Thursday the 3rd, join Launch787 and This is Life in Austin as we host a super-cool happy hour at Central Market. Two FREE drinks (cash bar after that) and yummy nibbles to get your weekend started a little early. 5 – 7:30pm at the Midtown (38th & Lamar) Central Market. If you’re a Twitter user, you gotta RSVP here. Everyone else, RSVP here (if you don’t RSVP we may not be able to let you in based on capacity).

More info here.

Also, afterward, BlogHer is having their holiday party, also at Central Market, from 7-9pm. If you aren’t too holly jolly, stop by and say hey … they are asking for canned good donations.

TRIO's Pheasant with mushroom au jus

Anyway, the holiday meal outdoes itself with great apps, gigantic portions of entrees, delicious delicious delicious brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes on the side, and desserts … sigh, desserts.

MENU:

Choice of Appetizer
Winter Squash Salad – Pine Nut, Raisin, Farm Cheese
Seafood Soufflé – Tarragon, Saffron
Pork Belly – Cranberry, Napa Cabbage, Mustard

Choice of Entrée
(Served with Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts)
Pheasant – Mushroom Jus
Wild Salmon – Crimini Mushrooms, Lingonberry
Prime Ribeye – Horseradish, Red Wine Sauce

Gingerbread Cake

Choice of Dessert
Gingerbread Cake – Marzipan, Tangerine Gel, Dried Fruit Purée, Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
Peppermint-Chocolate Baked Alaska
Trio of Sorbet – Mango, Lemon, Raspberry

Available December 1-30, 2009 (excluding December 24, 2009). For more information or reservations, please call TRIO at 1 (512) 685-8300 or reserve your table online.

Be sure to ask for a glass of Texas’ Best Sommelier Mark Sayre’s personal blend of Va Piano wine. It’s smooth, rich, and delicious.

Tips: My picks (what I’d order if I went back again)?
App: Winter squash salad
Entree: Pheasant
Dessert: Baked Alaska
(and naturally, I’d eat about 5 popovers)

YELP DRINKS is, like all the restaurant weeks and FLAVORS and all, a chance to try new stuff, only this time it’s frosty bevvies. Participating locations will feature up to 3 adult beverages for 50% off throughout the promotion.

1) Yelp Drinks prices are good all day Sunday through all day Thursday while supplies last. Though we’re calling this a happy hour, it’s better — this one lasts for five days.
2) Please tip on regular price.
3) Please consume responsibly.

A list of the places:

LA CONDESA
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Enlightened Austin Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6
El Cubico (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6 <—- my fave!!
Las Ascendentes (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks Week $6

CEDAR DOOR
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Austin Ultimate Mexican Martini (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Treaty Oak Lemonade Martini  (reg $11) During YDW $5.50
Pinky Friedman (reg $11) During YDW $5.50

MAX’S WINE DIVE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Sangria Max (blend of red + white wines w/ select fruit juices)(reg $6) During YDW $3
Luxury White (Cape Mentelle Chard) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50
Luxury Red (Beringer Knights Valley Cab) (reg $13/glass) During YDW $6.50

CISSI’S WINE BAR
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Sake Mojito (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88
Sangria (reg $5) During YDW $2.50
Spiced Apple Cider (reg $5.75) During YDW $2.88

ROARING FORK (Downtown)
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Huckleberry Rita (reg $7) During YDW $3.50
Blackberry Madras (reg $8) During YDW  $4
Category 6 Lemonade (reg $9) During YDW $4.50

MARKER 10
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Dr. Tito’s (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks $5
Candy Corn (reg $10) During Yelp Drinks  $5
Pumpkin Espresso Martini (reg $12) During Yelp Drinks $6

HOUSE WINE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
2006 Zinfandel, Cycles Falcon, California
Reg. $9 glass / During YDW: $4.50

2006 Tempranillo, Tinto, Paso A Paso, Spain
Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4

2008 Reisling, The Stump Jump, Australia
Reg. $8 glass / During YDW: $4

NOMAD
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Pisco Sour (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Caphirinha (reg. $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50
Fernet and Coke (reg $7) During Yelp Drinks Week $3.50

PAGGI HOUSE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Raspberry Lemonade (reg $8) During YDW $4
Elderflower Royale (reg $10) During YDW $5
Blood Orange Margarita (reg $8) During YDW $4

IMPERIA
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Kung Fu Cosmopolitan (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Imperia Pearl (reg $9) During YDW $4.50
The Jade Martini (reg $9) During YDW $4.50

THE BELMONT
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Belmontini (reg $10) During YDW $5
Classic Mojito (reg $8.50) During YDW $4.25
French 77 (reg $12) During YDW $6

