Delicious: Contemporary Fare for Brunch and Beyond

Chicken-fried chicken, a beer-infused waffle, caramelized onion and spicy jalapeño syrup, fresh slices of apple, and creamy butter. These are the unexpected components that comprise the chicken and waffle dish at Delicious, one of the signature eats on the popular brunch menu. It also includes items like the brunch burger with bacon, egg, and cheese on top or the biscuits and gravy, featuring green chorizo gravy and sunny-side-up eggs.

If you come for lunch or dinner, start with a few unique small plates like the Korean fried chicken wings with kimchi and fermented chile, the winter squash ghanoush, and the ahi poke. Delicious also offers beer and wine by the glass as well as decadent ice creams and cookies, so don't skip dessert at this popular Austin eatery.

Get in the Holiday Spirit at the 2016 Austin Trail of Lights

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department decided that the city of Austin deserved something special around the holidays in 1965, so it launched the Yule Fest, a celebration of the season. Now more than 50 years later, the tradition continues but as the Austin Trail of Lights.

The Trail of Lights consists of more than 40 stunning light displays that are sure to get anyone who sees them into the holiday spirit. Along the entire trail, more than 2 million lights shine against the dark Austin sky. Along with performances and other seasonally themed activities, there's a lot to do when you visit the Austin Trail of Lights, so show up when it starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free from December 10th to the 16th and $3 on other evenings.

2016 Austin Trail of Lights
When: 7 p.m., Dec. 10 – 23
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX
Cost: $3; free from Dec. 10 – 16
austintrailoflights.org
austin.culturemap.com/eventdetail/austin-trail-lights-2016

Sample Inventive, Upscale Cuisine at VOX Table

Whether you want to try some new foods or need a place for an upscale night out, you should try VOX Table. The cuisine here is not typical of what you'd fine at just any run-of-the-mill restaurant, and with just a few bites, you're sure to find that out. Start with the charcuterie board of prosciutto picante, duck rillette, and duro capocollo before you move on to a stunning noodle dish (try the octopus and noodles) or an inventive take on a classic steak platter. Whatever you choose, be sure to save room for dessert.

Reservations are suggested, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so be sure to claim your table to enjoy this unique local dining experience at VOX Table.

Caffe Medici Serves Top-Notch Java Near You

You will only find top-notch coffee at Caffe Medici, a cafe that prides itself on creating quality cups of joe via sustainable business practices. The owners of the local coffee chain are known for recognizing the importance of coffee education and the creation of a perfect cup. On a daily basis, Caffe Medici serves Wild Gift’s Trouble Maker, a classic coffee that tends to be a favorite among patrons, though the coffeehouse's espresso, which is sweet with a chocolatey finish, is also a top choice—so you'll want to sample them yourself.

There are five Caffe Medici locations throughout Texas, one of which is just around the corner from Lamar Union. The coffee shop opens at 7 a.m. every day of the week and is open until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Start your day with a cup of java at Caffe Medici!

Learn How to Make a Vegetarian Holiday Meal at Thanksgiving Reinvented: Veg & Gluten-Free Cooking Class

Thanksgiving can be a difficult holiday for those with a food allergy. The dishes are often loaded with meat or gluten, but on Monday, November 21st, Patricia's Table invites folks in to learn how to cook a vegetarian and gluten-free Thanksgiving meal for this holiday season. Guests of the Monday evening class will learn how to make Thanksgiving-ready meals and sides like Brussels sprout salad, quinoa and wild mushroom dressing, and pumpkin maple custard.

The class starts at 6:30 p.m. on November 21st and continues until 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bottle of their favorite wine or a six-pack of beer as all Patricia's Table events are BYOB. Admission is $70 per person and is required for entry. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets online. Patricia's Table is only two miles from Lamar Union, which makes this a great class to check out next week after work.

Thanksgiving Reinvented: Veg & Gluten-Free Cooking Class
When: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 21
Where: Patricia's Table, 1510 W 35th Street Austin, TX
Cost: $70
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thanksgiving-reinvented-veg-gluten-free-cooking-class-tickets-28366866060

Learn How to Make a Classic Russian Dessert at a Cooking Class on November 7th

This November, you can improve your cooking skills by attending a cooking class at Russian Bistro LLC. On the first Monday of the month, the bistro opens its doors to aspiring chefs for instructional cooking classes that center on the basics of Russian cooking. This month, a classic Russian seasonal recipe is featured: Pumpkin Russian Sweet. The dessert is a typical fall treat in Russia, containing a mix of pumpkin and prunes.

