The Sweet Life

Last year I fell in love with Laguna Gloria, a Mediterranean style villa built by Clara Driscoll in 1916 on the shore of Lake Austin, that now operates as an intimate branch of the Austin Museum of Art. As you stroll the grounds, you are whisked away to the romantic, Italian countryside; strung lights hang from the old trees softly illuminating the fountains, statues, and grand villa. It is the perfect backdrop for spectacular affairs like their La Dolce Vita Food and Wine Festival, and tonight I was fortunate enough to volunteer at the annual fundraiser.

In Italian, La Dolce Vita means the "The Sweet Life", and this premiere foodie event perfectly defines the phrase. When you waltz in the front gate, you are handed a commemorative wine glass that you are allowed to fill repeatedly and a tasting plate that conveniently holds your glass. My shift was not scheduled to start until 7:30, so I had an hour to sip vino and savor limitless cuisine from Austin's finest establishments.

Lamberts, Perlas, Max's Wine Dive, Ranch 616, the list goes on...more than fifty restaurants participated, serving their best bites. My camera could not keep up with my mouth so I can only share my first samples of the night: a Tempranillo, Lambert's pulled pork slider and house made oreo, and a warm Oyster with bacon from Perla's. Both restaurants, with executive chef Larry McGuire at their helm, have been at the top of my must eat list. These morsels only enticed me more.

A few other notable noshings of mine included Venison Frito Pie from Ranch 616, an oxtail tostada from Max's, braised shorts ribs with creamy polenta from Cannoli Joe's, a brown butter bar from La Condensa, and too many more to recount. When my volunteer shift started, I was full, but Erin, Laguna's event coordinator, put me to work redistributing port and reds among the crowded wine stations. I was delighted to help the event pour smoother.

If you live in Austin, and love food and wine, you must attend this festival. I assure you the cost is worth it! Your palate won't be disappointed. I hope to partake in the event for years to come.