Cru Food & Wine Bar: Don’t Miss the Goat Cheese Beignets

The folks behind Cru Food & Wine Bar believe that fine wine is for everyone, not just people willing to shell out a hundred bucks for a bottle. That's why their wine list offers 30 wines by the glass at a range of different price points as well as 300 bottles from all around the globe if you do want to spend a little more. And wine is really only half of the equation at Cru.

The New American cuisine also enjoys praise from customers. The goat cheese beignets, in particular, seem to exemplify the fun approach to food that Cru's chefs take. A drizzle of honey and dusting of cracked pepper create the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Locals also like the lamb lollipops with Maytag bleu cheese, a red-wine demi-glace, mint, and crispy prosciutto. These are a few of the tapas you can enjoy on the rooftop bar in addition to artisan cheese plates, but you can also dig into a stone-fired pizza or a larger plate.

Cru Food & Wine Bar
300 Avalon Boulevard
Alpharetta, GA 30009
(678) 248-5181
www.cruawinebar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cru-food-and-wine-bar-alpharetta

la Madeleine: Enjoy Freshly Baked Baguettes and Much More

Growing up in France, Patrick Leon Esquerre learned to equate dinner time with fresh food crafted by hand and time spent with friends and family. When he moved to the U.S., he missed the camaraderie of French mealtimes—not to mention the fresh baguettes and aromatic espresso. So he opened la Madeleine in Dallas in 1983, the first of many branches. Today, one of the offshoots is right near Folio in Austin.

So head to la Madeleine if you're interested in savoring some of the sweet and savory French fare on the menu. The bakery churns out sweet bites like almond croissants and blueberry muffins, not to mention breads such as the mini sea salt baguette and the Seven Grain Loaf. If you're interested in a more substantial breakfast, try one of the customized savory crepes. At dinner, indulge in a decadent sandwich with a glass of wine on the side.

la Madeleine
9828 Great Hills Trail
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 502-2474
lamadeleine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-madeleine-french-bakery-and-cafe-austin

The Republic of Texas Museum Celebrates an Important Era in Local History

From vintage cowboy boots to historic portraits, the artifacts on display at the Republic of Texas Museum pay homage to a special era in your state's history. For the decade sandwiched between 1836 and 1846, Texas existed as a sovereign country. Although it eventually joined the U.S., the period in time when the Republic of Texas reigned is a point of interest for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which is why they opened this museum.

The Republic of Texas Museum gives guests a snapshot of what life was like when Texas operated as its own nation. The distinct culture of the era shines in pieces of clothing, works of art, and various other artifacts from the era. So if you want to learn more about local history, head to the Republic of Texas Museum for a quick lesson.

Republic of Texas Museum
510 E. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 339-1997
www.drtinfo.org/preservation/drt-properties/republic-of-texas-museum
www.yelp.com/biz/republic-of-texas-museum-austin

Ramp Up Your Workout at Kor180

If you're the type of person who gets sick of the same workout quickly, Kor180 in Austin will keep you on your toes. The fitness studio isn't far from Folio, and it offers revamped versions of Pilates Reformer and spin classes for athletes who want to take their workout to the next level.

The korFormer classes are based on classic Pilates principles but add an element of interval training to keep your heart rate up and your body moving. Instead of using a standard Reformer, you'll complete class with the help of the studio's signature korFormer, which allows instructors to incorporate different aspects of cardio and strength training. Meanwhile at the Ryde classes, the Power Performance Console stationed atop the handlebars of each bike tracks your ride in a way your typical indoor cycle can't.

Kor180
1611 W. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 243-7955
kor180.com
www.yelp.com/biz/kor180-austin

Jack & Ginger’s Irish Pub: Don’t Miss the Jumbo Pretzels

When the menu at Jack & Ginger's Irish Pub says jumbo pretzel, this is not an exaggeration. According to one of the many Yelp reviewers who highly recommend this appetizer, it was almost too big for her and her companion to eat on their own. The gooey beer cheese and honey mustard that come on the side only add to the heartiness of the dish.

So pace yourself while you chow down on a pretzel because you'll want to save some room for a draft beer and an entree at Jack & Ginger's. The entrees include bangers and mash—featuring the Austin Sausage Company's local version of the banger—as well as more traditional Guinness-battered fish and chips. If you opt for a burger, try The Classic with whiskey onions, Irish mustard, and cheddar cheese, or opt for the meat-free black bean and barley burger with honey-Sriracha mayo instead.

Jack & Ginger's Irish Pub
11500 Rock Rose
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 350-3738
jackandgingers.pub
www.yelp.com/biz/jack-and-gingers-austin

Visit Maki Toki for Fresh Sushi and Happy Hour Deals Near Folio

Make tonight a sushi night at Maki Toki, a restaurant that is just about a mile from Folio. Located on Braker Lane, Maki Toki is a neighborhood favorite for great sushi. The menu consists of every sushi roll imaginable and even promises discounted food and drinks during happy hour, which runs from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. During happy hour, beer and sake costs from $2.50 to $5 and sushi rings cost from $2.99 to $6.99. Talk about a good deal!

