FOOD MATTERS

Republic of Texas Tequila arriving on Lone Star shelves

Plus: Salvadoran food from Gloria's at the Domain, Kiwani Club peaches, Austin Culinary Academy turns 10

Austinites unveil new organic tequila

Starting this week, Republic Tequila, an organic tequila with an Austin connection, will be hitting liquor store shelves. Like most tequilas, it is made in the Mexican state of Jalisco, but the company is based in Austin under the direction of Tom Nall and Ken MacKenzie. Nall, who spent many years in the chili business, says he saw a niche market for tequila with a Texas flair, so he and MacKenzie hooked up with La Quemada Distillery, which produces estate-bottled organic tequila.

Republic Tequila is offering three varieties: plata, reposado and the ultra-smooth añejo, which is aged at least 18 months in oak barrels. The company is also selling all-natural mixes, which come in original margarita, jalapeño, prickly pear and pineapple-basil flavors and are made with real lime juice and organic agave nectar or pure cane sugar. After a debut July 17 at the Thomas Michael Riley's Back to Basics Music Festival in Luckenbach, look for the line of mixes at Whole Foods and Spec's.

- Addie Broyles

Rancho Ancho

11/2 oz. Republic Plata Tequila

1 cup cubed seedless organic watermelon

1/2 oz. organic agave nectar

1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

3 pinches of ground ancho chile

Add the watermelon and ground chile to a pint glass and muddle into juice. Add the lime, tequila and agave nectar and top with ice. Cover and shake well. Strain over fresh ice in a pint glass and garnish with a slice of lime and a pinch of chili powder.

- H. Joseph Ehrmann of the San Francisco bar Elixirs

Peachy fundraiser benefits local charities

Tired of peaches yet? Didn't think so. Next week, you can get some of the sweetest around from the Kiwanis Club of Northwest Austin, which is hosting its annual fundraiser sale. Bud Baughman says the group is selling peaches as it has for decades to raise money for Central Texas charities it works with, including SafePlace and the Austin Children's Shelter. A box of 22 pounds to 24 pounds of peaches costs $38. Get more information or order at nwaustinkiwanis.org.

- A.B.

Restaurant briefs

• Aquarelle, the French restaurant at 606 Rio Grande St. (479-5117. aquarellerestaurant.com ) will host a Bastille Day celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday with $6 French-style street food and cold rosé wines for $6 a glass, plus live music.

• Max's Wine Dive at 207 San Jacinto Blvd. now offers an all-day Sunday brunch special of $25 for unlimited chicken, waffles and mimosas from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. An à la carte menu of other brunch favorites is available, too. 904-0105, www.maxswinedive.com.

• On Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m., Avery Ranch Golf Club and Central Market chef Scot Loranc are hosting a barbecue buffet with lessons on creating sauces and rubs, cooking brisket and ribs and making side dishes from cole slaw to potato salad. The buffet will include brisket, chicken, ribs, sides and peach cobbler. $45. Avery Ranch Golf Club, 10500 Avery Club Drive. 248-2442. Reservations at www.averyranchgolf.com/centralmarket.

• Trio, the restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin, has begun offering a daily $39 fixed-price menu with a choice of appetizers, main courses, sides and desserts. 98 San Jacinto Blvd. 685-8300, www.fourseasons.com/austin.

- Mike Sutter

Is your culinary star rising? Audition July 17

Will the "Next Food Network Star" be an Austinite? Producers from the show will be holding a casting call in Austin on July 17 for the 2010 season. Chefs, line cooks, home cooks, caterers and culinary enthusiasts are invited to audition at the Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a copy of your résumé, a completed application (available at foodnetwork.com/star) and two recent photos.

- A.B.

Culinary academy holds 10th anniversary party

It's been 10 years since Steve Mannion and Glenn Mack started the Culinary Academy of Austin in North Austin. Over the past decade, hundreds of students have graduated with diplomas in culinary and pastry arts. To celebrate, Mannion is hosting an anniversary party at the school, 6020-B Dillard Circle, from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday , that will feature food and beverages and a three-way "Iron Chef"-style competition between chefs from Central Market, students from the academy and visiting chefs from Brussels, Belgium. www.culinaryacademyofaustin.com.

- A.B.

Flavors of El Salvador coming soon to Domain

The Salvadoran restaurant chain Gloria's plans to open a 7,000-square-foot cafe by the end of the year at the Domain, officials with the North Austin retail and residential center said Thursday . The restaurant has 10 Texas locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, serving mid-priced Salvadoran specialties such as pupusas, tamales, churrasco steaks, yucca and plantains, along with Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes. Gloria's will occupy the former home of the Oakville Grocery at Esperanza Crossing and Robinson Road near the Borders bookstore.

- M.S.

Openings

• Open: Bodhi Yoga Cafe, a yoga studio and boutique with health-conscious foods at 12801 Shops Parkway, Suite N200, in Bee Cave (402-0033, www.bodhiyoga.com).

• Open: Frank, a hot dog and beer restaurant in the former Starlite spot at 407 Colorado St. ( hotdogscoldbeer.com ).

• Open: Froots, a healthy food and smoothies franchise at 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd. in Cedar Park (986-7075, www.froots.com).

• Open: Abel's on the Lake, a casual dining spot on Lake Austin with 63 beers on tap at 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. (904-0570, www.abelsonthelake.com).

• Open: Brevita, a coffee and smoothie shop at 1219 S. Lamar Blvd. (440-7500, www.austinbrevita.com).

• Open: Cebuano, a Filipino coffee shop and grocery at 2400 E. Oltorf St., Suite 12-A (443-2062 ).

- M.S.