Sputnik: Conquer the Massive ‘Altered Beast’ Burger

If you’re looking for an unpretentious East Austin spot to eat a burger and drink a beer, launch into Sputnik. Named after the Russian satellite that kicked off the Cold War space race, Sputnik has personality to spare and backs it up with awesome food. The burgers are made from 100% Angus Beef and served on a buttery brioche bun, with regulars going for the massive Altered Beast topped with cheese, grilled onions, pickles, romaine lettuce, tomato and Sputnik's savory house special sauce. It’s a real mouthful that will keep you satisfied all day. The restaurant also offers a selection of hot dogs and chili, as well as the usual sides (the onions rings are a real crowd pleaser). At the bar, the rotating whiskey of the day offers cheap sips, and Sputnik's beer selection is quite expansive. The staff is notably friendly, and the atmosphere is chock-full of well-meaning fun.

Sputnik
1300 E 6th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 628-1250
www.sputnik-austin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sputnik-austin

Don’t Miss the Sunday Brunch at Jack Allen’s Kitchen

Decorated with seasonal ornaments and colorful cookware, Jack Allen’s feels just like Grandma’s kitchen. This Austin eatery made its debut back in 2009 and has since been infusing Southern fare classics with locally sourced Texas ingredients.

The restaurant's unique offerings change each week according to what local farmers provide, but regulars would likely recommend you visit during the restaurant’s Sunday Brunch. With Texas-sized portions of everything from banana bread to biscuits and gravy and even gluten-free options, the brunch menu leaves no craving unsated! Among the must-haves on the menu are the dessert buffet's strudel muffins and the free pimento-cheese appetizer.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen serves up its Southwestern-style comfort food seven days a week. Be sure to arrive between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the crowd-favorite Sunday brunch!

Jack Allen’s Kitchen
3600 North Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 351-9399
jackallenskitchen.com

Headed to a Summer Cookout? Try This Recipe for Watermelon Salad!

Because there's only so much potato salad and baked beans a person can eat in one summer, we're sharing this delicious (and simple!) recipe for watermelon salad. It's easy to memorize, hard to mess up, and requires only a few ingredients. Translation: This recipe is a go-to for potlucks, cookouts, parties, or anything other occasion that request you bring one dish to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cubed seedless watermelon
  • 20 halved kalamata olives
  • 1 cup each mint and parsley
  • 3 cups arugula
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 of a small red onion, sliced
  • 2 limes
  • 1 jalapeno, julienned
  • 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper

Read the rest of the recipe on Saveur!

Laugh Out Loud at ColdTowne Theater

No matter what type of entertainment you typically enjoy, anyone who likes to laugh can appreciate the productions at ColdTowne Theater. Before 2006, Austin didn't have much of a comedy scene—certainly nothing like the countless improv clubs of Chicago. But that was the year that New Orleans transplants brought their brand of comedy to Austin in the form of ColdTowne Theater, which hosts everything from stand-up shows to improv.

You can take improv classes at ColdTowne Theater if you're interested in getting up on the main stage yourself, but you're also welcome to kick back and laugh from the comfort of a seat out in the audience. ColdTowne Theater holds a few signature events on a regular basis, like the improvised game show known as GameTowne (every last Thursday of the month) and an interactive storytime for kids, "What's the Story, Steve?" (every Saturday at 10 a.m.). However, the theater also boasts an ever-changing itinerary of performances that have only one thing in common: good comedy.

ColdTowne Theater
4803 Airport Boulevard
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 814-8696
www.coldtownetheater.com
www.yelp.com/biz/coldtowne-theater-austin

Hops and Grain: East Austin Microbrews

Texas has always had a proud and iconoclastic microbrewing scene, and one of the latest additions is Hops and Grain. They brew craft beers with a focus on sustainability. That translates into making sure that they package all of their beers into easily-recyclable aluminum cans, making dog treats from spent brewery grains, and giving back a portion of their profits to local environmental groups. They also work to source as much raw materials from community farmers and growers around Austin.

None of this would matter if the beer wasn’t good, but thankfully the brewers have excellent taste and produce some very well-regarded beer! Some of their most popular include the Half Nelson IPA and the bourbon-barreled Brown del Roble. At the on-site tap room, you can get pours of just about everything they offer for a very nice price, as well as take home some beer for later.

Hops and Grain
507 Calles Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 914-2467
www.hopsandgrain.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hops-and-grain-austin-2

Happy Fourth of July!

Wishing you a Fourth of July filled with pride, honor, and lots of fun!

Explore Innovative Japanese Fare at Uchiko

The sibling eatery to Uchi, Uchiko features a new menu but with the same innovative and fresh cuisine as its predecessor. If you’re on the search for fresh sushi, sashimi, or nigiri, Uchiko is the place to go.

Some of the plates are so unique, they actually look like works of art. That said, steer away from your usual spicy tuna or California roll! Step out of your comfort zone and try Uchiko’s shime saba or hamachi rolls. If possible, sit at the sushi bar so that you can watch the chefs prepare your meal. It is suggested that you explore the sake menu, as they have a wide selection by the glass with detailed descriptions. Regulars suggest ending your meal with the tobacco cream.

Uchiko is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Uchiko
4200 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 916-4808
www.uchikoaustin.com

Happy Father’s Day!

Today is a chance for us to recognize some very important people in our lives. May this day bring you many reasons to smile!

Happy Father’s Day!

How to Keep Your Fridge at Ladera Clean and Fresh

Looking for easy ways to help keep your refrigerator clean and fresh? These smart and simple household items will help you to get out even the toughest food smells and leave your fridge smelling like new again!

  • Baking soda. This one isn’t just an old wives’ tale; baking soda really does help to absorb unpleasant scents and remove them from the air. Start by sprinkling some baking soda around your refrigerator and scrubbing with a damp sponge. Once you’re done, place an opened box inside to absorb any additional smells that might happen in the future.
  • Lemons. Lemons are also all-natural deodorizers. Soak a cotton ball in a small bowl of lemon juice, and then leave it inside the refrigerator for several hours to permeate every inch of the interior.
  • Salt. Scrub the inside of your fridge with a simple salt and water solution, leaving the coarse granules for extra scrubbing power. This is a great way to do a heavy-duty clean without chemicals.
  • Liners. If you frequently find yourself scrubbing foul-smelling spills from condiments, leftovers, and other unsavory items, you might want to try lining the shelves of your fridge with paper towels. That way, you can simply remove them if (and when) a leak happens.

Clean and Deodorize Your Refrigerator [Reader’s Digest]
How To Clean & Organize a Refrigerator [Apartment Therapy]
Cleaning Your Fridge [Martha Stewart]

Uncorked Tasting Room: Pop The Cork

Austin’s wine lovers have been flocking to the Uncorked Tasting Room and Wine Bar since it opened for their spectacular service and well-curated selection of wines. The atmosphere here is incredibly classy, bringing a taste of Europe to the middle of Texas, and it’s a great place for special occasions.

Uncorked's wine cellar is extensive, boasting dozens of bottles from all over the world, and the servers can speak intelligently about their flavor profiles and make recommendations for the table. You can build your own flights or order by the bottle. They even offer a small selection of Texas-brewed beers if you'd prefer that to wine. The food here is also delightful, with bold, assertive flavors that pair perfectly with wine. Some of the best dishes include the artisanal Texas cheese plate, the Korean beef skewers served with pickled daikon and cucumber and the steamed mussels in a saffron, white wine and tomato broth.

Uncorked Tasting Room
900 E. 7th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 524-2809
www.uncorkedtastingroom.com
www.yelp.com/biz/uncorked-tasting-room-and-wine-bar-austin

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