By: Allen Shaw
No trip through the Texas Hill Country would be complete without experiencing the region's numerous fine dining locales. As an avid traveler through the state of Texas, I make it a point to stop at a different local restaurant every time I travel through the area.
WHERE IS THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY?
But first, what are the actual boundaries of the famous Lone Star state region known as the Texas Hill Country? Simple: The limestone hills north of San Antonio to Austin's western suburbs; the eastern portion of the Edwards Plateau to the Balcones Fault to the East and the Llano Uplift to the west and north. The Texas Hill Country is also the small portion of Central Texas known as the center of the Texas wine industry.
TOP RESTARAUNTS IN THE REGION
Because of the area’s strong influences in the German, Swiss, Austrian, Alsatian and Czech cultures, the restaurant industry has become the region's top draws. One my personal favorites is a little Italian restaurant called Capparelli's in northern San Antonio, very near some of the most beautiful underground caverns in the United States. Last time I was there, the wait for a table was nearly 20 minutes. Not exactly my favorite part of the meal, but speaks volumes about the popularity of the place.
"The house salad at Capparelli's is one of a kind. A visit would not be complete without trying it!" – Rachel Wimberly, a born and bred native of the Texas Hill Country
Another well-known aspect of the Texas Hill Country region is the numerous Tex-Mex eating establishments sprinkled across the area. One of the best is La Zona Rosa in Austin. La Zona Rosa is a popular place for groups to gather and the last time I traveled through, there were at least two rehearsal dinners taking place.
OTHER "NOT MISS" DINING EXPERIENCES IN THE AREA
There are plenty other to experience in the area – for even the most discriminating palate. Here are but a few:
•The Cotton Gin is Fredericksburg is a definite "not miss" for the fine dining connoisseur who relishes the absolute best service. Specializing in Hill Country cuisine, The Cotton Gin emphasizes top-notch service by limiting the number of tables per server.
•Chantilly Lace Country Inn in Johnson City is proof positive that the east coast is not the only place that knows how to provide a fantastic bed and breakfast.
•Also in Johnson City, what trip through the Texas Hill country would be complete without stopping at Ronnie's Barbeque? After all, the world's best barbeque is one of the hallmarks of Texas fine dining.
So the next time you are traveling through from Dallas to Austin or making westward sojourn from Houston to San Antonio, treat yourself to something a little more memorable than the nearest fast food joint. Texas is part of the south and the south

Progressive Gourmet Keeps Rising Food and Labor Costs From Effecting Your Kitchen's Bottom Line
The United States seems to be entering a perfect storm of a slowing economy and rising costs, from food to labor. The foodservice industry is especially affected by these increases and many operators are finding creative ways to deal with the sudden escalations. Here the marketing department of Progressive Gourmet examines the problem and pose a few solutions to help you weather the storm of rising costs. (PRWEB Dec 2, 2008)

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Innovative Foods/Good Wives Hors D'oeuvres, Inc. Named #63 to Inc. 500
Innovative Foods/Good Wives Hors D'oeuvres, Inc. has been named to the Inc. 500 list* of the fastest growing privately held businesses in the U.S. This is Innovative Foods/Good Wives first inclusion since its creation in 2006. Innovative Foods/Good Wives Hors D'oeuvres is also ranked as the 3rd fastest growing privately held company in Massachusetts. (PRWEB Dec 2, 2008)

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InnVest REIT Hotels Offers Up to 50% Off Standard Hotel Rates
Plan your next holiday vacation or weekend getaway from now until January 12, 2009 at participating Comfort, Quality, Travelodge, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites hotels to enjoy unbeatable holiday hotel rates starting from just $65.99 per night. (PRWEB Dec 2, 2008)

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2008 Holiday Niagara Entertainment Includes Winter Festival of Lights & New Year's Eve in Niagara Falls with Supertramp
Holiday Niagara Falls events are renowned for their larger-than-life appeal with over 3 million lights and fireworks over the falls, among other fun (PRWEB Dec 2, 2008)

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When There's No Time to Eat, It's Time For Dip-n-Go -- Innovative New Product From PWP Industries Makes Foods On-The-Go Easy
PWP Industries introduces an innovative container for making dip-able foods easy to enjoy any time or place. (PRWEB Dec 1, 2008)

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World Class New Jersey Amusement Park, Morey's Piers, Kicks Off Annual Holiday Sale
Morey's Piers and Beachfront Waterparks announce annual Holiday Sale with big discounts from December 1 through January 9. Discounted Tram Car book also offered. (PRWEB Dec 1, 2008)

