May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!
Truluck’s: Fete a Special Occasion Over Steak and Seafood
September 22, 2016 by
The next time you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider making a reservation at Truluck’s. This upscale steak and seafood restaurant in Austin has a festive feel, from its light-covered marquee and beautiful stone patio to its romantic, old-fashioned interior. The eatery is very large and features a dark wooden bar and spacious tables that can accommodate the whole family.
On the menu, Truluck’s offers premium cuts of steak, Florida stone crab, and Chilean seabass, and its extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails pair perfectly with any entree. Appetizers like the famous smoking shrimp cocktail start the meal off right, while the dessert martinis and extravagant cakes conclude every meal on a sweet note.
Truluck’s serves dinner seven days a week. Happy hour is held between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. daily.
Truluck’s
10225 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 794-8300
www.trulucks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/trulucks-austin-2
Warehouse Craft Brews and Food Trucks Meet at Austin Beerworks
September 15, 2016 by
Founded with principles of fun and community in mind, Austin Beerworks works overtime as a brewery and taproom. Between Thursdays and Sundays, this Austin craft brewery opens its warehouse taproom to the public. That's when beer aficionados from all over the city arrive to sample the brewery's beers at their peak of freshness: straight from the tank!
Austin Beerworks's core four beers—an American IPA, German-style schwarzbier and pils, and an ale—are offered at the taproom all year long, complemented by seasonal rotations and a selection of taproom-only brews. The taproom deal is $10 for a take-home pint glass and three pints. If you’re interested in trying more varieties, some locals say you can do six half-pours—you just have to ask.
On most evenings, you can find some of Austin’s best food trucks parked outside for a tasty pairing.
Austin Beerworks
3009 Industrial Terrace
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 821-2494
www.austinbeerworks.com
Where to Buy Fall and Halloween Home Decor on the Cheap
September 15, 2016 by
Decorating for fall is a great way to get into the autumn spirit, but that doesn't mean you need to empty your bank account to get the job done. Use these budget-friendly tips for where to buy Halloween-themed decorations, fall-friendly furnishings, and other seasonal home décor items without overspending.
Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft Stores
This tried-and-true fabric store has much more than the craft supplies that you might remember. Stop in to find seasonal garland to drape around your door frames, realistic wreaths in your favorite fall colors, and festive embroidered pillows in shades of brown and orange.
World Market
World Market is well known for its eclectic selection of globally influenced home décor items, and the same goes for its adorable fall-themed touches. Pick up some spooky skeletons and silly mummified animals for your upcoming Halloween party, or decorate with a fall doormat perfect for those cool-weather boots.
Oriental Trading
If you’re really on a budget, Oriental Trading is a great place to buy fall home décor items in bulk for an upcoming party or occasion. Order party tableware, autumn-themed craft supplies, and even decorative touches like lanterns, wreaths, and faux pumpkins at bargain prices.
El Pollo Regio: Mesquite Charcoal Grilled Chicken With Humble Beginnings
September 9, 2016 by
El Pollo Regio came from humble beginnings before growing into a chain of 49 locations, including several in Austin. Opened by Juan Jorge Bazaldua in a special trailer with a mesquite charcoal grill, El Pollo Regio features the founder’s popular marinated chicken. You can order the whole chicken, which comes with rice, beans, and tortillas. You’ll also the chicken in such menu options as the chicken tostada, chicken soup, and chicken poblano mole. The menu also lists grilled carne asada and flour tacos.
If you want to share the popular, authentic Mexican dishes with your friends, El Pollo Regio provides catering services. Nostalgic fans of the restaurant can take it a step further and pay homage by traveling to Oklahoma City, where the original trailer is still in use at one of the branches.
El Pollo Regio
1110 B. East William Canonn Drive
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 215-0235
www.elpolloregio.net
www.yelp.com/biz/el-regio-austin
Cool Off With Fruity Shaved Ice at The Purple Tongue
September 1, 2016 by
“Keep Austin Weird” is a mantra among locals in this Texas oasis, and the Purple Tongue is a great example of what they mean. This roving food truck offers a unique menu of hot dogs and shaved ice, and it’s won a dedicated following. If all you know about shaved ice is carnival stands pouring artificially-flavored sugary syrup, you’re in for a real surprise here. They make all of their syrups with fresh fruits and other ingredients.
