Don’t Miss the Ainsworth at Fricano’s Deli

The Ainsworth doesn't refer to a single sandwich at Fricano's Deli, but rather a concept. It's new each day. That's thanks to the creative sandwich makers at Fricano's who improvise the Ainsworth on a daily basis. Using whatever fresh ingredients they have on-hand that day, they pile a brand new sandwich into existence—maybe one that's never been on the menu before.

So it should come as no surprise that the Ainsworth is a popular item to order when you visit Fricano's Deli, but it's far from your only option. Another customer favorite is the spicy Reuben, a twist on the classic with the addition of pepperoncini peppers, pepperjack cheese, red onion, and "Rocket sauce." No matter which sandwich you choose, you can't go wrong with any of the spreads slathered inside. They range from a garlicky pesto to an Italian olive tapenade to roasted red pepper hummus.

Fricano's Deli
2405 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 482-3322
www.fricanosdeli.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fricanos-deli-austin-15

Make Your Own Trick-or-Treat Bags With These Easy DIYs

Whether you’re preparing for Halloween for your own kids or you just enjoy handing out candy to the little ones in your neighborhood, it’s always fun to make trick-or-treat bags filled with tasty candy. Use these easy DIY projects to create your own bags that no one else will have.

DIY Trick-or-Treat Buckets [simplykierste.com]
If you’re only making one or two treat bags, this fun DIY project will show you how to make very sturdy bucket-style options using a recycled ice cream tub or a similar bucket. Simply wrap Halloween-colored felt around the entire surface, and then add your kids’ names using foam stamps and craft paint.

Pillowcase Trick-or-Treat Bags [marthastewart.com]
Take the classic pillowcase trick-or-treat bag and make it a bit more decorative with this easy tutorial. Use heavy rope or string to create a drawstring closure at the top, then take iron-on patches and create a fun ghost face that’s right on theme with the evening’s spooky festivities.

Candy Corn Trick-or-Treat Tote Bag [positivelysplendid.com]
If you’re an avid crafter with basic sewing skills, this candy corn tote bag is a fun project to work on in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Simply sew together white, yellow, and orange fabrics in the shape of the chewy candy, and then add a handle to make it easy to carry while collecting candy.

Happy Fall!

With Autumn just arriving, we hope everyone enjoys all of the fun this season has to offer! Happy Fall!

Trapeze Austin: Feel the Rush of This Daring Workout

If you ever admired the daring leaps and seemingly impossible catches of trapeze performers at the circus, Trapeze Austin gives you the chance to learn these incredible moves yourself. This wild new workout is not for the faint of heart, but the rush that you get from flying through the air on the trapeze is well worth the nerves.

Trapeze Austin is equipped with structural circus arts rigging systems that feature a sturdy safety net underneath to keep you protected in case of a fall. The facility offers one- and two-hour lessons that begin by teaching you the very basics of trapeze flying on the ground, and then expand to the air for the majority of the lesson. In the longer lessons, participants are even able to experience what it’s like to be caught in mid-air, just like professional trapeze performers.

If you’re looking for a unique place for a birthday party or family gathering, Trapeze Austin is great for private parties as well.

Trapeze Austin
9501 Manchaca Road
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 608-1071
www.trapezeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/trapeze-austin-austin

Expect Local Fare and Craft Beers at Snack Bar

Right off South Congress is Snack Bar, an intimate eatery serving up some delicious organic, local fare. Self-described as "indie", Snack Bar proudly boasts an authentic Austin vibe, from the local food to the Texas craft beers.

Here, meats and eggs are hormone free, humanely treated, and raised on pastures. The menu is healthy and offers plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Try the fried eggs with leek, cabbage, shrimp, and bacon, or go for the bagel topped with salmon, cream cheese, and dill. Other entrees include the avocado quinoa with pineapples and banana peppers, braised lamb with couscous and dates, and the goat tostadas with avocado and pico de gallo.

Wash everything down with local craft beers from Lone Star and Fireman's #4 to Wytchmaker and Scratchin' Hippo. Regulars love the relaxing atmosphere, outdoor fire, and the dog-friendly policy at Snack Bar.

