So I received this assignment for the May issue of Austin Monthly Magazine. Pick up a copy if you like fun (there is a list of 112 fun Summertime activities contained within this issue!) The deal was that the editors were looking for photos to accompany a restaurant write up for Olive and June in Austin. I had visited this location during its former incarnation as an Argentinian style steakhouse. Although that had been a good experience, I was delighted by the transformation. Olive and June touts an amazingly creative and delicious Italian kitchen as well as unique ambience that you won’t find anywhere else.  There’s a huge-mongous live oak tree that’s growing out of the central patio area and provides shade for nearly all of the outdoor seating areas. From what I know, Olive and June is the 3rd and what I am sure will be just one more in a series of successful restaurant ventures for head chef Shawn Cerkiel. You just can’t argue that the food coming out of this kitchen is tops. Taste wins everytime. Definitely check this place out.

Oh and want to know where the happy carrot couple went for their honeymoon. Well, they didn’t get far. My friend’s bassett hound Willis ate them.

Here is a copy of the ad and an iphone pic of Willis. Look for the ad in the Summer edition of Edible Austin Mag. You can pick it up for free at Whole Foods.

According to their website, the official goal of Lifeworks  is to “build strong and resilient families. We support youth and families in their strong determination to achieve self-sufficiency and make generational change.  LifeWorks has identified four basic cornerstones necessary to this scale of success -  Counseling, Housing,  Education/Workforce, and Youth Development.” One of the most touching parts of the opening day’s festivities included a testimonial from a former client who was able to transition from foster care, to self sufficiency, and is now attending the University of Texas at Austin.

Seriously guys, this building is amazing looking. Architecturally it kicks everything elses butt. It is literally the Andre the Giant of East Austin buildings. You should swing by sometime soon and check it out by the corner of N. Pleasant Valley and Webberville rd. And if you can, find it in your heart to donate to this cause.

Here are a few photos from the event. I have the entire gallery posted at: www.andysams.com/lifeworks

As sort of alluded to in the title of this post, this calendar was an entirely charitable project and Tiffany and I as well as the firefighters donated 100% of our efforts to help raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Children’s Cancer Research  fund. These guys were really amped to step up and create something that would engage the community and raise awareness. I ran into Chris, my liason with the firefighers (also Mr. January) a few weeks ago and he disclosed that we were able to donate over $17,000 dollars directly from the proceeds from calendar sales in order to help kids suffering from cancer. Seriously, that is awesome! It really was a ton of work coordinating, lugging equipment, shooting, editing, and almost falling off a boat with all my gear, but the reward is completely worth all the effort.

Down below are a few sneak peak images that I shot of the calendar. Excuse the quality as this is a photo of a photo…

Also, feel free to call 512.694.6311 to set up a face to face meeting with Andy to discuss details and packages for your wedding. Late Summer and Fall dates are going fast.