Live Fire: 2014 Edition

This year marked the third year (one and two) of the Austin Food and Wine Alliance’s Live Fire and the third year that Evelyn and I have attended.  Unexpectedly the weather turned wet and dreary, but remained relatively tame for the duration of the face-stuffing festivities.  We met up with Jeff and Lisa (of Full and Content), who had already scoped things out and snapped some great pictures, so check them out for some actually good photos of the event.

Live Fire Banner

After battling traffic Evelyn and I arrived around 7pm and got right to the eating.  Ultimately we tried all but two of the tents, some of which had multiple samples to try.  All pictures are below, and rather than somehow rank 17 dishes, I’ll share a few highlights.

For me, Cafe Josie’s Braised Short Rib and Sweet Potato Skewer, the second thing we tasted, topped my list.

Braised Short Rib and Sweet Potato with Chili Aioli from Cafe Josie

Braised Short Rib and Sweet Potato with Chili Aioli from Cafe Josie

Evelyn and Lisa  both preferred the Toasted Chile and Garlic Skirt Steak with Jalapeno Jelly, Cherry Tomato Relish and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds from Arcade Midtown Kitchen in San Antonio.  That would be my second favorite.

Toasted Chile and Garlic Skirt Steak with Jalapeno Jelly, Cherry Tomato Relish and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds from Arcade Midtown Kitchen

Toasted Chile and Garlic Skirt Steak with Jalapeno Jelly, Cherry Tomato Relish and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds from Arcade Midtown Kitchen

Jeff’s favorite bite came from The Granary (also in San Antonio) and their Smoke-Grilled Beef Cheek, Plantain, and Chimichurri.

Smoke-Grilled Beef Cheek, Plantain, and Chimichurri from The Granary

Smoke-Grilled Beef Cheek, Plantain, and Chimichurri from The Granary

In true Franklin BBQ fashion, he ran out of food very early (like 7:45pm at an event that goes from 6:30-9pm) and many people were left without sampling his beef ribs.  Ev and I made the rounds quickly (more on that in a sec) and still didn’t make it to Franklin’s line in time.  Franklin himself said he prepared 500 plates (the number of tickets that were sold), but alas… sad times.

As for the event itself, it just didn’t have that same “WOW” factor as in years past.  Perhaps being pregnant (i.e. no drinking) coupled with soggy weather meant there was less opportunity to grab a plate or two and then find a spot to just hang out and enjoy while sipping wine or a cocktail.  Instead, we grabbed a plate of food and promptly moved to the back of the next line.  Jeff, Evelyn, and I agree that the quality of the food, for whatever reason, didn’t blow us out of the water either.  Perhaps we’re simply remembering last year with an unfairly high expectation.

We’ll see about if we’ll attend or not next year.  If deciding now, probably not.  But who knows, maybe we’ll remember it with a certain fondness that forgets the downsides of this year’s event.  Until then, onto more (mediocre) food pictures!

Live Fire 2014

In order of consumption:

 

Live Fire! – Let the Meat Begin!

The Austin Food & Wine Alliance took over part of the Salt Lick estate to put on their second annual Live Fire! meatacular. With 16 fantastic chefs putting their twist on meat+fire (here’s a look at the menu), complimented by several equally talented pastry chefs crafting some special desserts. Not to be left thirsty, the wine, beer, and spirits flowed freely from Texan vineyards, brewers, and distillers.

live fire welcome sign

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Austin FOOD & WINE Festival Kicks Off with Live Fire!

This weekend Austin gets to play host to the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival.  It’s a spin-off of the famed FOOD & WINE Festival held annually in Aspen.  Saturday and Sunday the festival will take over Auditorium Shores to showcase locally- and nationally-famous chefs doing what they do best.  To unofficially kick things off, the Salt Lick made for the perfect venue to prove you can’t have too much meat and alcohol in one place.  This is Live Fire!

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