Peche: Austin’s First Absinthe Bar

With the popularity of all things "craft" soaring, it’s little wonder that cocktails are undergoing something of a renaissance. But there’s one place in particular that seems to be drawing visitors by throwing it back to the old days of drinking—think pre-1920s. It’s called Peche, and it’s well worth your time.

Located on West 4th Street in Austin, Peche made its name by being the first absinthe bar in the city. As such, it has an excellent selection of absinthes, but what makes it even more special is the kind of cocktails it serves to patrons. With a specialization in pre-Prohibition-style drinks, you can be sure you’re getting something out of the ordinary here. Of course, sophisticated drinks need sophisticated foods, and this spot makes no mistake in offering an excellent variety of French-inspired dishes, like braised short ribs and duck confit. The next time you’re in the mood for an elevated meal, keep this bar in mind.

(512) Brewery Tour: Experience a Local Craft Brewery Up Close

(512) Brewery is a business so local and focused on the art of craft brewing that it doesn't even have a tasting room. The entire space is dedicated solely to brewing great beer and shipping it out to bars and stores around Austin. That doesn't mean you can't grab a glass at (512), though.

Sign up for the brewery tour on Saturday, December 17th, and you'll have the chance to sample beers as you watch them being brewed. The one-hour tour is only $10 and includes a souvenir glass as well as small pours of the various suds being whipped up at the brewery that day. Designated drivers can take the tour for free, and they receive a free pint glass or $5 off merchandise in return for skipping the samples.

(512) Brewery Tour
When: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: (512) Brewing Company, 407 Radam Lane, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/512-brewery-tour-dec17-2016-1230pm-tickets-29055902988
www.512brewing.com/2013/02/tours-now-weekly-at-512

Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal: Holiday Shopping with a Side of Art and Wine

If you haven't already seen the Soil of the Soul exhibit at Art for the People Gallery in Austin, there's no better time to visit than on Friday, December 16th. The gallery will be hosting a special event on behalf of the artist, called Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal. It will showcase three new pieces of work that complement the existing exhibit, which pays homage to wine and those who love it.

Come to the free event to explore the beautiful works of art and do a little gift shopping too. The gallery's art boutique will be open, and it's packed with one-of-a-kind items handcrafted by local artists. So as you shop, you'll also be giving back to your community. What's more, there will be a DJ on hand to spin beats as well as sommeliers doling out glasses of fine wines.

Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal
When: 6 – 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16
Where: Art for the People Gallery, 1711 S. First Street, Austin, TX
www.austintexas.org/event/revel-in-the-secret-wall-reveal/128986
www.facebook.com/events/1228801507184715

Sample the Breakfast Tacos at Taco-Mex

It doesn't have to be Taco Tuesday for you to enjoy some hearty Mexican cuisine. Taco-Mex offers top-notch, made-to-order tacos, and it's conveniently located not far from Elan East. While this restaurant specializes in unique breakfast tacos which you can get all day, the staff here also make tasty lunch tacos as well as other favorite Mexican dishes, including burritos, chile relleno, and quesadillas. All menu items are served a la carte, though platters which include rice and beans are also available.

The next time you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine, be sure to order delivery or take-out from Taco-Mex. Since all the food is made to order, be sure to call ahead or place your order online for fast service.

The Renegade Craft Fair Returns to Austin with Over 125 Vendors

More than 125 makers will fill Fair Market for the this year's Renegade Craft Fair. Returning on November 26th and 27th, the market is a favorite for holiday shoppers in the area. The Renegade Craft Fair is taking place just three miles from Elan East, so it’s an easy pop-up shop to check out this holiday season. The full list of participating vendors is available online, but guests can expect to browse jewelry, prints, clothing, home items, candles, and more.

The market runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, and guests can enjoy coffee, snacks, and drinks from a number of on-site vendors. Market entertainment includes music, a photo booth, and hand-drawn portraits. Be sure to stop by to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts for the people on your holiday shopping list this fall at the Renegade Craft Fair!

Renegade Craft Fair
When: Nov. 26 – 27, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Fair Market, 1100 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: Pay as you go
www.renegadecraft.com/fairs/austin-2016-holiday

Sample the Best Mac and Cheese Around at the Austin Mac & Cheese Festival

Thomas Jefferson’s daughter was the first American to make it, Kraft made it famous, and now you can help decide where to find the best at the First Annual Austin Mac & Cheese Festival on Sunday, November 13th. Chefs from 20 different restaurants will be on hand to compete in the ultimate mac and cheese showdown. Whether you eat it as a main course with added broccoli, tomatoes, bacon, or lobster, or you eat it as a side dish with breadcrumbs sprinkled on top, there is sure to be a favorite among the choices.

