Austin is the most eclectic city in the great state of Texas, so it’s not surprising that vegan food has found a foothold here amidst the taco shops and barbecue restaurants. The Vegan Yacht is a favorite spot among the meat-eschewers of Austin, and their menu offers a bounty of healthy, flavorful food.

The top-selling item here is the “Freeto Burrito,” a pile of organic tempeh chili and corn chips wrapped in a flour tortilla. It’s an awesome take on a Tex-Mex classic that is guaranteed to fill you up. Other favorites include the mock chicken wrap with carrots, avocado and sprouts in a grilled flour tortilla and the organic cold-pressed pineapple kale lemonade, which can quench even the biggest thirst. Portion sizes are said to be enormous, so plan to arrive hungry.

The Vegan Yacht
1110 E. 12th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 619-7989
www.theveganyacht.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-vegan-yacht-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr mynstrel1974@btinternet.com

Spring always means a plethora of fresh, seasonal vegetables that you’ve been missing all winter. Because fresh produce tends to go bad quickly, it’s helpful to shop with a few recipes already in mind. Here are some favorite recipes made with vegetables that grow in the springtime.

Glazed Carrots in Tarragon [Fine Cooking]
Cooked carrots may bring back memories of being forced to eat your veggies as a child, but this unique recipe is a grown-up take on the common side. The tarragon adds a little kick to the carrots' sweet flavor to make a complex and delicious dish.

Quick-Braised Baby Artichokes [Fine Cooking]
Cooking artichokes in lemon juice is one of the simplest ways to prepare the tasty vegetable, but this recipe also braises them for a smoky flavor that’s perfect for warm weather.

Asparagus with Butter and Soy Sauce [Oprah]
It’s safe to say that asparagus is having a moment in the food world, and there are so many new recipes popping up that it may seem overwhelming. This easy recipe is quick to make but still adds a bit of sophistication to your meal.

Warm Three-Onion Dip [Oprah]
Adding fresh spring onions that only grow in warm weather makes this savory dip a bit more special than your usual restaurant onion dip. Serve it with crusty bread or crisp chips at your next gathering.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Starr Environmental

There’s plenty to learn and even more to enjoy at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. The museum features numerous exhibits and mementos of the presidential career of Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ), including his presidential limo and a replica of the Oval Office. The library and research rooms also offer personal appointments with an archivist to source materials of interest during LBJ’s presidency. A single visit to the 10 level facility just isn’t enough.

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Though regular admission is only $8 for adults, the museum admits children under 12 for free and offers several Free Admission Days, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, August 27 (LBJ’s Birthday), President’s Day, and the Fourth of July.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
2313 Red River Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 721-0200
www.lbjlibrary.org

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr quinn.anya