White Linen Night Charms for Food and Wine Alliance

This guest article is by Lisa Taylor.

As a longtime Austinite, it’s always fun for me to introduce people to the city I love so much. When presented with that opportunity recently, I knew I had to find a unique venue to start the Austin journey with my friend in question. Never one to pass up the chance to get dressed up, sample wine and listen to live music, I dove into my day planner and came up with the perfect local event.

On an unusually cool, breezy Saturday evening in downtown Austin, the 2nd Street District put on White Linen Night, benefiting the Austin Food and Wine Alliance.

Situated between 2nd and 3rd streets right off Lavaca, the white tents were set up, vendors were present and the band, The Waller Creek Vipers, piped music toward the crowd. Attendees looked crisp and polished in their all white ensembles. Because of the cooler temperatures, everyone was in good spirits.

Wines and Spirits

Upon our entrance, we were offered a glass of champagne in a keepsake wine glass. There were several wineries represented: Spicewood Vineyard, Terlato and Becker to name a few. I was informed that Becker Vineyard will be celebrating their 18th Annual Grape Stomp on August 23-24. So if you’re in the neighborhood and ready to put your foot in it, a fun filled family day in the Texas Hill country is just around the corner.

Of course, I tried several wines and my favorites were Spicewood Vineyards 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and the Verdillac 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux, both of which were perfect accompaniments to the wonderful nibbles provided.

Restaurants in Attendance

Some of the restaurants that provided small plates of deliciousness were Trace, Jo’s Coffee, Delish, The Bonneville, Finn and Porter and Searsucker, replete with Executive Chef Andy “Dizzle” Phillips in attendance. They were all serving up key items from their menus. Tuna tartar, lobster rolls, cupcakes and several olive oils from Con Olio’s Oils & Vinegars were some of the items to choose from.

As the band played, my companion and I walked, nibbled and tasted wines until we realized our hands were too full to either eat or drink. At that point, we found one of several tables provided to stand at and free up our hands, so that we could enjoy our treasure trove of delights.

2nd Street Shopping

Several of the 2nd Street district boutiques, like Hemline, were offering special discounts to any attendees who found their way into the shops after the event. The opportunity to pick up a cute summer top or flowy skirt didn’t go unnoticed, and I made a mental note to zip over once we left the tented area.

All in all, atmosphere surrounding White Linen Night couldn’t have been better. The $25.00 entrance fee to support the Austin Food and Wine Alliance was money well spent.

Lisa Taylor is a music lover, aspiring writer, and military veteran who has served for almost 25 years in the Army. She has lived in and around Austin, Texas since 1970. Read more from Lisa on her blog.

@theAustinot asks:

Did you attend White Linen Night this past weekend?