ANNIE’S
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
The Old Austin (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50
The Diablo (reg $9) / During YDW $4.50

DRUNGO ICE HOUSE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
512 Wit  (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88
Austin Amber $3.75 (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88
Drungo Michelada (reg $3.75) / During YDW: $1.88

BUFFALO BILLIARDS
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Raspberry Lemonade (regular price is $5.50) / YDW $4.25
Peach Tea (regular price is $5.50) / During YDW $4.25
Pyramid Hefeweizen (regular price is $4) / During YDW $2

EDDIE V’S (Arboretum)
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
The Red Dragon Mojito – (reg. $8)  / During YDW $4
Mayfair Martini – (reg. $10) / During YDW $5
Purpletini – (reg. $9)  / During YDW $4.50

CLUB DE VILLE
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Margarita (reg price $6) / During YDW $3
Lone Star (reg price $3)  / During YDW $1.50
Jager (reg price $6)  / During YDW $3

THE GINGER MAN
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Deschutes Black Butte Porter (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50
Sunner Original German Kolsh (reg $5) / During YDW $2.50

THE GHOST ROOM
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
XX (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
Shiner (draught) (reg $4) / during YDW: $2
(well) vodka & soda (reg $4) / during YDW: $2

CHUPACABRA
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Frozen Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Spicy Mango Margarita (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75
Frozen Sweet Tea Vodka (reg $5.50) / during YDW: $2.75

MIZU
http://www.yelp.com/bi…
Lychee Mint Martini (reg $9) / during YDW: $4.50
Chile Patron: (reg $12) / during YDW: $6
Mizu Margarita (frozen): (reg $8) / during YDW: $4

Simon Trends & Friends Weekend Kick Off @ Barton Creek Square

Barton Creek Mall is hosting a whole weekend of Trends & Friends that kicks off with a happy hour fashion show with Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy providing  light bites and libations on the house (mall?)!

Check out the latest beauty trends at the style stops and top off your evening with a runway fashion show beginning at 7pm. The new giant, amazing, ridiculous Forever 21 will be in the show along with Lucky Brand Jeans, Banana Republic, Macy’s, & others. And I hear that UT’s Fashion Group will be showing select designs in the closing show …

Friday, October 23rd, 2009, 5:30 – 8:30pm
Barton Creek Square, Macy’s Court
2901 Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, Tx 78746

http://www.pingg.com/rsvp/56vj54nq3izystqqy

Although ending domestic violence isn’t exactly kid stuff, this event will give attendees the chance to have some childlike fun while supporting a worthy cause. During the Fierce Fest happy hour at Lustre Pearl Bar, a portion of each drink purchase will benefit SafePlace. Attendees can test their relative womanliness through feats of strength, including thumb wars, staring contests, wall sits, arm wrestling, and more.

The Austin chapters of Planning for Good and Cause for Drinks are teaming up to sponsor the event. Planning for Good is a philanthropic organization that offers strategic marketing help for nonprofit organizations. Cause for Drinks brings people together at their local watering holes, and a portion of the proceeds goes to a selected charity.

For 35 years, SafePlace has offered critical services to Austin-area survivors of sexual and domestic violence. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Wednesday, October 14, from 6-9pm at Lustre Pearl Bar, 97 Rainey Street. For more info: http://bit.ly/FierceFest

• Barton Place Restaurant Row Taste Off

  

• Saks New York State of Mind March of Dimes Event

  Cocktails by Twin Liquors, hors d’oeuvres provided by The Driskill, door prizes, and NY themed music, getting everyone in a New York state of mind. Five percent of all sales will directly benefit the Austin chapter of March of Dimes. Graff Jewelry will have a special selection here specifically for the event, as they too will also be donating a percentage of sales to The March of Dimes. Also, a fabulous giftcard promotion on Thursday: $100 w/ a $450 purchase, and $250 w/ a $1000 purchase in Cosmetics, Men’s & Women’s Contemporary, and WEAR.

• Common Thread Happy Hour / Grand Opening

The cool thing about this fabric store is that they aim to provide three things in their collection:

• unusual, exciting, beautiful fabric for creating clothing and crafts
• Earth and human-friendly sources and fibers
• reasonable prices

But I’m too tired to even think about it!

Austin Monthly & BoConcept Longest Worldwide Release Party 6-9pm

(flyer above) Worth going for the Piranha Sushi alone. Well maybe, I bet lines will be long and the place will be packed.

Austin Under 40 Awards Kick-Off

Cissi’s Market, 6 to 9pm … Learn more about Au40, sign up to volunteer on a committee, and network with other Austinites. Drink specials and complimentary appetizers will be provided by Cissi’s Market, live music by the Jeff Lofton Trio.

