Food Republic Is Heading To This Weekend's Austin Food And Wine Festival

Texas chef Tim Love with a meaty call to arms at last year's Austin FOOD & WINE festival. The Food Republic Interview Lounge returns this Friday.

Ever had a breakfast taco in Austin, Texas? Or an enchilada? Or a brisket sandwich? Or a basket of salty tortilla chips with spicy guacamole and a big-ass margarita to wash it all down? Ah, then you know that Austin is one of the best cities in America for Tex-Mex, barbecue and more. Even sushi. Yes, Austin has a place that typically leaves people shaking their heads, saying, "I can't believe I just had the best sushi of my life — in Texas." See: Uchi.

The Austin Food & Wine Festival returns this weekend with a full schedule of chef tastings, classes (think Tim Love + 100 smoking grills) and an event called Rock Your Taco, which we had a great time at last year. There is all sorts of information available at: austinfoodandwinefestival.com. But like all food events on this planet, tickets are limited and will most certainly sell out.

And for the second year running, Team Food Republic will be heading to Texas to interview chefs and food personalities at the W Austin all day Friday. And we'll be partying with the W Austin Saturday night, April 27, starting at 9pm, for Sel et Gras, a late-night evening of "all things Parisien," with French bites from Trace chef Lawrence Kocurek and pastry chef Janina O'Leary. Tickets are $75 or $60 with an Austin FOOD & WINE Festival badge.

Here is our complete schedule for the Food Republic Interview Lounge, which is subject to change. And if you live in the area, you should stop by and say hi. We'll see you in Austin!

11 a.m.

Lawrence Kocurek

11:30 a.m.-11:55 a.m.

Brian Malarkey

12:00 p.m. – 12:25 p.m.

Bryce & Jack Gilmore

12:30 p.m.-12:55 p.m.

David Wingo

1 p.m. – 1:25 p.m. 


Janina O'Leary

1:30p.m-1:55 p.m.

Graham Elliot

2 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.

Christina Tosi

2:30 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.

Andrew Zimmern

3 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.

Michael Ian Black

3:30 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.

Paul Qui and Deana Saukam

4 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.

Reggie Watts

4:30pm-4:55pm

Pichet Ong

5 p.m. – 5:25 p.m.

Marcus Samuelsson

Related: You Travel, You Eat: Where To Find The Best Food & Drink In Austin