Black Lagoon Art + Yoga: Cultivate Flexibility in an Inspiring Space

Part art gallery, part yoga studio, Austin's Black Lagoon promotes healthier bodies and imaginations in Austin. Not that Austin needs much help staying "weird," but this indie art gallery and fitness studio certainly helps. When it first debuted in 2010, its founders likely had no idea the profound impact it would have on yogis and artists alike—although they probably hoped.

Today, it's become a staple of the neighborhood. Exercisers flock to the art gallery for yoga classes amid the masterpieces hanging on the walls. There's a class appropriate for every level of ability, even if you've never stepped foot in a yoga studio before. And with multiple yoga classes offered on a daily basis, you should be able to squeeze in practice even if you have a busy schedule. If you're just interested in seeing the art, make an appointment to check out what's on display right now or attend one of the receptions held at Black Lagoon Art + Yoga.

Black Lagoon Art + Yoga
4301 A Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 534-6719
blacklagoongallery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/black-lagoon-art-yoga-austin

Free Fitness Class

Spin Circuit tonight at 6:30!! Show them what we got!!

Mother’s Cafe: Sink Your Teeth Into a Bueno Burger

Long before vegetarianism and veganism went mainstream, Mother's Cafe was already on board. It opened in Austin back in 1980 with a completely meat-free menu. Plant-based eating may be commonplace today, but back then, this eatery was blazing a new trail.

Perhaps that's why it's continued to thrive in the years since; vegetarians and vegans know that they can count on a fresh, carefully prepared meal here. Even if you're a meat-eater, you'll still be able to appreciate the fact that Mother's uses healthy ingredients such as non-GMO canola oil and offers purified water (which chefs also use when cooking). Locals suggest you try the Bueno burger, which showcases a patty made of veggies, grains, seeds, and tofu tucked inside a vegan whole-wheat sesame bun with tomato, pickle, red onion, and lettuce. Add vegan cheese or guacamole for some extra flavor. The artichoke enchiladas are a big hit, too, so opt for these if you're craving something spicy.

Mother's Cafe
4215 Duval Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-3994
motherscafeaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mothers-cafe-and-garden-austin

Have You Tried the Chile Relleno at Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant?

There are ample opportunities to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in Austin, but Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant is a local favorite that’s certainly worth checking out. This casual eatery offers sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos made with high quality meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and they come in a variety of different styles. If you’re looking for something more filling, you might enjoy the combination platters or a traditional entree (don't skip the chile relleno!), or if you’re feeling a bit less adventurous, opt for a juicy hamburger or chicken tender platter.

Mesa Rosa offers large portions for reasonable prices, and the daily lunch specials make it even more affordable. Pair your meal with an icy margarita or the famous Austin Iced Tea, and be sure to stop by during the festive weekday happy hour.

Mesa Rosa Mexican Restaurant
10700 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 335-3335
www.mesarosa.com

Free Fitness Class

Tonight we have Boot Camp at 6:30!!

Design Your Own Dessert at Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt in Austin

With reliably friendly service, a clean, modern atmosphere, and ample seating inside and out, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt. This might just be one of the best places in North Austin to satisfy your sweet tooth (without too much guilt!), as the cafe offers an ever-changing selection of frozen yogurt flavors and a vast array of toppings.

Banana pudding, original tart, cotton candy, and caramel salted popcorn are just a few of the flavors loaded into the colorful self-serve stations along the wall. Dose out your chosen froyo flavor, then add toppings from the toppings bar. There, you'll find cookie dough bites, fresh fruits, granola, and candies, and you can add as many as you want before paying by the ounce at the end.

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt
13429 US Highway 183 N
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 257-0886
www.tfyogurt.com

Fill Your Tank: What to Eat Before a Workout

The foods that you eat before your workout can make all the difference when it comes to feeling energized and seeing results. If you’re unsure about what types of foods to eat for an added boost of energy, check out these great snack and meal ideas.

  1. Wheat toast with peanut butter and banana. Slice up a banana and sprinkle it on top of peanut butter toast for a healthy boost of carbohydrates for energy and healthy sugar from the fruit.
  2. Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, while the energy-boosting nuts and sweet fruits will give you a little boost of energy.
  3. Fruit smoothie. If you don’t have time to sit down for a meal before the gym, pack a fruit smoothie in your gym bag. Add some Greek yogurt for protein and granola for carbohydrates.
  4. Apple slices with almond butter. This on-the-go snack is easy to prepare and easy to eat. It also offers just the right amount of healthy sugars and hearty protein.
  5. Oatmeal. Oats are packed with fiber, which slowly release carbohydrates into your bloodstream throughout the course of your workout. Eat one cup at least half an hour before working out.

Best Pre-Workout Foods [Men’s Health]
What to Eat Before and After a Workout [Fitness]
What to Eat Before, During, and After Exercise [WebMD]
The Best Foods to Eat Before and After Your Workout [Shape]

Free Fitness Class

Tonight we have Spin Circuit at 6:30!!

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine: From the Sushi Bar to the Sake Bar

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine offers a creative, inventive take on classic Japanese cuisine, blending the best of both old and new culinary techniques.

For lunch and dinner, you’ll find delicious sashimi options, unique maki rolls, and even rice-free sushi dishes for those who are cutting carbs, and each one is almost to pretty to eat! (Because Beluga encourages a “shared table” style of dining, guests are encouraged to order a number of small plates to share amongst the table in order to experience every dish.) Beluga also features a full bar of wines, beers, and spirits, as well as traditional Japanese sake to make your experience feel truly authentic.

Visit Beluga for the two-for-one weekday sushi lunch special, then return for the post-work happy hour discounts!

Beluga Modern Japanese Cuisine
661 Louis Henna Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 255-6454
www.belugasushi.net

Highland Lanes: Join a Bowling League at This Old-Fashioned Alley

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned bowling alley where you can enjoy an affordable game with your friends, Highland Lanes might be just the place near The Marquis at Canyon Ridge. This well-maintained facility contains numerous lanes complete with electronic scoreboards and high-tech flatscreen televisions displaying your score. There is ample seating for your entire team at the end of your lane, and on weekends, you can even play in the dark using glow-in-the-dark equipment during Electric Bowl.

There are optional bumpers on each lane for the little ones, as well as a well-stocked pro shop where you can rent shoes and balls if you don’t have your own. Grab a juicy, grilled hamburger or a hot dog from the attached Lebowski’s Grill to make a day (or night) out of your bowling experience.

Highland Lanes is open 9:30 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Highland Lanes
8909 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 458-1215
www.highlandlanes.com

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