Newsy stuff

-- The newly formed Austin Food Blogger Alliance will have their first happy hour/networking session at Takoba on March 29 at 6 pm. RSVP for the event here; I look forward to finally meeting some of my fellow bloggers! :)

-- There will be a bake sale to raise money for Japanese relief efforts on Saturday, April 2nd. It's being organized by a local group of food bloggers, called Austin Bakes. Can you whip up a baked good or volunteer your time on the 2nd? I'll bake something! (Update: As of March 25, there will be 5 locations around town where the baked goodies will be sold! I think I'll be making blondies and a nutmeg bundt cake for sale at the Hotel San Jose. See their website for all the locations, details, etc.)

-- The next Austin Restaurant Week is coming up! It's your chance to dine at some of Austin's best places at a reduced rate! (And who doesn't like that??!) Apparently, the dates are April 10-13 and 17-20, though they were originally posted to be at the end of March/beginning of April. Maybe it was moved because of....

-- The annual Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, March 31 - April 3; tickets are required for the various events, and can be purchased through their website. I'll be at the Sunday fair, which is in yet another location this year, this time at the Mexican American Cultural Center off of Rainey Street. Parking will be interesting....anyone know if they're running shuttle buses from somewhere?

-- My favorite neighborhood bakery, La Patisserie, recently had a contest to come up with a new macaron flavor to add to their stellar collection. They solicited flavor suggestions on their Facebook page, and this past Sunday which was National Macaron Day, they had the top 5 flavors available for tasting at the bakery. Tasters were asked to then vote on their favorite flavor (toasted almond, chocolate coconut, raspberry mojito, peanut butter & jelly, and key lime pie). Toasted almond was the winner -- and it was MY flavor suggestion! It will be featured at the bakery in April! Yum, yum, yum! 

-- Maudie's is having a carb-loaded special for those running the annual Capital 10K this Sunday, March 27, the Potato Rajas Taco Plate. Eat it the day before, and you'll be well fueled. Me, I'll have a margarita! ;)

-- Sagra, the lovely Italian spot just north of downtown (remember, they're using iPads and e-readers now for enhanced menu options!), will have an Easter buffet brunch for $24/head. It will include scrambled eggs, French toast, and leg o' lamb! Might want to make a reservation!

-- Looking for a different twist on grilled foods? Bar Chi Sushi has a charcoal robata grill -- the ONLY one in town --  and great prices on those items during happy hour, daily from 3 - 6 pm and on Fri/Sat from 10pm - 12am.

Lots of yummies!