La Condensa features a flavorful selection of fare served in a vibrant, upscale Austin setting. Go there to get your fiesta started with a tropical themed libation like a Watermelon Elderflower Martini or a Mango Passionflower Margarita. Add on a tasty starter like Guacamole & Chips, Hamache Ceviche with yellowtail & habanero truffle oil, or Vida de Cameron with poached shrimp.

La Condesa's wood-fire grilled entrees include Carne Asada – New York Strip with braised fennel, Costillas de Puerco – spicy guava-glazed pork ribs, and Robalo – whole branzino with garlic oil. Tacos, tostadas, and huaraches – crisp corn tortillas with a variety of toppings, are also available. Stop by on weekends to dine on yummy brunch items like Huevos y Carne Asada – eggs with grilled hanger steak, and Huevos Rancheros – fried eggs with black beans & salsa.

Located just a short trip from Elan East in downtown Austin, La Condesa is open every day.

La Condesa
400 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499-0300
https://lacondesa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-condesa-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

In English, the Spanish phrase "no va" translates to "it doesn't go." Since the entire premise behind No Va is the juxtaposition of old and new, traditional and trendy, it makes a fitting name for Chef Brad Sorenson's Austin restaurant.

A former Food Network contestant and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Sorenson has never lacked in creativity when it comes to cuisine. No Va puts his artistic flair on display, not only in its cuisine but also in the building itself. Housed inside a strikingly modern former home, No Va clashes with the other historic buildings that dot Rainey Street. The aesthetic works well for Sorenson's vision, letting in the Texas sunshine through large windows that almost make diners feel as if they're outdoors. Of course, they can actually go outdoors and eat on the patio, which connects to the dining room via a double-sided fireplace.

Chef Brad's food also draws in crowds. It's inventive and portioned in plates small enough to share (for the most part). Pass around plates of whipped bleu cheese with bacon bread or kale salad tossed with a coconut dressing at dinner. Or simply stop by for a cocktail, such as the Lo' Daddy, a blend of bacon bitters, sazerac, salt, maple, and cherry.

No Va
87 Rainey Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 382-5651
www.novaonrainey.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/no-va-kitchen-and-bar-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/blu_pineappl3

At the beginning of summer you’re thrilled about the bright sunshine, long afternoons spent outdoors, and the hot summer breeze blowing through the trees. There comes a point when these things can start to feel overwhelming, however, and those days are potentially dangerous to your health. Here are a few simple tips to keep yourself and your family safe during a heat wave.

1. Know the symptoms. If you know the symptoms of heat-related illness, you’ll be better equipped to recognize it when it happens. If you or someone you know has painful muscle cramps, heavy sweating, a weak pulse, or nausea, those may be signs of heat exhaustion.
2. Stay hydrated. When the temperature rises to 90 degrees or above, it’s very important to drink at least one gallon of water per day.
3. Change your workout routine. Be sure to move any physical activity to the very early morning or after the sun goes down on days when there’s even a slight risk for heat stroke.
4. Wear lightweight clothing. This one may seem like a no brainer, but it can be difficult if you work in a place with a strict dress code or if you’re unprepared for the heat. Be sure to wear breathable fabrics in single layers, or wear an undershirt so that you can shed layers as the temperatures rise.

Heat: A Major Killer [National Weather Service]
Summer Heat Safety Tips [Love to Know]
NYC Hazards: Extreme Heat and Your Health [NYC.gov]
Red Cross Offers Ways to Stay Safe During a Heat Wave [Red Cross]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Rob Bertholf