Wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day as we remember the many heroes who have served our country.
Chez Nous: French Cuisine in the Heart of Austin
May 22, 2015 by
Thirty years after three Parisians decided that Austin needed an authentic French eatery, Chez Nous is still serving delectable fare. This casual French bistro features a flavorful array of dishes, with expert service and a cozy, romantic ambiance.
Start your meal with a flavorful appetizer like Escargot de Bourgogne – sauteed snails with button mushrooms, Chevre Chaud Sur Canape– baked goat cheese on baguette, or Assiette de fromages – assorted cheeses with fresh fruit. The Salade Lyonnaise is a delectable choice, with lettuce, grape tomatoes, poached local farm egg and Dijon vinaigrette. Entree options include Entrecote bearnaise – grilled Ribeye with bearnaise sauce, Bar Cari – grilled striped bass with curry coconut milk sauce, and Cotes d’agneau Manon – grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops.
Chez Nous is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Chez Nous
510 Neches Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 473-2413
www.cheznousaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chez-nous-austin
Franklin Barbecue: Possibly Austin’s Most Buzzed-About Barbecue
May 15, 2015 by
If you’re searching for great barbecue in the South Austin area, simply drop what you’re doing and head to Franklin Barbecue. This old-fashioned barbecue joint uses family cooking traditions passed down from generation to generation, but its brick and mortar location is the ideal blend of Austin’s signature eclectic decor and a sleek, modern flair.
The menu is very small, but each dish is so expertly prepared that you won’t even think of anything else. Plates and sandwiches made with chopped beef, pulled pork, sausage, and other smoked meats are served with your choice of pinto beans, slaw, or potato salad, and Franklin Barbecue has sold out of its famous pulled pork every day since its opening in 2009.
Hailed as one of the top barbecue restaurants in the country by Bon Appetit, the New York Times, Southern Living, and many other esteemed publications, Franklin Barbecue is an absolute must-try Austin restaurant.
Franklin Barbecue
900 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
www.franklinbarbecue.com
www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-barbecue-austin
Salon Sovay: A Salon Experience That Is Uniquely Austin
May 12, 2015 by
Salon Sovay may look more like a small, bungalow-style house than an upscale salon, but on the inside the talented team of stylists works their magic on even the most unruly tresses. The salon specializes in taming curly, frizzy hair, but they also provide a number of other hair services that range from basic trims and highlights to impressively realistic hair extensions. Salon Sovay also offers a full list of beauty services in addition to its hair services, including manicures, pedicures, waxes, and brow tinting.
Its homey interior is quaint and cozy, and it is furnished with comfortable leather sofas in the waiting area, floor-length mirrors and eclectic art on the walls near the styling stations—and a Farrah Fawcett mural outside that is sure to inspire your desire for great hair!
Salon Sovay is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Salon Sovay
2444 S. First Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 519-9937
www.salonsovay.com
www.yelp.com/biz/salon-sovay-austin
Happy Mother’s Day!
May 10, 2015 by
Happy Mother's Day! How are you planning to celebrate mom today?
End of an Ear: Buy, Sell or Trade at This Hip Record Store
May 8, 2015 by
In one of the country’s most musical cities, a great record store is imperative. End of an Ear is one such record store in the south Austin area, selling an eclectic mix of vinyl records, DVDs, and even some musical equipment in the back. The record selection includes new releases that are updated weekly, as well as old classics and even some underground gems that are hard to find at other stores.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, if a bit standoffish, as is to be expected from a busy record store. If you want to test out a record before purchasing it, there are a few turntables with attached headphones scattered throughout the store. Many customers also turn to End of an Ear to exchange old records or DVDs, and the shop offers generous store credit or cash for consignment items.
End of an Ear is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.
End of an Ear
2209 S. First Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 462-6008
www.endofanear.com
www.yelp.com/biz/end-of-an-ear-austin
New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!
May 7, 2015 by
To enter the Sweepstakes, visit our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends June 30th, 2015. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.
For mobile users, click here to enter.
Caffeinate Your Morning at These Two Austin Cafes
May 5, 2015 by
Although Austin is probably better known for its barbecue, the city's gourmet coffee scene is rapidly catching up. For those who love to treat themselves to a premium cup of joe in the mornings, you have more than a few options from which to choose. Here are just two of Austin’s best coffee shops to fuel your morning.
Epoch Coffee
If you’re searching for the hippest coffee shop in Austin to people watch, surf the web, and get caffeinated, Epoch just may be it. Epoch features the rustic, urban decor that Austin is known for combined with a menu of strong brewed blends and simple espresso drinks. While you won’t find a sugary, blended coffee here, you will find great roasts for coffee purists.
221 W. North Loop Blvd., Austin, TX 78751; (512) 454-3762
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s offers your morning cuppa with a stunning view on the side. The cafe’s outdoor patio overlooks a crystal clear lake, while inside friendly baristas create elaborate flavored lattes, seasonal coffee blends, and iced espresso drinks in a wide variety of styles. Although Mozart’s is best known for its sweet beverages, the shop offers more traditional cappuccinos and brewed coffees, as well. Order a coffee and a housemade pastry and enjoy it all while watching the sunrise over the lake outside.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703; (512) 477-2900
The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press: Globally Inspired Flatbread Sandwiches
May 1, 2015 by
The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is a favorite among Austin locals, and once you get a meal from this colorful little food truck, you'll likely understand why. The menu promises a global culinary tour, offering a broad range of tasty sandwiches, each wrapped in a piece of fresh, house-made flatbread.
Try the Italian inspired caprese sandwich stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, and pesto, or bite into a spicy Thai style sandwich heaped with pickled onions, tangy Asian slaw, and peanut sauce. There’s a substantial vegetarian menu, too, featuring sandwiches like “the butler,” which is filled with rich, buttery brie, and topped with picked apples, honey, and slivered almonds. The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is happy to convert any of the sandwiches into gluten-free salad bowls and will even transform your order into a set of tacos, if you like.
However you order, add a side of colorful veggie chips or creamy hummus to enjoy a full, hearty meal.
The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press
1502 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 814-8557
www.jalopyaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-jalopy-rotisserie-and-press-austin-2
24 Diner: Austin Comfort Food
April 28, 2015 by
24 Diner offers classic American fare with a modern twist in a fun, laid-back Austin atmosphere. The inspired menu, plus a great beer, wine and cocktail selection turn up the volume on the ordinary diner experience. Partygoers love the fact that they stay open round the clock right in the heart of central Austin.
24's all day breakfast menu means you can sidle up to Eggs, Sausage and Waffles at any hour. Burger and sandwich options include a French Dip with gruyere & horseradish, Chicken Salad with spicy pepper relish and a Bacon Avocado Burger with smoked aioli. Entrees include Meatloaf with sweet onion gravy, Pork Chops with sage butter, Roast Chicken with shallot jus, Vegetable Plate with lemon vinaigrette, and No-Bean Chili with cornbread.
Austin's 24 Diner is open daily.
24 Diner
600 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-5400
www.24diner.com
www.yelp.com/biz/24-diner-austin
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