
Terry Conlan, executive chef of Lake Austin Spa Resort, will show his expertise in building flavor without fat in the following menu: Bison & Potato Hash Cake with Sunny Side Egg; Buffalo Hunter Burger; Bison & Black Bean Chile; Pink Adobe Strip Steak with Green Chile & Caramelized Shallot Pan Sauce; Short Rib with Bourbon Reduction & Winter Greens; and Grange Chocolate Cake with Orange Sauce.
(Illustration: Martine Lemmens)
