Nestled just around the corner from the renowned Salt Lick restaurant, the Hill Country Tasting Room & Event Space has long been a haven for those seeking to savor the authentic tastes of Texas under one roof. Now, with its exciting change in ownership, the establishment is poised to reach new heights, as localvore and former Chameleon Companies Hospitality Alum, Elizabeth Van Huffel, takes the reins. With her deep industry experience and passion for all things local, Van Huffel is set to steer the wine bar into an era of innovation and community celebration.
For over two decades, Elizabeth Van Huffel has been an integral part of the hospitality industry. Having worked extensively in both front-of-house and back-of-house roles, she brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of what it takes to create an exceptional dining and beverage experience. Drawing inspiration from her recent foray into marketing, Van Huffel is now ready to channel her passion for hospitality and love for all things local into the Hill Country Tasting Room.
The Hill Country Tasting Room has always prided itself on showcasing the best of what Texas has to offer. With the state’s wineries and breweries gaining national and international recognition, the bar is perfectly positioned to be a gateway to Texas’s vibrant beverage culture. Van Huffel recognizes the unique combination of the Texas terrain and the passion of its people as the driving force behind the state’s exceptional beverages.
“I am thrilled to be able to share the magic of Texas’s beverage industry in such a beautiful space,” Van Huffel declares with enthusiasm. Her dedication to supporting local artisans and fostering community engagement is evident in the bar’s offerings. Patrons can enjoy a rotating selection of Beers on Tap, Wines, Meads, and Ciders sourced exclusively from Texas. Whether you choose to sip at the bar, lounge on the inviting patio, indulge in a flight in the loft space, or take a growler or bottle to-go, every visit to the Hill Country Tasting Room promises an authentic taste of the Lone Star State.
One of the highlights of the Hill Country Tasting Room is its unique event space, which sets it apart from other establishments in the area. Bathed in natural light, this versatile venue can accommodate up to 75 people, making it the ideal setting for private parties, tastings, and celebrations. The inviting ambiance and the attentive staff ensure that every event hosted at the Hill Country Tasting Room is an extraordinary experience, leaving a lasting impression on guests.
As part of the new ownership’s vision, a simplified menu featuring cheeses, charcuterie, and light bites will soon be introduced. These delectable accompaniments will perfectly complement the tastings, creating a delightful gastronomic journey for visitors.
The Hill Country Tasting Room & Event Space invites you to embark on a sensory adventure like no other. Elizabeth Van Huffel’s passion for hospitality and her dedication to showcasing the best of Texas’s beverage scene infuse every corner of the establishment. Be it a casual evening out, an unforgettable event, or an opportunity to support female-owned businesses, the Hill Country Tasting Room is the place to be.
To learn more about the Hill Country Tasting Room and explore their offerings, visit their website at www.hillcountrytastingroom.com. Get ready to immerse yourself in the flavors, culture, and warmth of Texas, one sip at a time.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…