Visit Boiler Nine for Farm-to-Table Fare and Delicious Drinks

A more inventive restaurant—regarding both the menu items and the space—than Boiler Nine may not exist. The nearby eatery (it’s just four miles from Elan East) is located inside the refurbished Seaholm Power Plant and spans three floors of sun-soaked space. The chefs are known to craft some of the finest wood-fired fare in the area—just try the roasted chicken, the pork chops, or the grilled brisket. In addition to meaty plates, a solid selection of veggie-centric dishes are available too. Veggie options range from pickled and grilled okra to sweet potato and coconut tartare.

Note that the menus change frequently to keep up with available food from local farms and food purveyors, but guests can always expect the freshest ingredients at this nearby restaurant. As far as drinks, the bartenders carefully pour curated cocktails from an impressive drink menu. Beyond cocktails, beer and wine is also available for purchase. If this menu sounds intriguing to you, be sure to pay Boiler Nine a visit.

Brush Up on Your Snapshot Skills at the Beginner’s Photography Class

If you take a look at some of Isla Studio's work, you'll immediately realize that the photographer behind this business is extremely talented. That's why you should take the Beginner's Photography Class offered by Isla Studio if you're interested in improving your photography game.

For three hours on Saturday, February 4th, this photography class gives you all the basic tools you need to get started as a budding shutterbug. It caters to those who've been snapping photos with DSLR cameras. Pupils learn more about the different settings, how to capture the perfect light, and even explore more technical terms such as exposure, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed, and more.

Cherry Creek Catfish: Fresh Seafood You’ll Love

There’s plenty of delicious food to be had in Austin. But if you’re looking for some of that old-school, Texas-style comfort food, there’s absolutely one place you must start with. It’s called Cherry Creek Catfish, and as you would expect by the name, you can get the classically soulful seafood dishes of this state’s cuisine in generous quantities.

This Manchaca Road establishment is well-known for its down-home approach to food. Here you’ll find many comfort food staples, like fried green tomatoes, chicken fried steak, and barbecue ribs. But it's the seafood that really stands out. Check out the blackened catfish, which is dredged in Cajun spices and seared. If you’re in the mood for a po’ boy, Cherry Creek has you covered, with your choice of shrimp, oysters, or catfish. When enjoyed with a side of the crowd-favorite hush puppies, this Texas-style cuisine makes for quite a satisfying meal.

Startup Games: Tech Startups Build Community and Give Back

In the ever-growing world of tech startup companies, there's one thing almost all of them have in common, regardless of what they actually do, and that's a game room. No startup company's office blueprint is complete without a place where employees can unwind after a day of meetings over the ping-pong or foosball table. The Startup Games in Austin take this common denominator and make it into something meaningful for local charities.

At the Startup Games on January 21st at Fair Market, 16 "teams" representing different local startups face off in the name of charity. Each team selects a charity that they'd like to support, and then they compete against other tech startups for the title of victor and a cash donation to their chosen organization. Even if your team doesn't win, your charity still receives some support, so this is a great team-building activity for a good cause. Be sure to check it out this month!

Ring in the New Year at the Urban Health Expo

With its picturesque running trails and sprawling parks, Austin is a great city to call home if you're into fitness. That's why it's also the perfect place for the Urban Health Expo, an event dedicated to all things health and wellness. It kicks off the new year on Saturday, January 7th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Huston-Tillotson University.

University students and the public alike are welcome to come join in the fitness-centric fun for free since the event is hosted by the City of Austin's Health and Human Services Department. There will be more than 30 health experts on hand to lead workouts and give presentations, including celebrity athletes such as four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Sanya Richards-Ross and former NFL player Chris Houston. Other local companies are also slated to host booths at the Urban Health Expo. Food demos, games and prizes, and education sessions are all on the schedule.

Savor Brazilian Street Fare at Boteco

Tucked between Granny's Tacos and Vintage Heart Coffee, Boteco is situated in the heart of one enclave of the local food scene in Austin. Like many of Austin's top eateries, Boteco doesn't have a formal kitchen and dining room but rather operates out of a food truck. This actually allows its chef to be more creative, not restrained by the confines of a classic menu or the costs that come with a more traditional space.