The event will be held at the Historic Scoot Inn, and doors open at 1 p.m. Admission ranges in price from $30 for unlimited tastings to $65 for early admission, unlimited tastings, and specialty cocktails as well as some free souvenirs. In addition, both entry choices allow you to vote on who has the best dish in town.

Austin Mac & Cheese Festival
When: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 13
Where: Historic Scoot Inn, 1308 East 4th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $30 – 65
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/austin-mac-cheese-festival-tickets-28789027757

Support Local At-Risk Animals When You Attend the Barkitecture Austin Preview Party

Dog lovers, take note: on Thursday, November 10th, you can play with pups, check out cool doghouse designs, and help raise funds for the care of dogs at the Barkitecture Austin Preview Party. The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Google Fiber Space on Colorado Street and benefits Austin Pets Alive, a shelter for at-risk animals. Throughout the evening, ticket holders can enjoy food from Blackfinn American Pub, beer from Zilker Brewing Company, cocktails from Tito’s Vodka, and a raffle. Raffle prizes include an Apple Watch, a custom dog kennel, and more.

The Barkitecture preview party is happening only four miles from Elan East, so it’s an easy after-work happy hour to check out. Tickets range from $30 to $35 and are available online. Note that tickets will not be available at the door, so be sure to scoop up your ticket up soon!

Barkitecture Austin Preview Party
When: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10
Where: Google Fiber Space, 201 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701
Cost: $30+
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/barkitecture-austin-2016-preview-party-tickets-27272465679?aff=es2

Take a Russian Cooking Class on November 7th

While there are other cuisines available at restaurants across Texas, Russian fare tends to be harder to find. For those who crave Russian cuisine, Russian Bistro LLC on East 5th Street hosts a recurring cooking class that teaches students the basics of Russian cooking. On Monday, November 7th, the bistro hosts a fall-inspired cooking workshop where students will learn how to make Pumpkin Russian Sweet, a traditional fall treat of mixed pumpkin and prunes.

Tickets are required for entry to the class and are available online. Tickets are $10 per person and include all the cooking utensils and ingredients that you will need to make the sweet treat. The class is taking place about three miles from Elan East, which makes it an easy event to check out this November.

November Cooking Class at Russian Bistro LLC
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Where: Russian Bistro LLC, 307 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/november-cooking-class-pumpkin-russian-sweet-tickets-28516142550?aff=es2

Take a Russian Cooking Class on November 7th

While there are other cuisines available at restaurants across Texas, Russian fare tends to be harder to find. For those who crave Russian cuisine, Russian Bistro LLC on East 5th Street hosts a recurring cooking class that teaches students the basics of Russian cooking. On Monday, November 7th, the bistro hosts a fall-inspired cooking workshop where students will learn how to make Pumpkin Russian Sweet, a traditional fall treat of mixed pumpkin and prunes.

Tickets are required for entry to the class and are available online. Tickets are $10 per person and include all the cooking utensils and ingredients that you will need to make the sweet treat. The class is taking place about three miles from Elan East, which makes it an easy event to check out this November.

November Cooking Class at Russian Bistro LLC
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Where: Russian Bistro LLC, 307 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/november-cooking-class-pumpkin-russian-sweet-tickets-28516142550?aff=es2

Take a Russian Cooking Class on November 7th

While there are other cuisines available at restaurants across Texas, Russian fare tends to be harder to find. For those who crave Russian cuisine, Russian Bistro LLC on East 5th Street hosts a recurring cooking class that teaches students the basics of Russian cooking. On Monday, November 7th, the bistro hosts a fall-inspired cooking workshop where students will learn how to make Pumpkin Russian Sweet, a traditional fall treat of mixed pumpkin and prunes.

Tickets are required for entry to the class and are available online. Tickets are $10 per person and include all the cooking utensils and ingredients that you will need to make the sweet treat. The class is taking place about three miles from Elan East, which makes it an easy event to check out this November.

November Cooking Class at Russian Bistro LLC
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Where: Russian Bistro LLC, 307 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/november-cooking-class-pumpkin-russian-sweet-tickets-28516142550?aff=es2

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