I had the distinguished honor of being invited to the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival Preview/Press Event.  “Pampering our palettes” with bites from Chef Tyson Cole’s Uchiko, the founding partners of the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival gave a sneak preview of the 3-day event taking place April 27-29, 2012, in Austin, TX.

Founding partners Charlie Jones (C3 Present), Chef Tyson Cole (Uchi & Uchiko), Chef Tim Love (Lonesome Dove Bistro and coming in 2012 The Woodshed Smokehouse) and restaurateur Jesse Herman (La Condesa), kicked off the event with a preview of the talent that will abound at the festival, as well as some of the musical acts, including Grammy award-winning artist Lucinda Williams, who will be headlining Friday’s VIP event at Republic Square Park.

With more than 40+ events offered over three days and an impressive roster of talent, including some of Austin’s finest, Austin and it’s residents are in for a treat that include such tasty bits as grand tastings, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, seminars, chef demonstrations and live music, as Austin is the live music capital after all – Check out the complete schedule here!

[slideshow]

The Austin FOOD & WINE Festival will benefit the newly formed 501c3 “Austin Food & Wine Alliance,” which will give back to the Central Texas culinary community through a vibrant grant program to fund projects focused on culinary innovation.  For more information about the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, visit austinfoodwinealliance.org

Tickets go on-sale January 24th and can be purchased directly on the Austin Food & Wine website.  For more information about the event and/or to volunteer click here, as well as a list of sponsors.