Some favorite offerings include the strawberry banana, which might be the most popular, but also praised is the grapefruit mojito. The flavor menu is extensive, featuring classics like cherry and grape and more advanced flavors like dark chocolate and chai tea. You can get your ice topped with whipped cream, caramel, sweetened condensed milk, you name it. If you’re hungry, their dogs are well-regarded – locally-made bratwurst on a fresh roll slathered with mustard and onions will hit the spot.
The Purple Tongue
1012 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 413-7329
www.facebook.com/ThePurpleTongue.ATX
www.yelp.com/biz/the-purple-tongue-austin-2
Turf N’ Surf Po-Boy: Don’t Miss the Mahi Mahi
August 25, 2016 by
It'd be accurate to call Ralph Gilmore a jack of all trades. He's worked beneath the hoods of ailing cars; he's constructed and sold customized bikes; he's designed modern living spaces. But he took on an entirely new type of venture in the early 2000s when he debuted Turf N' Surf Po-Boy, a food trailer that eventually spawned a more permanent kitchen (and sidewalk order window) on Lavaca Street.
You can choose to have your food one of three ways: as a po'boy, tacos, or a salad, Then just pick your fixings. The mahi mahi is a popular option, whether or not you go for a po'boy or taco. But you can also go for blackened ribeye with horseradish cream buffalo chicken with bleu cheese, or grilled veggies (known as The Hipster). You can also opt for a basket of fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, or even crawfish. On the side, order one of the popular costars from the menu: the cilantro fries or the jalapeno hush puppies.
Turf N' Surf Po-Boy
407 Lavaca Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 276-2763
www.lavacastreet.com/turf-n-surf
www.yelp.com/biz/turf-n-surf-po-boy-austin
How to Shake (or Stir!) the Perfect Cocktail
August 18, 2016 by
If you think you need to venture to the bar to find a unique, tasty cocktail, think again. You can easily mix up your own creative cocktails and mocktails in the comfort of your own home. The most important part of a great drink is how long the flavor lingers in your mouth. You want to intrigue your taste buds and mind after the sip goes down. These tips are sure to leave a unique, lasting flavor on your tongue.
- Choose a good quality base liquor or flavor of your cocktail.
- Use a generous amount of the base spirit.
- Mix in a tart or sweet ingredient such as lime juice, simple syrup, or liqueur. Remember to keep it simple and balanced, as this will make the flavors last in your mouth.
- Add a few drops of bitters or a hydrosol, such as rosewater, to add aromatics to your drink.
- A cocktail that contains delicate flavors or ingredients should be stirred. Be sure to shake any cocktail containing juice or egg whites.
- To avoid diluting your drink, use larger ice cubes that will melt at a slower pace. In your glass, the ice should be visible about the alcohol line.
- Take some time to make your cocktail look presentable. A simple lemon twist can add a touch of elegance to your drink.
From A Genius Mixologist: The Only Ratio You Need For Perfect Cocktails [Fast Company]
How to make cocktails: follow these 10 golden rules [The Guardian]
How to Make Perfect Cocktails [Williams-Sonoma Taste]
The Red Room Lounge: An Austin Wine Bar
August 11, 2016 by
Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or a novice to wine drinking, the service and selection at The Red Room Lounge just might make this place your new go-to wine bar in Austin. The knowledgeable sommeliers are happy to put together tasting flights, make recommendations, educate you about the wine-making process, and help you find just the right vintage for your own particular taste.
The Red Room Lounge’s atmosphere is dramatic, featuring dim lighting, exposed brick, deep leather couches, and lots of dark wood. Note, however, that this is not a place where you should expect to get dinner along with your wine. The Red Room Lounge offers a small selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, but this dedicated wine cellar focuses mainly on drinks.
The Red Room Lounge
306 E. Third Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 501-1536
www.redroomatx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-red-room-lounge-austin
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