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Odd Duck: Rustic-Contemporary Farm-to-Table Dining in Austin

October 21, 2014 by

Borne out of humble beginnings as a food truck hunting down the best farm-sourced ingredients, Odd Duck brings farm-to-table cuisine to Austin. In a modern-rustic setting, this 110-seat eatery serves dishes that rely on seasonal ingredients.

Menus vary by the season, but past highlights have included the steaming hot onion bread with housemade butter; the ham and cheese pretzel; Cajun grilled shrimp over okra stew; and a soft cooked duck egg with fried rice and gourmet mushrooms. Next, order the succulent lamb ribs in a soy glaze, or go for the foie gras mousse with a cured duck breast and figs. Save room for the fig trifle, lime panna cotta, or a coconut latte popsicle for dessert. Draft beer, signature cocktails, and wine are also served.

The restaurant serves dinner daily, while lunch is served weekdays. Swing by for happy hour 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, and don't miss brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Odd Duck
201 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 433-6521
www.oddduckaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/odd-duck-austin-2

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Check Out These Spooky-Fun Facts About Halloween

October 17, 2014 by

Although many people think that Halloween is simply a children’s holiday filled with spooky fun, others believe that October 31 stems from something more sinister. So what is the real truth about Halloween? Here are a few facts that you may not know about the year’s scariest (and sweetest!) holiday.

  1. Halloween’s origins can be traced back as far as 2,000 years. The holiday stems from a Gaelic festival called Samhain, which translates into “summer’s end,” an apt name for this favorite fall celebration. Samhain was a time for the community to gather resources for the coming winter months.
  2. Halloween was far from sinister. Although Halloween and its predecessor Samhain held a few supernatural and pagan aspects, it was overall a very peaceful and community-oriented holiday.
  3. Halloween costumes derived from All Saint’s Day. While we wear costumes for Halloween these days, the costume aspect actually derived from All Saint’s Day, not Samhain. Druid leaders wore traditional costumes made of animal skins to celebrate All Saint’s Day, and because the two holidays fall so close together, they merged with one another over the years.
  4. The tricks led to the treats. In the 1920s and 1930s, American youth turned Halloween into rowdy block parties filled with acts of vandalism. In an effort to make the holiday more wholesome, community leaders attempted to ply children with sweets given out by neighbors, which eventually led to what we know as trick-or-treating.

Twenty Interesting Things About… Halloween [The Pioneer Woman]
13 Facts You Never Knew About Halloween [Business Insider]
History of Halloween [Live Science]

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Tacodeli: Take a Taste of Some of Austin’s Favorite Tacos

October 14, 2014 by

Tacodeli’s owner, Roberto Espinosa, trained for years in kitchens throughout the Yucatan. The result is a small chain of restaurants throughout Austin, each of which is dedicated to using local ingredients and making each menu item entirely from scratch every day.

At Tacodeli, the menu comprises a very impressive variety of beef, chicken, pork, and vegetarian tacos with fresh sauces and garnishes, as well as salads, sides and starters that are equally authentic and delicious. If your taco craving starts as soon as you wake up, Tacodeli also offers breakfast tacos from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Tacodeli's Spyglass Drive location is bright and colorful, with a covered outdoor patio that makes it a perfect spot for a relaxing lunch.

Tacodeli
1500B Spyglass Drive
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 732-0303
www.tacodeli.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tacodeli-austin-3

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How Much Oil Should You Consume?

October 10, 2014 by

Oil has a reputation for being bad for the waistline, but select oils are very beneficial when consumed in moderation. This helpful guide from the USDA provides simple, accessible descriptions of the main types of oils, then helps you to make informed decisions about which to use. Here are the highlights:

What are oils?
Oils are fats that become liquid at room temperature. Things like canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil are common, as well as the oils found in foods like nuts, olives, avocados, and some fish.

How are oils different from solid fats?
Solid fats contain more saturated fats and/or trans fats, while oils contain more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Saturated fats and trans fats raise the “bad” cholesterol in your body, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Why are oils important?
It is important to consume oils because they provide essential nutrients. Oils are the major source of essential fatty acids, which are necessary for your health, and they are also provide the majority of your body’s Vitamin E.

How much oil should I consume?
The average American adult needs anywhere from five to seven teaspoons of oil per day, depending on factors like your gender, age, and level of physical activity.

What Are “Oils”? [USDA]

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Boarding a Plane? Eat These Wholesome Foods Before Takeoff!

October 7, 2014 by

Even the most seasoned air travelers can experience some stomach discomfort during flight, which results in a not-so-pleasant flying experience. These wholesome foods are proven to keep you feeling your best while flying, especially if your flight is more than a few hours long.

  1. Protein-rich foods. Foods that are high in protein help to keep you feeling fuller for longer, so you won’t disrupt your fellow passengers when your stomach starts to rumble. Trying lean meats, nuts, or peanut butter spread on a few high-protein crackers.
  2. Smoothies. Drinking a smoothie in the car to the airport or at the terminal will ensure a smooth, comfortable flight. These healthy drinks are an easy way to get the vitamins and nutrients from lots of different fruits all in one gulp.
  3. Oranges. Oranges are full of Vitamin C, which helps to ward off illness and makes you feel energized and rejuvenated.
  4. Water with lemon. If you’re going on a long flight where jet lag seems unavoidable, try drinking water with freshly squeezed lemon before and during your flight. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to avoid fatigue, and the lemon offers antibacterial properties that benefit every traveler.

