June 30, 2009 - Culinary Catch-Up: Field
of Dreams and Poke-E-Jo’s
Turns 30
We’ve been busy
working on a new children’s television show - and other
assorted projects - so we’re behind on our reports from
the field. So it’s time to catch up on news from
the regional culinary world.
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We attended the fourth
annual Field of Dreams event on June 25th, sponsored by The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas. Held at the Dell Diamond, the event
served up fine wine from Francis Ford Coppola’s Estate, along with cuisine from North Austin and
Round Rock eateries.
The "Soles for
Souls" Silent Auction featured signed items from the Round
Rock Express and celebrity athletes - with a few in attendance
to add star power to the event. Proceeds benefited the Miracle League and the Nolan Ryan Foundation.
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We also liked the Coppola
Winery selections, especially the Diamond Collection Sauvignon
Blanc; it included a suggestion on the bottle to serve it with
goat cheese. But we couldn’t get over the Sofia
Champagne - which was “bottled” in pull-top cans.
My partner JoeLane thought it was a great idea, since
it’s a single serving size that’s perfect for
parties. I’m still skeptical, although the
champagne itself was pretty good.
This Tuesday the 30th
marks the 30th anniversary for iconic Austin joint Poke-E-Jo’s.
The Austin-born eatery will celebrate rolling back their
prices to 1979, when they opened the first Poke-E-Jo’s
Smokehouse on North Burnet Road.
That location lost its battle with Texas
Department of Transportation and is now under the asphalt of
Mopac Boulevard. The venerable 5th Street location - one
of our favorites - also closed to make room for more downtown
condos (don’t get me started...).
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But the local success
story still has five thriving locations around town, and you
can find us at the Brodie Oaks location on Tuesday for lunch. There is no way
we’re going to miss out on a 3-Meat Plate for only $6.25!