Mesa Rosa: Mexican Fare in Round Rock, Texas

For lunch, dinner, or a night out with friends, come to Mesa Rosa, a place to enjoy Mexican fare in Round Rock. The welcoming ambiance, with stucco walls, a fireplace, photos on the walls, and comfortable seating, will make you feel like you’re in a real Mexican cantina! Head to the bar with friends for happy hour, and you'll find terrific deals on beer, wine, cocktails, and munchies. For lunch or dinner, you’ll like the menu of Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites. The house-made salsa and guacamole are big hits, as are the enchiladas and chimichangas. Add in the terrific service, and Mesa Rosa will also be your go-to spot for Mexican food and fun.

Mesa Rosa
2850 N. Interstate Highway 35
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 218-1818
http://www.mesarosa.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mesa-rosa-round-rock

Reminder: Today’s Election Day

Be sure to get out and vote today!

Write Yourself a Prescription for Fun at Apothecary Cafe and Wine Bar

The Apothecary Café and Wine Bar is the best prescription for a relaxing evening. Located in a small shopping center on Burnet Road in Rosedale, this is a quaint spot to come by for a glass of wine with friends or to stay for a bite to eat. The long bar, nice tables and décor with a little Middle Eastern flair will make you feel comfortable. There’s also an equally comfortable patio, which is also dog-friendly. Come for happy hour, and you’ll always find deals on selected wines and apps to share. (Try the Gouda Chicken Nachos.) Because the dinner menu is seasonal, it changes all the time; however, the high quality remains consistent, and you can always find a good wine to pair with any entrée. Brunch on the weekends is also a tasty option.

Apothecary Café and Wine Bar
4800 Burnet Road, Suite 450
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 371-1600
http://www.apothecaryaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/apothecary-cafe-and-wine-bar-austin-2

Happy Autumn!

With autumn upon us, we hope everyone is able to take advantage of all of the fun and festivities that the season has to offer. Happy Fall!

 

The FDA’s Tips for Storing, Preparing and Serving Seafood

Seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. It's been attributed to healthy hearts and proper development in children. While eating fish and shellfish is important, it's equally important to take precautions to avoid foodborne illness. Here are the FDA's tips for selecting, serving, and storing seafood safely.

Start right when you buy the fish. 
Only buy seafood that is stored on plenty of ice. If it looks slimy or smells sour, steer clear. If you're buying fish that has been frozen, make sure it's below the frost line but does not have too many ice crystals on the packaging — it may have been sitting for too long.

Immediately put fish on ice or in the fridge when you get home.
If you plan on using the fish in more than two days, package it in a moisture-proof container and freeze it.

Store raw fish and cooked fish separately.
When you plan on cooking the fish, let it defrost in the fridge overnight.

Seafood is safe to eat when the internal temperature has reached 145ºF.
The best way to check is by using a food thermometer. The fish should not stay out of the fridge for more than two hours once it has been cooked. 

· Fresh and Frozen Seafood: Selecting and Serving It Safely [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]

The Antique Gallery of Round Rock: Floor to Ceiling Vintage Finds

Everything old is new again at the Antique Gallery of Round Rock. Located on South Interstate 35, there’s a little bit of everything. Make sure that you give yourself some time to look around; there’s 30,000 square feet of finds! With the eclectic mix of vendors, you will always find something unique and interesting. Furniture hunters will be able to furnish any home with different styles. There are walls filled with artwork and shelves stacked with knick-knacks and glassware. Vintage toy enthusiast can always come upon something cool, and there’s even a section lined with cowboy boots and antique clothes. If you need some help, don’t fret. The helpful staff will be more than happy to look through the files to see if they have what you want. The Antique Gallery is open every day until 6 p.m.

The Antique Gallery of Round Rock
1601 S. Interstate 35, Suite 400
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 671-7467
http://www.antiquegalleryroundrock.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/antique-gallery-round-rock

Riviera Bistro & Wine Bar: Gluten Free Gourmet

The Riviera Bistro & Wine Bar is a sensitive stomach’s paradise with the entire menu being gluten free without sacrificing a bit of flavor. This place is for everyone who enjoys over-the-top amazing food and atmosphere. The menu is inspired by the tastes of Southern France and Northern Italy. They have placed the kitchen so that your every sense will be heightened with the sounds, smells, and sights as your food is prepared. Don’t be surprised if the chef comes to greet you personally at your table. Regulars are over the moon about the rich, powerful flavors and fresh ingredients on offer. Some  favorites to try are the crab macaroni and cheese and  the salmon rousade wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with potatoes, fine cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Don’t forget their immaculate wine selection, which also happens to be completely gluten free. You will be delighted no matter what you order.

Riviera Bistro & Wine Bar
12801 Shops Pkwy Ste 200
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-2960
http://www.yelp.com/biz/riviera-bistro-bee-cave

Round Rock Honey Company: Texas Made Sweetness

Honey harvested in the Lone Star State is what you’ll find at the Round Rock Honey Company. Located on the Chisholm Trail near Round Rock Industrial Park, this is a family operation that specializes in an all-natural sweet treat. It also has a taste unique to the state because Round Rock Honey Company harvests its product from hives all over the state, from bees making the finest wildflower honey. Not only does it taste good, honey is also good at preventing local allergies! And it’s easy to find at local farmers markets, selected grocery stores and even online for delivery to your home. You can get a bottle as small as eight ounces or as large as a gallon. The containers are even good, with the large bottles equipped with a spout and made of glass so they can be re-used or recycled! 

Round Rock Honey Company
1308 Chisholm Triangle
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 828-5416
http://www.yelp.com/biz/round-rock-honey-company-round-rock

Sizzle Indian Grill: Round Rock Indian Cuisine

Step up to flavor at the Sizzle Indian Grill. Located in Round Rock, Sizzle brings the tastes of India to Texas. This is a casual spot but still has an ambiance with an Indian flair. It’s very comfortable! But don’t wait for a server – just walk up to the counter and order. You’ll like the menu that’s filled with traditional Indian specialties, many of which make use of the traditional bread Naan (get the popular Naanwich). Kids also like the Naan pizza! There are also a lot of spicy dishes here, like the Lamb Vindaloo. Vegetarians can also find something good. But be ready to wait – everything is made to order so it takes a little longer. Catering is also available.

Sizzle Indian Grill
2000 S. Interstate 35, Suite C1
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 255-2553
http://www.sizzleindiangrill.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sizzle-indian-grill-round-rock

Westside Ale House: Beer and Burgers With a Side of Sports

You and your friends might want to make the Westside Ale House your place of choice for good times. Located on Route 35 in Round Rock, Westside is a bright, casual spot for food and drink. You will like the big, modern-industrial décor of the bar and restaurant, which boasts an open ceiling and a skylight that lets in the sunshine.

If you’re looking to watch the big game, there are so many big screens around that you won’t miss a play! Beer lovers will be overwhelmed by the amount of beers on tap and by the bottle. Do yourself a favor and get a beer flight of four selected beers to try! Come during happy hour for great deals on beers, drinks and apps (try the Sauerkraut Balls). The lunch and dinner menus feature good pub grub like burgers, sandwiches, and wings.

Westside Ale House
1500 N Interstate 35
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 238-8438
http://www.westsidealehouse.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/westside-alehouse-round-rock

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