Green Pastures: Elegant Austin Dining
August 14, 2013 by
Located on a lush Victorian-era estate with expansive lawns, strolling peacocks and spreading live oak trees, Green Pastures is known as ‘The Grande Dame of Austin restaurants.’ Go there for a splurge-worthy dining experience in an elegant, historic setting. Sunday brunch is a favorite time to stop in for their famous Milk Punch spiked with bourbon, rum and brandy. The prix fixe brunch menu features a groaning board of dishes like Creole Spiced Beef, Green Lipped Mussels, Moroccan Chicken, Chilled Shrimp and Prime Rib. Lunch and dinner offerings include some yummy entrée salads, sandwiches and main dishes like Spiced Spring Rack of Lamb, Texas Redfish with Crawfish, Seared Duck Breast, Espresso Cocoa Ribeye, and Grilled Tofu with Spinach. Open Monday through Sunday.
Green Pastures
811 West Live Oak Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-4747
http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-pastures-restaurant-austin
What Will You Find in the Austin Enchanted Forest?
August 7, 2013 by
Keep your eyes peeled for events at the Austin Enchanted Forest, an outdoor, wooded venue space in south Austin. These woods host a variety of events, from concert to art fairs. Past events include “silent discos” where you wear headphones and choose your DJ; fire-spinning parties; burlesque shows; and Art Outside, the annual spring art fair that features repurposed street art. The Forest is also known for a fearsome haunted house every October. You never know what you'll find in these woods …
Austin Enchanted Forest
1412 W. Oltorf Street
Austin, TX 78704
www.yelp.com/biz/austin-enchanted-forest-austin
Le Barbecue: A South Austin Barbecue Destination
July 31, 2013 by
Described by one fan as "The Mount Olympus of Barbecue" Le Barbecue is South Austin destination for delightful BBQ!
Super-friendly staff, great outdoor seating, live music on weekends and some of the juiciest, most succulent barbeque around, is why people wait in line to chow down here. Brisket, Beef Ribs, Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Turkey and House-Made Sausage are what’s cooking, ordered by the pound, as a plate or on a sandwich. A favorite sandwich is the El Sancho with a big pile of pulled pork or chopped brisket, sausage and red onion slaw. Order it ‘loco style’ with all three meats. Yummy sides include Potato Salad, Chipotle Slaw and Pinto Beans.
Le Barbecue is open Wednesdays through Sundays for lunch and dinner.
Le Barbecue
1502 S. 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 605-9696
http://labarbecue.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-barbecue-austin
J. Black’s Feel Good Kitchen and Lounge: Feel Good
July 24, 2013 by
Creative cocktails, some flavorful food options, and an expansive wine and beer list have earned J. Black’s Feel Good Kitchen and Lounge a legion of loyal fans. Order up a signature cocktail like the Austin Mule with handmade vodka, ginger beer, chili & lime, paired with something tasty like Texas Beef Nachos, Shrimp Ceviche or Australian Lamb Chop Lollipops. The delectable array of artisan pizzas includes the Chicken & Ranch with grilled chicken, bacon, cheddar & serrano ranch dressing, and the Crab & Portobello with lump crab, sautéed portobello mushroom, caramelized shallot & white truffle oil. Save room for a Salted Caramel Brownie with caramel sauce & a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Open Monday through Thursday from 4p.m. until 2a.m. Friday through Sunday from 11a.m. until 2a.m.
J. Black’s Feel Good Kitchen and Lounge
710 W. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 433-6954
http://www.yelp.com/biz/j-blacks-feel-good-kitchen-and-lounge-austin-2
Vespaio: Incredible Italian Cuisine
July 16, 2013 by
Vespaio is an Italian restaurant with exceptional food in a laid-back environment. The simple decor of brick and dark wood is a warm invitation, and the open kitchen is a fun and welcoming sight to incoming visitors. The menu contains authentic Italian food of the highest quality. Delicious antipasti like calimari and beef carpaccio lead into delicious salads and wood-fired pizzas. There are also mouth-watering specialties like prosciutto-wrapped jumbo prawns and veal scaloppine, as well as a wide array of pasta options. There's even gluten-free pasta here! The wine list receives regular updates and is among the best in the city for Italian wines, and the bartenders make a great cocktail, as well. Vespaio is a great choice for high quality food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Vespaio
1610 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 441-6100
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vespaio-austin
Austin Summer Fun: River Tubing on the San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers
July 9, 2013 by
People don’t often connect rivers with Texas, but the central part of the state around Austin is remarkably lush and green, criss-crossed by a number of pleasant bodies of water. The most popular choice for innertubers is the San Marcos River; about a 40 minute drive from downtown Austin, it’s fed by underground springs, making it a pleasant 70 degrees during the floating season, which lasts from April through September. Starting below the Spring Lake dam, you’ll be on the river for between two and six hours. At certain points, you’ll cross over small dams with chutes to speed your ride up, which add a little bit of excitement. The Guadalupe River is another popular destination, with water that flows a little faster and colder but still very comfortable. There are a handful of companies that rent tubes and provide transportation to and from start and end points. Here are a few to check out:
Austin Float Trips
(512) 963-5628
Rockin "R" River RIdes
(830) 629-9999
Texas Tubes
(830) 626-9900
Happy 4th of July!
July 4, 2013 by
On this 4th of July, we hope you take time to relax and celebrate America's freedom with close friends and loved ones. Happy Independence Day, USA!
The Carillon: Ring The Bells
June 26, 2013 by
Austin’s culinary scene has been booming in recent years, with a number of focused, motivated chefs bringing new perspectives in fine dining to grateful eaters. Chef Josh Watkins’ tenure at The Carillon began in 2008, after he returned to Texas and worked alongside famed chef David Bull at the Driskill Grill. Watkins appeared alongside Bull on TV show Iron Chef America, where he showed off his impressive skills, and not long after he was recruited to open the Carillon. Every aspect of this restaurant is top-notch. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, the décor is classy and comfortable, and the food is some of the best you’ll find in town. Frequent diners rave about the incredible spinach salad with house bacon and poached egg yolk, as well as the duck leg confit with root vegetables and white bean cassoulet. They also offer both three-course and six-course tasting menus, which come highly recommended.
The Carillon
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 404-3655
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-carillon-austin-2
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