Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2014!

Sip Bottomless Coffee, Fill Up on Pancakes at Cafe Java

If you feel like venturing out of the house for some breakfast, consider stopping by Round Rock's own Cafe Java. This cozy neighborhood cafe serves up some mean pancakes and coffee is always fresh, hot, and bottomless. The breakfast platters come with two eggs, crispy hash browns, toast, and your choice of meat: steak, ham, sausage, or corn beef hash.

Although only open for breakfast and brunch on the weekends, during the week Cafe Java stays open until 9 p.m. and is a great place to score a juicy burger or plate of fully loaded beef nachos. Regulars say the hearty homemade soups are some of the best they can find. 

The staff is friendly and quick, but Cafe Java fills up quick during the weekend, so keep that in mind if you stop by for an impromptu breakfast with friends or family.

Cafe Java
2051 Gattis School Road
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 238-0700
http://cafejavaroundrock.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-java-round-rock

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Discover New Wines With These Great Websites

Whether you love the dry, rich aroma of a dark merlot or the fruity, crisp taste of a bright pinot grigio, appreciating a good wine is something that unites people and makes for hours of cheerful discussion. These educational websites provide the latest information about new wines, up-and-coming brands, and the most beautiful vineyards to keep you informed about the world of wine.

Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is a much more informational wine resource than most, and you’re sure to learn something new about your favorite beverage with each visit. The site features daily wine picks by expert tasters, wine lists for occasions like Thanksgiving or separated by state, and even the latest news about health benefits and prices of wine. For less experienced wine drinkers, Wine Spectator also features a Learn Wine page that teaches the basic types of wines, commonly used wine terms and other helpful information.

Wine-Searcher
If you’re interested in the history and culture of wine as well as specific types, Wine-Searcher is the site for you. This text-heavy website includes news and features about wines from hundreds of years ago, the stories behind some of today’s most renowned wineries, and cultural discussion of wines from around the world. Wine-Searcher also includes more modern takes on popular wines, like a recommendation feature that matches you with the best bottle for your budget.

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Ceramic Lodge: Calling Round Rock Artists

Get creative at the Ceramic Lodge. Located on Chisholm Trail Road near Round Rock Center West, this is the place to go for decorative pottery that you can paint yourself. You don’t need an appointment, just walk in! You’ll like checking out the differed styles of pottery, most costing about $10. Then you can pick out just the right color paint to match your home décor, along with different designs. Then, let your imagination take over! When you finish your creation, the helpful staff not only glazes your piece, but also cleans up your space. It’s no wonder that the Ceramic Lodge has become a popular spot birthday parties. Adults can also book a fun experience for you and your friends. Check the calendar for fun project nights, and almost every Thursday is ladies’ night!

Ceramic Lodge
18 Chisholm Triangle Road
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 248-2100
http://www.yelp.com/biz/ceramic-lodge-round-rock

Season’s Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season with all the warmth and splendor this time of year has to offer. Happy Holidays!

Sushi Nini: Try the Blue Midnight Roll

Good sushi is only part of the reason to stop by Sushi Nini restaurant. Located in the shopping center where N. Interstate 35 meets Louis Henna Boulevard in Round Rock, Sushi Nini is the place to go for fresh and affordable sushi. But it’s also a good spot to meet up with friends! At the sushi bar, you can watch your order being made by experienced chefs. Good sushi is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, but regulars really like the signature Blue Midnight roll. There’s always a deal here! For lunch, selected rolls are half price. Dinner for two with appetizers, main course, and dessert is just $29.99. Now that’s a deal! The Monday to Friday happy hour offers $2 deals on beer, sake, and well drinks. With a big screen TV, you can even catch the game. 

Sushi Nini
117 Louis Henna Boulevard, Suite 160
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 671-6464
http://www.sushinini.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-nini-round-rock

Taco Market: Mexican Food Made From Scratch

Taco Market proves that fast food can also be good food. Located at the shopping center where University Boulevard meets Campus Village Drive, Taco Market will make you feel welcome with its modern yet rustic ambiance. Bring your pooch and make use of the outdoor patio! Because of the helpful wait staff, fast service is also friendly service here. The menu features all of your Mexican food favorites, with a difference: everything from the tortillas to the selections at the salsa bar is made from scratch! Nothing is frozen or pre-packaged, and it shows through in the food. People here go for the queso dip and chips, and the street tacos are a big hit. Complement your meal with a trip to the salsa bar, where you’ll be able to sample a lot of different flavors.

Taco Market
1151 University Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 248-8222
http://www.tacomarketonline.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/taco-market-round-rock-2

Gain Insight into Our Changing Job Market with This Informative Handbook

Are you worried about the stability of your profession in the current workforce? Want to change jobs, but nervous about the transition? If you want to learn more about the present and future job market, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook is an invaluable tool.

This fascinating handbook provides complete profiles for hundreds of jobs in the US today, providing insight into many careers that you may not have even heard of. Career profiles are categorized by occupation groups, from Arts and Design to Legal to Protective Services. These informative profiles describe what each job does, the work environment, the pay rate, and even provides advice about how to get it!

Along with its career profiles, the Occupational Outlook Handbook also includes Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections for the 2010 – 2020 decade. Using this information, its easy-to-use website then allows visitors to search for occupations by education level, number of new jobs, projected growth rate, type of training, and median pay.

Whether you want to get into a new career or you’re simply interested in the way our country’s workforce is changing, the Occupational Outlook Handbook is an incredibly interesting read.

Dinner and a Movie at Flix Brewhouse

Flix Brewhouse is the only first run cinema and microbrewery in the world — and it's right here in Round Rock!  

You can enjoy new movies at standard prices while dining from The Brewhouse’s full menu. There are six cinemas with stadium seating, all with wait service. <oveable tables make dining easy. You can simply order snacks and appetizers like fried pickles, or a whole dinner with burgers and chicken entrees. Their brewmaster has created six signature beers or choose from 42 others domestic and craft favorites. They also offer wine by the glass, and fun non-alcoholic options like the Dreamsicle, an orange cream soda. 

The Brewhouse has fun events like ladies night with retro flicks, and specials like $3 Texas Pint Mondays. There's a traditional box office, but it's a good idea to purchase your tickets ahead of time to reserve your spot — reserve online and you can print them when you arrive. 
 

Flix Brewhouse
Hesters Crossing
2200 S Interstate 35, Ste B1
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 244-3549
www.yelp.com/biz/flix-brewhouse-round-rock

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Today we pay tribute to the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom. Thank you, veterans!

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