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Kids Eat Free at Hyatt Regency Orange County / Anaheim Hotel Near Disneyland
Families can take advantage of savings at the popular Disneyland Hotel through November 1, 2009. (PRWEB Dec 1, 2008)

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Carolina Wings and Rib House Selects 1TouchSoftware's Enterprise Restaurant Management System
1TouchSoftware to Help Carolina Wings and Rib House Restaurant Chain Maximize Revenues, Reduce Costs and Increase Customer Service (PRWEB Dec 1, 2008)

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Croatian hotelier Valamar presents its New Year's program in Valamar Diamant Hotel in Porec.
Valamar Hotels & Resorts, Croatian largest hotel chain, has presented New Year's Eve program in its popular Valamar Diamant Hotel in Porec, Croatia. (PRWEB Dec 1, 2008)

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Sushi On Sunset Announces Strategic Partnership and Investors
Venue to Host Los Angeles Premiere After-Party for Feature Documentary "Running the Sahara" (PRWEB Dec 1, 2008)

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Bourbon Orleans New Orleans Hotel Invites Guests to Enjoy Christmas New Orleans Style
The Bourbon Orleans New Orleans Hotel, located in central New Orleans, is offering guests front row access to Christmas in the French Quarter this season. The Papa Noel rate, with rates as low as $94.00, allows guests to discover the wonders of New Orleans at Christmas. The historic New Orleans French Quarter Hotel is also offering guests a traditional Reveillon dinner at the hotel's signature restaurant Paillard's. (PRWEB Dec 1, 2008)

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Chef Michael Chiarello Returns to the Kitchen at New Restaurant Bottega, Opening December 5 in Yountville, CA
Bottega Offers Farm-to-Table Italian Dining in Historic Wine Country Setting (PRWEB Nov 30, 2008)

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The Stand Encourages Diners to 'Beat the Recession' with a Stand Card: Exceptional Value and Great Taste at all Four Locations
The Stand (www.thestandlink.com), an acclaimed and innovative destination for fans of classic American comfort food, proudly encourages families and patrons to 'Beat the Recession' by getting a Stand Card. By simply signing up for a Stand Card, which is completely free, customers will receive special discounts, information about upcoming promotions and other important announcements. At the Westwood Village restaurant, within easy walking distance of the UCLA campus, the restaurant will now exclusively offer its Stand Card members 20 ounces of its famed Stand Honey Blonde Ale for $2.50. Stand Card members will continue to receive their current loyalty customer benefits by saving 5% on all food purchases, and an instant discount of $5 for every $100 the spend at the restaurant. This promotion, along with The Stand's legendary Monday Dollar Dog Nights, is an excellent deal for people who want excellent food at a great price. By simply signing up for a Stand Card, which is completely free, customers will receive special discounts, information about upcoming promotions and other important announcements. (PRWEB Nov 28, 2008)

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Despite Economy, Oregon Wine Benefit !Salud! Raises Over $735,000
Oregon wineries auction special Pinot Noirs to benefit healthcare services for seasonal vineyard workers and their families. In addition to supporting this cause for 17 years, producers preview outstanding 2007 vintage. (PRWEB Nov 26, 2008)

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Restaurant.com Takes Giving to Whole New Level, $30 Million in 30 Days, People 'Feed It Forward' for Free
Initiative to Defy Economic Downturn, Pass Along Free Restaurant Gift Certificates Nationwide (PRWEB Nov 26, 2008)

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Renowned Maryland Restaurant Henry's Soul Café Announces the Launch of their On-Line Sweet Potato Pie Shop
Fans of the "Best Pie on the Planet" can now enjoy their favorite dessert freshly baked anywhere in the country. (PRWEB Nov 26, 2008)

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New Online Community Database Tops 32K Wines in 32 Days -- Popular Wine Cellar Management Software Gets Users in the Sharing Mood
The online PWC Community, a key feature of the latest version of the popular Personal Wine Curator wine cellar software, racks up wine data as more and more users opt in and upload their personal cellar lists. (PRWEB Nov 26, 2008)

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New Schweppes.com.au, a Refreshing Source of Cocktail and Beverage Recipes, Restaurant Reviews and Complimentary Drink and Dining Offers
The new Schweppes Website is an inspirational source of innovative Schweppes Beverage recipes, cocktail recipes and mixer recipes. The Website, launched by Schweppes in November 2008, celebrates Australia's vibrant food and beverage culture. Aside from Drink Recipes, the Website provides information and access to hundreds of leading restaurants, cafes and bars. Restaurant and bar reviews are accompanied with exclusive drink and meal offers. (PRWEB Nov 26, 2008)

