Olivia: Understated & Sophisticated

Owned by Chef James Holmes, Olivia has been named one of the “Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America” by Bon Appétit magazine.

The menu changes regularly to feature fresh and seasonal ingredients, but is known for its distinctive flavor combinations of sweet and savory.  Consider the Olivia Salad with pecans, ginger, pumpkin, and a pomegranate vinaigrette.  Perfectly braised chops are a regular feature on the menu, whether lamb, pork, or veal.  For dessert, try the duck egg creme brûlée.  Olivia features a fantastic wine list, and the friendly waitstaff is happy to make a recommendation.  Stop in for a classy brunch and try the South Austin Omelet with lamb chorizzo and salsa.  If you are feeling indulgent, try their six and ten-course tasting menus.  Stone walls and warm wood accents make the modern architecture stand out. Inside, the ambiance is romantic and sophisticated — perfect for an intimate date. 

Olivia
2043 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 804-2700
www.yelp.com/biz/olivia-austin

Find Places to Hike in Your Area, Online

Hiking is a great way to get exercise outdoors, spend time with friends, and a scenic pastime in just about any season. If you’re looking for the best places to hike in your area, do some research online before heading out onto the trail. Here are some sites to visit:

AllTrails
AllTrails is a website devoted to providing comprehensive information about recreational activities and destinations to outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find lists of hiking trails based on your specific area, park and trail reviews from other AllTrails members, local events, and even a log to keep track of the hikes you’ve completed.

Every Trail
This outdoor website features a large, interactive map marking the nearby hiking trails in your area, as well as locations of other outdoor activities. Map out a hike or an entire trip using Every Trail before you depart, and even download the Every Trail app to make sure you’re staying on course.

Local Hikes
Local Hikes is another website that provides information about trails in your area, with a large list of both large and small cities to choose from. The trails on Local Hikes are all submitted by volunteer reporters, and each one features helpful and informative reviews from hikers just like you. You’ll also find information on the scenery, trail condition and proper equipment to bring on each hike.

Over 100 Tequilas Have a Home at Iron Cactus

Head to Iron Cactus' flagship Austin location for post-work drinks and snacks. The large Tex-Mex menu ranges from fish tacos to Carne Guisada, but many come for the drinks. The selection of over 100 tequilas has been recognized as one of the top ten in the nation by Chili Pepper magazine, and the bar menu may be just as extensive as the food menu. Margaritas are made from scratch with fresh squeezed lime juice and organic agave nectar. (Try the "El Pepino" for a traditional margarita with a spicy kick.) Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and features $3 drinks and $5 appetizers, like the Chile Con Queso — a customer favorite. Its three spacious floors accommodate the crowds, while keeping an open feel, and the outdoor patio offers great views of the skyline.

Iron Cactus
606 Trinity Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-9240
http://www.ironcactus.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iron-cactus-austin-6

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Today we pay tribute to the men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom. Thank you, veterans!

Avoid Common Food Allergies By Checking the Label

If you suffer from food allergies, you know the importance of reading labels. Thankfully, over the past few years, food labels have made it a littler easier to spot common allergens, like milk, egg, nuts, wheat, soy, and peanuts. Follow these tips to avoid eating common food allergens:

  • Some allergens, like the ones we've listed above, are considered common food allergens. If you have a common food allergy, it has to be listed on the label at least once.
  • Keep a look out for items made from common allergens. The ingredient list could say milk, non-fat milk, whey, or casein. All those ingredients are derived from milk and could cause a reaction if you have a milk allergy.
  • The packaging could say "may contain." In that case, the food may have come in contact with a certain allergen but was not necessarily made with said allergen. Putting "may contain" on the label is voluntary, so it's still important to check the ingredient list.
  • Sometimes manufacturers change the ingredients used in a product. It's very important to actively check the packaging if your allergy is severe. 

· Have Food Allergies? Read the Label [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]

Our New Facebook Sweepstakes Has Started! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, Like our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends December 31, 2013.

For mobile users ONLY, like our Facebook Page, and then click here to enter!

Play, Play, Play at the ZACH Theatre

Founded in 1933, Austin's ZACH Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas.  With a year round season of over 500 performances, there's always something interesting on stage here. Their programming features classic plays and musicals, youth productions, and  original work from regional and national playwrights. The theatre space in intimate, the audience is in close proximity to the stage, and any seat in the house offers a great experience.

ZACH also emphasizes education and community outreach through their Youth Theatre program, which offers classes and productions to engage children in the performing arts. 
 

ZACH Theatre
1510 Toomey Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-0541
www.yelp.com/biz/zach-theatre-austin

Reminder: Today’s Election Day

Be sure to get out and vote today!

South Austin Park: Relax!

South Austin Park is a great resource for people who live on this side of town. Get up off the couch and enjoy the great outdoors with a stroll around the park’s 11 acres. In addition to walking and jogging trails, there are two basketball courts, two tennis courts and a multipurpose field, offering great opportunities to have some fun while getting a great workout. Two barbeque pits and eight picnic tables mean you can pack up some food and have a fun picnic or cookout with friends and family. They also have some great programs for kids and adults at the park’s recreation center, like children’s camps, art programs, youth sports and wheelchair basketball. Open every day.

South Austin Park
1100 Cumberland Road
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 974-6700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-austin-park-austin

Happy Autumn!

With autumn upon us, we hope everyone is able to take advantage of all of the fun and festivities that the season has to offer. Happy Fall!

 

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