This means you can expect hot, authentic Brazilian fare at Boteco Food Truck. Named for the Brazilian term for a local watering hole, Boteco dishes out street fare that delights Austin diners. Dig into a plate of yuca fries, the Brazilian version of classic French fries, perhaps on the side of the feijoada completa, the "national dish of Brazil." It includes black bean stew teeming with pork, ribs, and sausage as well as rice, collard greens, toasted yuca, Pimenta Biquinho peppers, and an orange slice. Stop by for something truly unique this week!

Peche: Austin’s First Absinthe Bar

With the popularity of all things "craft" soaring, it’s little wonder that cocktails are undergoing something of a renaissance. But there’s one place in particular that seems to be drawing visitors by throwing it back to the old days of drinking—think pre-1920s. It’s called Peche, and it’s well worth your time.

Located on West 4th Street in Austin, Peche made its name by being the first absinthe bar in the city. As such, it has an excellent selection of absinthes, but what makes it even more special is the kind of cocktails it serves to patrons. With a specialization in pre-Prohibition-style drinks, you can be sure you’re getting something out of the ordinary here. Of course, sophisticated drinks need sophisticated foods, and this spot makes no mistake in offering an excellent variety of French-inspired dishes, like braised short ribs and duck confit. The next time you’re in the mood for an elevated meal, keep this bar in mind.

(512) Brewery Tour: Experience a Local Craft Brewery Up Close

(512) Brewery is a business so local and focused on the art of craft brewing that it doesn't even have a tasting room. The entire space is dedicated solely to brewing great beer and shipping it out to bars and stores around Austin. That doesn't mean you can't grab a glass at (512), though.

Sign up for the brewery tour on Saturday, December 17th, and you'll have the chance to sample beers as you watch them being brewed. The one-hour tour is only $10 and includes a souvenir glass as well as small pours of the various suds being whipped up at the brewery that day. Designated drivers can take the tour for free, and they receive a free pint glass or $5 off merchandise in return for skipping the samples.

(512) Brewery Tour
When: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: (512) Brewing Company, 407 Radam Lane, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/512-brewery-tour-dec17-2016-1230pm-tickets-29055902988
www.512brewing.com/2013/02/tours-now-weekly-at-512

Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal: Holiday Shopping with a Side of Art and Wine

If you haven't already seen the Soil of the Soul exhibit at Art for the People Gallery in Austin, there's no better time to visit than on Friday, December 16th. The gallery will be hosting a special event on behalf of the artist, called Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal. It will showcase three new pieces of work that complement the existing exhibit, which pays homage to wine and those who love it.

Come to the free event to explore the beautiful works of art and do a little gift shopping too. The gallery's art boutique will be open, and it's packed with one-of-a-kind items handcrafted by local artists. So as you shop, you'll also be giving back to your community. What's more, there will be a DJ on hand to spin beats as well as sommeliers doling out glasses of fine wines.

Revel in the Secret Wall Reveal
When: 6 – 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16
Where: Art for the People Gallery, 1711 S. First Street, Austin, TX
www.austintexas.org/event/revel-in-the-secret-wall-reveal/128986
www.facebook.com/events/1228801507184715

Sample the Breakfast Tacos at Taco-Mex

It doesn't have to be Taco Tuesday for you to enjoy some hearty Mexican cuisine. Taco-Mex offers top-notch, made-to-order tacos, and it's conveniently located not far from Elan East. While this restaurant specializes in unique breakfast tacos which you can get all day, the staff here also make tasty lunch tacos as well as other favorite Mexican dishes, including burritos, chile relleno, and quesadillas. All menu items are served a la carte, though platters which include rice and beans are also available.

The next time you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine, be sure to order delivery or take-out from Taco-Mex. Since all the food is made to order, be sure to call ahead or place your order online for fast service.

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