Snack Bar
1224 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-2626
www.snackbaraustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/snack-bar-austin

Santa Catarina: Unique and Delicious Mexican Fare in Austin

Everyone has been to a traditional Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant, few have experienced a place like Santa Catarina – a boutique gourmet Mexican restaurant that prides itself on offering a rare assortment of authentic dishes from the interior. When you pull up to a strip mall you may not believe that you are about to embark on one of the best meals you have had but just keep walking in the door and you will see. The tortillas are made fresh daily in house and where most restaurants offer a chili relleno they go above and beyond to offer multiple options stuffed with local Gulf seafood, corn Mexican truffles and sauteed vegetables. The regulars come here for the food but stay for the fresh specialty drinks made in house from scratch including fresh grapefruit, agave nectar, and homemade sangria, all rich in flavor. This spot is worth the drive for adventurous diners.

Santa Catarina
1310 Ranch Rd 620 S
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 300-0946
www.yelp.com/biz/santa-catarina-restaurant-lakeway

Easy Decorating Tips Every Renter Needs to Know

Decorating the bare walls of your new apartment may seem overwhelming at first, but even if you’re not a professional interior decorator, you can create a magazine-worthy rental by following a few simple tips. Here are just a few smart tricks that you should know before hitting the home goods store.

  1. Incorporate storage wherever you can. Choose furniture items that contain built-in storage, and make sure to hang shelves in spaces like the kitchen or bathroom.
  2. Replace the hardware. Showerheads and drawer pulls are easy to replace to reflect your style. Hit up your local hardware store and invest in a high-pressure, filtered showerhead, and then choose kitchen and bathroom pulls in whatever style you like. You can easily switch these back once you move out.
  3. Work around a rug. Unsure about the color scheme for a room? Choose a rug first, then decorate around it since it will likely be the largest item in the space.
  4. Add temporary wallpaper. Try temporary wallpaper in a fun color or edgy pattern to create a designer-inspired look that you can easily remove.

The 10 Commandments of Rental Decor [PopSugar]
5 Easy, High-Impact Rental Decorating Ideas (That Can Move With You) [Apartment Therapy]
6 Ways to Decorate Your Rental—Without Losing the Deposit [Oprah]

Barton Creek Square: Shop for the Latest Styles and Local Produce

Barton Creek Square is one of the most comfortable and modern malls in the west side of Austin, hosting a wide variety of stores, plus spacious, air conditioned corridors and even cell phone charging stations that give your electronics a boost while you shop. Major department stores like Macy’s, Dillards, and Nordstrom act as the mall's anchors, while a spacious AMC movie theater is situated on its lower level.

Popular national clothing retailers like LOFT, Banana Republic, and Abercrombie & Fitch offer clothing for shoppers of all ages, and there are even larger sporting goods stores like Finish Line for all of your athletic apparel needs. At its food court on the second level, the two-story mall contains a variety of different eateries offering everything from Asian cuisine to grab-and-go pizza slices and ample seating for guests who want to sit and enjoy a meal. There is also a large parking lot with a full farmers' market every Saturday afternoon!

Barton Creek Square
2901 S. Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-7040
www.bartoncreeksquare.com
www.yelp.com/biz/barton-creek-square-mall-austin

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Labor Day!

Luke’s Inside Out: Dine Al Fresco at This Upscale Food Truck

In a city well-known for food trucks, Luke’s Inside Out stands out in the crowd. The small, green truck is permanently located next to Gibson Bar, a hip craft beer bar with a young, eclectic crowd.

Luke’s Inside Out serves gourmet, French-inspired sandwiches with truly decadent toppings, including a brisket banh mi, eight-ounce sirloin burger, and Szechuan fried chicken. Luke’s also features a menu of shareables that will hold you over until your sandwich is served. Though these shared plates include your usual salads and fries, the appetizer menu also features fish fingers with sesame slaw, a cheese plate with fresh herbs, and many daily specials.

On Sundays, Luke’s offers an all-you-can-eat brunch for $12 from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. If you’ve never tasted the tater tot casserole or Szechuan chicken and waffles with brie, the Sunday brunch is not to be missed.

Luke’s Inside Out
1109 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 589-8883
www.lukesinsideout.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lukes-inside-out-austin

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