The sweet treat is a simple recipe for cooks of all skill levels to master. Tickets to the class are just $10 per person, and all cooking tools and ingredients will be provided for the students. For residents of Lamar Union who are interested in attending this class, the restaurant is just a few minutes away. Why not improve your cooking skills this fall?

November Cooking Class: Pumpkin Russian Sweet
When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7
Where: Russian Bistro, 307 East 5th Street, Austin, TX
Cost: $10
www.eventbrite.com/e/november-cooking-class-pumpkin-russian-sweet-tickets-28516142550?aff=es2

Learn About Your State’s History as an Independent Nation at the Republic of Texas Museum

The Republic of Texas Museum is a place where you can learn about and see artifacts from the time period from 1836 when Texas won its independence from Mexico until 1845 when it became part of the United States. The exhibits show how the people lived through informative exhibits, letters, and artifacts. The museum has displays of an array of items from the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, including Mexican General Santa Anna’s dueling pistols. This encounter led to Santa Anna being defeated by Texas General Sam Houston.

Run by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, this museum is a part of the Austin Museum Partnership. It's also a part of the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Heritage Trails Program. The Republic of Texas Museum is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Friday.

Don’t Miss the 14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest

Whether you're a dog owner yourself or just a dog lover, the 14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest is the place to be on the Saturday before Halloween. This fun festival puts local pugs in Halloween costumes in the spotlight. Although there is a $10 fee if you want to enter your pug in the costume contest, being a spectator is totally free.

In addition to the contest, there will also be a raffle with prizes up for grabs and a decent collection of vendors selling unique items. Allow ample time to peruse the vendor booths if you're looking to get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Don't forget to grab one of the freshly baked treats to savor as you enjoy the festivities at the 14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest, held at Woodland Park at River Place.

14th Annual Great PUGkin Fest
When: 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29
Where: Woodland Park at River Place, Big View Drive, Austin, TX 78730
Cost: Free admission, $10 per dog for costume contest entry
www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-great-pugkin-fest-tickets-27827755566#tickets
www.facebook.com/events/1774525446158844

Challenge Yourself at the Ironman 70.3 Austin

Do you think you have what it takes to complete one of the toughest races around? If you think you do, head over to the Ironman 70.3 Austin, a triathlon happening at the Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, about 30 minutes from Lamar Union.

You’ll start off with a 1.2 mile freshwater swim in Lake Walter E. Long and then hop on a bike for a 56-mile ride though stunning Texas landscapes filled with ranches, cedar-covered vistas, and sunflower fields. Last but not least, you’ll finish off with a half-marathon, concluding inside the Luedecke Arena where your friends and family can cheer you on. This is one of the only Ironman races that finishes indoors, which is a nice perk for spectators and participants alike. Check the website for training tips and to see if you would qualify.

Ironman 70.3 Austin
When: 7 a.m., Oct. 30
Where: 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724
www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman-70.3/austin.aspx#/axzz4IsPvUwwf

Don’t Miss the Austin Symphony Orchestra Halloween Children’s Concert

An event that combines musical education and eerie fun, the Austin Symphony Orchestra Halloween Children's Concert is a magnificent show for the young and young at heart. This unique concert features spooky Halloween-themed music performed by one of the nation’s top orchestras. Performers will also give the history about each of the pieces of music and talk about their instruments. It’s a unique afternoon that will engage the audience’s ears and eyes, and it's also an excellent introduction to the world of classical music. It’s perfect for ages two through ten, though everyone is sure to enjoy it.

Check out the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s website for an audio preview of the score. Costumes are strongly encouraged! Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, and the event is open seating and general admission. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform at Dell Hall, about six minutes from Lamar Union.

Austin Symphony Orchestra Halloween Children's Concert
When: 3 p.m., Oct. 23
Where: Dell Hall, 701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX 78704
www.austinsymphony.org/events/halloween-childrens-concert-2016/

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