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While the words “gourmet” and “cookout” aren’t normally used in the same sentence, they are at Jasper’s restaurant in Austin. This uniquely conceptual eatery is stylish and upscale, but its menu of so-called backyard cuisine is anything but pretentious.

Enter the sleek, modern dining room, with its dim lighting and artistic décor, and you’ll be met with a menu filled with Maytag bleu cheese potato chips, Texas gulf crab cakes, and Pimentón Rotisserie Chicken, as well as slow-smoked baby back ribs prepared just like they are in backyards all across Texas. Cast iron sides are the perfect accompaniments, and Jasper’s full bar churns out thoughtful cocktails, craft beers and premium wines to go along with the meal. For a gourmet spin on a taste that’s truly Texan, Jasper’s is one of the very best spots in town!

Reservations can be made online or by calling Jasper’s directly.

Jasper’s
11506 Century Oaks
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 834-4111
www.jaspersaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jaspers-austin-7

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr stu_spivack

So you’ve decided to throw a Halloween party at your home, but where do you start? Luckily, a spooky Halloween theme offers an almost endless list of decoration and refreshment ideas to make your party a ghoulish good time. Here’s just a bit of inspiration.

Severed Finger Invitation [marthastewart.com]
Give your guests a fright before the party even starts by sending them a severed "finger" in a box as a party invitation!

Spiked Witch’s Brew [celebrations.com]
For refreshments, serve a black cauldron filled with a spiked punch that looks like witch’s brew. You can even make it “smoke” by adding dry ice to the cauldron.

Monster Face Paint [marthastewart.com]
Entertain the little ones at a Halloween party by setting up a face painting station. Even if the party isn’t a costume party, they’ll love to wear their new monster face around all night.

Mad Scientist Party [rachaelraymag.com]
If you prefer to go all-out with a unique theme, a mad scientist party is one that your guests probably haven’t seen before. Decorate with beakers and test tubes, don a white lab coat and a wild wig, and turn your kitchen into a laboratory filled with experimental refreshments.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Andrew Malone