The regular menu is available daily with delicious sushi dishes such as the spicy salmon, the spicy tuna, the mango shrimp, and the shrimp tempura sushi made with steak. In addition to sushi, the menu consists of popular Japanese fare including the chicken yakitori, miso soup, seaweed salad, and more. The food at Maki Toki is available for both dine-in meals and take-out. The casual restaurant is the perfect choice for a night out, a family dinner, or a date night.

Maki Toki
1910 West Braker Lane
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 832-0200
http://www.makitoki.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/maki-toki-austin

Cafe Java: A Coffee Joint with Top-Notch Eats Near Folio

Ever been to a coffee shop where the drinks are excellent but the food isn't great? That’s not the case at Cafe Java, a cafe serving delicious, high-quality brunch all day long a half-mile from Folio. The cafe has a charming atmosphere with its quirky art on the walls and other decorations hanging from the ceiling. Guests also rave about the friendly and welcoming service that really goes above and beyond.

But let’s talk about the food: all-American favorites like biscuits with gravy, eggs Benedict, and pancakes are perfectly made here. It has daily specials too like two-for-one burgers on Mondays. A very popular menu item is the Ultimate Migas, which is scrambled eggs with corn chips, chorizo, and other Mexican flavors. And as you’d expect, Cafe Java has great coffee, with drinks ranging from the regular (Iced Latte) to the fancy (Caramel con Panna).

Cafe Java
11900 Metric Boulevard
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 339-7677
www.facebook.com/Cafe-Java-Austin-350473130184/
www.yelp.com/biz/caf%C3%A9-java-austin-2

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Near Folio at Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms

Just because you live halfway across the world from Ireland doesn't mean you should lay off the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. You're entitled to enjoy Irish culture, which is why Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms intends to host St. Patrick's Day Austin only about 10 minutes from Folio.

The revelry will kick off at 3 p.m. on March 17 with melodies floating from silver thistle pipes and drums outdoors and from Celtic musicians Sean Gavin, Devin Shepheard, and Eamon O'Leary indoors. Live entertainment continues throughout the day, all the way up to the grand finale: a performance by The Twopenny Hang on the outdoor stage. Enjoy Irish food and drink while you enjoy the Irish melodies at St. Patrick's Day Austin this year.

St. Patrick's Day Austin
Jourdan-Bachmann Pioneer Farms
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 17
10621 Pioneer Farms Drive
Austin, TX 78754
www.stpatricksdayaustin.com/index.html

Barley Swine: A Popular Foodie Spot in a New Home Near Folio

When adventurous food meets with tasty drinks in a welcoming spot, you get Barley Swine, a New American restaurant that recently moved to within about 10 minutes of Folio. Barley Swine was earning rave reviews and creating great memories in its former South Lamar location, but the chefs needed more space to amp up their cocktail program. The new location boasts lovely dim lighting and plentiful seating around the bar, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a date.

The drinks don’t disappoint. There are updates on old favorites like Obligatory Tiki #1—made with Black Seal Rum—and one-of-a-kind tastes like the pisco which includes fernet, egg white, winter citrus, and cilantro. The tapas-style menu offers dishes you can’t find anywhere else, like Cider Vinegar Pie, Grilled Octopus with Pig’s Foot Fried Rice, and Bacon Curd with Pinto Beans and Greens. Come for "Swine Time" happy hour, every Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 pm.

Barley Swine
6555 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 394-8150
barleyswine.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/barley-swine-austin-2

Two Hands Coffee Promises High-Quality Coffee in The Domain

Those looking for an ethical cup of java should head to Two Hands Coffee, a shop just one and a half miles from Folio situated inside the newest section of The Domain. Not only is it convenient, the owners make sure the growers are paid a fair wage, that they pick the best coffee beans possible, and that a meticulous process (that results in delicious coffee that one expects from Two Hands Coffee) is followed every time.

Two Hands also celebrates the local food and drink scene by serving up juices made from local fruits and veggies, and an assortment of local beer. Two Hands also calls on Quack’s Bakery, a local shop, to create an assortment of muffins, scones, breads and cookies.

There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for guests and free WiFi to boot. The open indoor space promises minimalist decor with an assortment of comfy couches for guests to lounge on.

The trendy shop is a must-visit for coffee fans, and even beer fans. Two Hands Coffee opens up early in the morning — 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. on the weekends — and stays open until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.

Two Hands Coffee
The Domain
11501 Rock Rose Avenue
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 520-2822
www.twohandscoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/two-hands-coffee-austin

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