Five liquor-slingin' finalists are gearing up to win the 5th Annual Austin Cocktail Throwdown on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The finalists represent the Alamo Drafthouse, Ranch 616, the Hyatt Regency, Hilton Garden Inn and The Driskill, and will compete to earn the sole bragging rights to serving the 2008 Official Drink of Austin. Threadgill's World Headquarters hosts this free event which will feature $2 Tito's and $2 Shiner Bock. There will also be music by The Greyhounds and a chance to sample the winning drink. It's all for a good cause, too - the show benefits the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians....

KGSR 107.1 invites Austinites to jump in this week and explore Austin's culinary scene while benefiting a great cause. Through Sunday, participating restaurants will showcase some of their favorite menu items to the tune of three courses for $25 (plus drinks, tax, and tip ... don't forget to tip for Heaven's sake, people gotta make a living!), with $5 going to the Kids Café, which are safe places kids can go after school and get a hot dinner and some help with their homework....