Not to gush, but Satay Restaurant owner Dr. Foo Swasdee is simply the kind of person from whom our politicians and business leaders could learn a thing or twelve - especially in the selfless and admirable departments. After the 2004 tsunami, she returned to her native Thailand to assist in disaster relief efforts, and after returning to Austin continues to throw her muscle behind Thai Tsunami Orphanage. The Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce and Texas......

MONDAY [4] film • "The Big Sleep" at The Paramount film • Eddie Muller Noir Night: "The Window" at Alamo Downtown film • Music Monday: "La Brune Et Moi" at Alamo Downtown food • Central Market Cooking Class: Knife Skills 101 with Chef Cindy Haenel at Central Market Cooking School, 4001 N Lamar ($60, 6:30-9:30pm) music • Lifesavas, Strange Fruit Project, DJ Marc Sense, Who M.I.?, Prawphit at Emo's music • Strange Fruit Project,......

We don’t know what you’re doing Saturday afternoon but we’re going to a birthday party for the Queen of Thailand and you’re totally invited. Chef and all-around culinary superstar, Dr. Foo Swasdee, is celebrating both the queen's birthday and the grand opening of her new outdoor garden and patio at Satay Restaurant featuring Thai classical dance, Thai music, complimentary Thai tapas and a cash bar. Now stop sitting around this house complaining about not......

We were a little bored just the other evening so we put in our monocles, threw on our spats, had a spoonful of Grey Poupon, hopped in the Bentley, and drove on down to the Triangle where Joe Bedard at Mandola’s Market helped us pick a split of Prosecco and a fine Montepulciano while we waited for our Margherita Pizza and our Bruschetta. Their wine selection is good, and we recommend an extra loaf......