7 Foods You Should Eat Before Traveling [All Women Stalk]
Seven Foods You Should Eat Before Flying [Smarter Travel]
Eating on Long Flights [USA Today]
Eat, Drink and Be Airborne [The Travel Doctor]

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Put These Three Family Activities on Your Autumn Agenda

October 3, 2014 by

With the colorful leaves on the ground and the refreshing chill in the air, people of all ages can’t help but want to play outside once fall finally comes back around. These fun activities will show you how to get outside and have fun with the whole family this autumn season.

Make Leaf Rubbings [singleparents.about.com]
If your kids are still very young, they’ll love this simple art project that uses beautiful fall leaves. Start by taking your children outside to collect as many leaves as they can. Next, press the leaves underneath a piece of paper and rub with a crayon to create an artistic imprint of each unique shape.

Paint Fall Garden Pots [parents.com]
Once it comes time to switch out your summer flowers with something heartier for the fall, encourage your kids to help by letting them decorate the pots. Lay out some newspaper, provide them with colorful paints, and encourage them to get creative with simple terra cotta pots.

Visit a Maze [coca-colacompany.com]
Most areas have an old-fashioned corn maze somewhere nearby, and your kids will love getting lost in its twists and turns. Simply do a quick Internet search to find the closest one to you (bonus points if the maze is located at a colorful apple orchard!).

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What Is 3D Printing? Get the Facts Here!

September 26, 2014 by

You've likely heard some buzz about 3D printing, a new form of technology that's anticipated to have a major influence on our world. These printers are not just putting ink to paper; instead, they are building an object by layering material, like plastic, and then fine-tuning the design with lasers. The result is a three-dimensional, fully functional object! Read on to find more facts about 3D printers.

1) Add and subtract. 3D printers are classified as additive manufacturing because, quite simply, successive layers of material create the finished product. Conversely, manufacturing techniques such as sawing and milling are known as subtractive manufacturing.

2) The possibilities are endless. From mugs, models, and jewelry to machine parts and toys, many things can be created through 3D printing. In fact, the health care industry has already embraced this technology to create replacement jawbones and hips. Resin, metal, and plaster represent some of the materials used in 3D printing.

3) Pros and cons. 3D printing begins to raise the question of intellectual property. Since you can print whatever you want, what is stopping someone from recreating something that's already on the market? In the future, if printers are made more widely available, this might become an issue. A less pressing drawback of 3D printing is that it takes time: Even small items can take up to two hours to print!

What is 3D printing? [3DPrinting.com]
What is 3D printing? [ExtremeTech]

Public Domain/Public Domain
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Zilker Park Boat Rentals: Explore Austin From Inside a Canoe

September 23, 2014 by

Since 1969, Zilker Park Boat Rentals has provided Austin residents with a way to explore the scenic Lady Bird Lake in a truly first-hand manner. This family-owned and -operated business offers more than 100 canoes and kayaks that are available for rent by families, friends, and even group organizations.

The prices are very affordable, and Zilker Park’s main objective is to protect and preserve the area’s natural environment. Visitors can rent canoes by the hour or for the entire day, and each canoe can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two small children. Regulars love renting boats from Zilker Park Boat rentals because of its scenic launch area, and the business is especially popular among dog owners because the canoes are dog friendly.

Regulars of this spot insist that Zilker Park Boat Rentals is one of the best ways to get outdoors in Austin.

Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2101 Andrew Zilker Road
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 478-3852
www.zilkerboats.com
www.yelp.com/biz/zilker-park-boat-rentals-austin

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Dig a Spoon Into These Hearty Chili Recipes

September 19, 2014 by

Few things taste better on a chilly fall day than a warm bowl of hearty chili, but your staple recipe may start to get a bit tired after a few seasons. Here are three tasty new chili recipes that are equally as comforting but a bit more creative.

All-American Chili [myrecipes.com]
Whether you use it to top grilled hot dogs or to eat right from the bowl on a cold afternoon, it doesn’t get more all-American than this chili recipe. Ground sirloin and hot Italian turkey sausage give this a flavorful, meaty taste, while a hefty splash of merlot makes a delicious secret ingredient that your guests are sure to ask about.

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup [allrecipes.com]
Add a Mexican flair to your usual chili with this hearty chicken taco soup made entirely in the slow cooker. Serve it topped with sour cream, green chilies, tortilla strips, or healthy avocado for even more flavor.

Turkey and White Bean Chili [marthastewart.com]
If you prefer a chili that’s a bit lighter than most, this recipe is the perfect choice. Lean turkey and mild white beans are the base ingredients, but jalapenos and ground cumin give it that slight kick that you love about spicy chili.

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Home Slice Pizza: A Taste of the Big Apple in Austin

September 16, 2014 by

Take a bite out of the Big Apple with a hefty slice of crispy New York-style thin crust pizza at Home Slice Pizza. This Austin pizzeria offers a retro, diner-esque ambiance with tables and a counter, while Italian-American cuisine comprises large plates of Italian comfort food.

Plenty of salads and antipastos head up the menu, with hot and cold sandwiches, calzones, and design-your-own pizza options following suit. In the traditional style, pizza slices are served on white paper plates. (The menu even tells you the "proper" New York way to eat a slice if you haven't gotten the method down!) If you have room, treat yourself to a cannoli or a slice of cheesecake or tiramisu for dessert. Beer, wine, and soda are available by the glass, carafe, or bottle.

Home Slice Pizza is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 11 p.m. Sundays. Take-out is offered.

Home Slice Pizza
1415 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 444-7437
www.homeslicepizza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/home-slice-pizza-austin

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