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New Balans Restaurant in Brickell Brings Trendy SoBe Dining, Lounge Ambience to Downtown Miami While Catering to Local Executive Crowds
Consistently good food and drinks combined with chic crowds in a relaxed atmosphere have made 11-year-old Balans restaurant a star of Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road scene, and today owner Prady Balan announced his new Brickell hotspot at 901 South Miami Avenue will introduce that winning recipe to downtown Miami. (PRWEB Nov 25, 2008)

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Tempe Hosts Many of the Holiday Events in Arizona This Winter
Family friendly holiday events in Arizona include the Tempe Festival of the Arts and the Fantasy of Lights (PRWEB Nov 24, 2008)

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Boston, Massachusetts Mayor Thomas M. Menino Announces Campaign to Boost Holiday Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Central Marketing Effort Will Help Local Businesses & Residents in Holiday Season. (PRWEB Nov 24, 2008)

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Hinckley Cellars Tops Wine Accessories Gift Ideas with Elegant Tool for Removing Wine Labels
The Note™ Wine Label Saver by Hinckley Cellars rises to first place on the wine accessories list, and a premier choice in gift ideas for the holidays. The tool peels wine labels from bottles so enthusiasts can record tasting notes in a journal or just save as a reminder of special occasions with family and friends. The Note is perfect for the wine lover, whether a novice or a connoisseur. (PRWEB Nov 24, 2008)

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Sheraton Mahwah Invites Guests to Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Fountainview Restaurant/ Complete Traditional Menu - Also Available 'To Go'
The Sheraton Mahwah Hotel invites guests to take the pressure out of holiday cooking and gather at the Fountainview Restaurant for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Featuring all of the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings and other festive dishes, the menu provides a sophisticated dining experience for friends and family alike. (PRWEB Nov 22, 2008)

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Tamale Tasters Needed - Apply Now
Looking for tamale enthusiasts to enter to win the chance to be a judge on CasaQ and NBC Bay Area's Comunidad Del Valle's 4th Annual "Best Darn Tamale" Contest (PRWEB Nov 22, 2008)

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Best Buys for Best Tasting Thanksgiving and Christmas Pies
Foods Across America Gift Web Site & Catalog Bundles Famous Regional Treats And Delivers Anywhere in U.S. (PRWEB Nov 21, 2008)

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World-Renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck Cooks First Thanksgiving at L.A. LIVE's Ritz-Carlton Residences
Potential L.A. LIVE Residents Taste the Elegance of The Ritz-Carlton Lifestyle with Acclaimed Chef and Restaurateur Wolfgang Puck at Exclusive Holiday Cooking Demo (PRWEB Nov 21, 2008)

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Gleneagles Hotel Wins at Inaugural Online Awards
The world renowned Gleneagles Hotel have been presented with two awards at the inaugural caterersearch.com Web Awards 2008, held in London on the 17th Novemeber 2008. (PRWEB Nov 21, 2008)

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Bubbalou's BBQ is a Hit During the Thanksgiving Holiday
Thanksgiving is only a week away so start preparing now for a meal family and guests will remember. Bubbalou's BBQ catering and party packs provide delicious barbeque meats, smoked turkeys, hams and tasty side items that are a great alternative to the standard turkey dinner. (PRWEB Nov 21, 2008)

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Patrón Transaction Reaches Completion : John Paul DeJoria Becomes Principal Owner; Bacardi Buys Minority Interest
John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Patrón tequila—the world’s top-selling ultra-premium tequila—today announced the completion of a transaction that makes him principal owner of Patrón Spirits International AG (formerly Caribbean Distillers Corporation, Limited), the parent company of The Patrón Spirits Company. A subsidiary of Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, now holds a significant minority stake in the company. (PRWEB Nov 21, 2008)

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Facebook Gets CorkSavvy: Share Your Wine Favorites with the Online Wine Journal
Leading wine appreciation site uncorks new Facebook application. CorkSavvy, the website where wine lovers get savvy, just launched a Wine Journal and Virtual Bottle Rack for Facebook. With CorkSavvy for Facebook, users can share notes on wines they've tasted or purchased with anyone across their social network. (PRWEB Nov 19, 2008)

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equates to the world famous “Southern Hospitality.” Southern hospitality has always translated into "really good food." The dining that can be found throughout the Texas Hill Country is a prime example.