Volunteers do not need to be members of YMBL or YWA to attend the happy hour or volunteer for the event.  Please RSVP at www.austinunder40.org.

Grand Re-Opening of Duncan & Boyd Jewelers

Come celebrate Duncan & Boyd Jewelers recent relocation to a larger store location in Westlake with a trunk show by Charles Krypell and cocktail reception. Open 10am–9pm, Cocktails at 5pm.

Beginning September 8, 34th Street Café will have weekday happy hour specials from 4-7pm. Apps will be half-price and include delectable homemade pizzas and cheese and charcuterie plates. Happy hour wine and beer specials will change daily and may include specialty wine cocktails, half-price wines by the glass and deals on select beers. The restaurant’s newly redesigned website will have daily specials listed.

Other happs at 34th Street Café:

• Three-course prix fixe dinners ($24) on Mondays and Tuesdays, which include either a seafood or steak entrée and a glass of wine.
• New recipes for the appetizer menu: P.E.I. Mussels ($12) cooked in white wine and served with chervil, shallots, garlic chips and grilled bread; Ahi Tuna Tartare ($12) in a lemon-basil oil and served with sea salt, tapenade and toasted focaccia; and Pan-Fried Frog Legs ($9) served over roasted sunchoke puree, a delicate combination of saffron and Jerusalem artichokes.
• Beginning Saturday, September 26 and throughout the autumn season, 34th Street Café will bring back its Lounge 34. Evoking the characteristics of a comfortable yet chic after-hours club, Lounge 34 events begin at 10:30pm with local DJs spinning.

For more info: call (512) 371-3400 or visit www.34thStreetCafe.com.

Before your rave day, check out:
Christmas in July at Soigne Boutique, 6-8pm
Mr. Clause will make an appearance a little early while shoppers enjoy a 20 percent discount on all items in the store. Holiday music will mix with master mixologist Jimmy Joe Zumwalt of Cover 3 restaurant’s fantastic holiday-themed cocktails. For more on Cover 3, click here.

Eco Series at the Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters, 6-8pm
The new Lance Armstrong Foundation headquarters (2201 East 6th Street) has been designated as one of Austin’s first gold-certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] facilities. Tour the facility and check in on a panel discussion about how the transformation happened with Greg Lee, CFO, Bob Harris, partner, Lake | Flato Architects, and Ryan Jones, lead architect, Lake | Flato. Roland Galang [urbanspace] and Amanda Ogden [E3 Properties], founders of the Eco Series, hope theses events will become a platform for affecting change towards a sustainable lifestyle. The event is sponsored by Urban Space, Emblem Creative, Meridian Solar, Adelo Mortgage, Cielo Water, and Bossa Nova.

Beat the Heat Cocktail Party at Rae Cosmetics, 6:30-8:30pm
Drinks and appetizers by Hosteria Verde, the chance to win over $400 in door prizes, complimentary makeup applications and touch ups, and live music by El John Selector from Thievery Corporation. Plus, preview Limbo Jewelry’s new line. Benefits Girl Start.

CrossFit Games Celebration at CrossFit Central, 7pm-?
You’re probably only interested in this if you’re part of the CF community, but nonetheless there’s a little par-tay up at the gym starting at 7pm. They’re providing a nacho bar, you BYOB. I’ll be toting Nalgene margaritas (yep, there still 3 in my freezer), so that should make for a good time.

Pub Dash benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: “Where Happy Hour Never Closes“

This is a fun sports-themed event from 7-11pm on Saturday, July 11. Enjoy happy hour prices all evening long with the wristband you get for signing up. Party with us as we “dash” from bar to bar while wearing your most outrageous athletic attire and get creative because prizes will be awarded to the best guy and girl outfit. The team with the most points will win the Grand-Prize; Details of the games will be announced at registration so come ready for anything!!!

$900 worth of prizes up for grabs and provided by: Castle Hill Fitness, Fit City Training, Betty Sport, Rowing Dock, L4 Sports, & Rogue Equipment.

Registration will be available for $20 at Little Woodrows between 4-5pm day of event, IF we are not sold out. Space is limited, 150 people permitted, so sign up fast!

Registration @ Little Woodrow’s, 520 W.6th st.
Time: 4-5pm
Food provided by: Screaming Goat and La Fantabulous

Come in Teams of 5 or come to mingle and create a team at registration

Bring an ID and receipt for wristbands and Pub Dash Packets.

Dash schedule:
5pm- Union Park
6pm-Key Bar
7pm-Mother Egan’s
8pm-Molotov
9pm-Annie’s West
10pm-JBlacks
11pm-The Ranch

Join us. Think. Drink. Help.

*We are dashing for cancer so fees are totally tax deductible, this is a great opportunity for businesses to sponsor a team and get write-off all at the same time.