Fork and Vine: New American Fare with Austin Flair

The "Austin-inspired" dishes at Fork and Vine are almost too pretty to eat—almost. Head chef Camden Stuerzenberger plates his New American cuisine beautifully, but it tastes even better than it looks. Case in point: the pretzel bread pudding. Smothered with mustard-caramel sauce and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, the pretzel bread pudding walks the line between dinner and dessert.

Before you indulge in something sweet, try one of Chef Camden's entrees or a few tapas. The small plates include PEI mussels in guajillo chile broth, wood-fired veggies with shrimp and Thai curry, or house-made chips with eclectic dips. Full entrees range from wild grouper with pickled shrimp to a massive 36-ounce cowboy ribeye steak, served with crunchy onions and bleu cheese butter. Any of the eats pair well with a pint from the expansive beer list or a glass from the equally impressive wine list.

Fork and Vine
3010 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 489-7000
forkvine.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fork-and-vine-austin

Toy Time: Where It’s Always Time to Play

Just about every store in the Austin area is a bit quirkier than most, and Toy Time is one of those truly unique establishments. This independent toy store carries a wide selection of toys that you won’t find at most big box toy stores, and it even offers pop culture memorabilia that adults will love, as well.

The colorful, jam-packed shop is small, but it’s filled to the brim with children’s dolls and toys. The candy selection includes hard-to-find items like chocolate rocks, and the walls are lined with electronic games, costumes, model kits, and much more. Toy Time also includes a party room where guests can book fun-filled birthday parties. This room is set up like a treehouse, and the affordable package includes your choice of entertainers ranging from magicians to princesses and even full-scale petting zoos.

Toy Time is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and the store is closed on Sundays.

Toy Time
101-B Pecan Street West
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 990-8697
www.toy-time.com
www.yelp.com/biz/toy-time-pflugerville

Money Saving Tips from MyMoney.Gov

Most people know the importance of putting money aside in case of a rainy day, but investing your money well is also a wise move. With these expert tips from MyMoney.gov, you’ll learn how to earn, save, invest, protect, and grow your nest egg.

Here are some of MyMoney.gov's tips:

  • Start and maintain a savings account in addition to a checking account.
  • Pay yourself first! Set aside some money from each paycheck to save.
  • Keep a budget to track your income, expenses, and savings.
  • Maintain a mix of short term savings goals (like buying a new car) and long term goals like funding your retirement.

For more information about saving for life events like marriage or retirement or investing topics like mutual funds, IRA plans, and 401(k) plans, visit the MyMoney.gov website.

Save and Invest [MyMoney.gov]

Cool Off With Fruity Shaved Ice at The Purple Tongue

“Keep Austin Weird” is a mantra among locals in this Texas oasis, and the Purple Tongue is a great example of what they mean. This roving food truck offers a unique menu of hot dogs and shaved ice, and it’s won a dedicated following. If all you know about shaved ice is carnival stands pouring artificially-flavored sugary syrup, you’re in for a real surprise here. They make all of their syrups with fresh fruits and other ingredients.

Some favorite offerings include the strawberry banana, which might be the most popular, but also praised is the grapefruit mojito. The flavor menu is extensive, featuring classics like cherry and grape and more advanced flavors like dark chocolate and chai tea. You can get your ice topped with whipped cream, caramel, sweetened condensed milk, you name it. If you’re hungry, their dogs are well-regarded – locally-made bratwurst on a fresh roll slathered with mustard and onions will hit the spot.

The Purple Tongue
1012 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 413-7329
www.facebook.com/ThePurpleTongue.ATX
www.yelp.com/biz/the-purple-tongue-austin-2

Terra Toys: An Independent Toy Store for Kids and Adults Alike

While there are a number of big box toy stores in every city, there’s something charming and nostalgic about visiting an independently owned toy store. Terra Toys is just that type of store, with a sweet storefront tucked into a plaza near popular restaurants and other shops.

It’s very easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing the endless selection of unique toys here, so be sure to visit when you have some time to spare. The inventory is stacked from floor to ceiling, with a number of cozy nooks and play areas scattered throughout. The book section has a few small tables where kids can read, and there’s a large train table to check out the model trains.

Terra Toys carries all types of toys, from dolls and action figures to games and science toys, and it can seem overwhelming to attempt to locate a particular item. Regulars recommend sending the knowledgeable employees on a mission to track down the toy you need, and don't forget to grab some novelty candies before you go.

Terra Toys
2438 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 445-4489
www.terratoys.com
www.yelp.com/biz/terra-toys-austin

Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing everyone a happy Memorial Day as we remember the many heroes who have served our country.

Free Fitness Class

Ab ATTACK!! Class is at 6:30pm tonight.

Maverick’s Country Rock: Pull on Your Boots to Boogie the Night Away

Austin is known for its live music venues, but Maverick’s Country Rock shows off the city’s dance moves, as well. If you love to kick up your heels to upbeat country music, Maverick’s spacious dance floor and some of the area’s best DJs will ensure that you have a rocking good time.

The dance floor isn’t just your usual open space, however: Here, a 5,000-square-foot dance floor features state-of-the-art lights and sound and a number of multimedia projectors that work in time with the music. Outside, Maverick’s 3,000-square-foot deck area features lots of outdoor seating and another full bar to service those who wish to enjoy the Texas evening. The bar also makes a fun place to dance the night away.

Maverick’s is open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Maverick’s Country Rock
1700 Grand Ave Parkway
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 514-5650
www.maverickscountryrock.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mavericks-country-rock-pflugerville

Free Fitness Class

Boot Camp starts at 6:30pm tonight!! Lets show em what we got!!

Chago’s: Taste Puerto Rican Cuisine in Austin

Taste Puerto Rican cuisine in Austin at Chago's. Chef Chago creates an authentic take on the cuisine, building a menu that features dishes like fried pork chop with rice and beans, beer braised chicken with sweet plantains, and slow roasted pulled pork with pigeon peas. You can’t leave Chago’s without trying the Mofongo, which is made from mashed fried green plantains and pork crackling. If you come in for lunch, you may also want to try the restaurant’s Cuban sandwich, winner of Austin Chronicle’s 2012 “Critics Cuban Sandwich Smackdown.” (There are gluten free options available, as well.)

Come in for lunch, dinner, or a pina colada. The family-owned and -operated restaurant opens at 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Visit its website to find out more.

Chago’s
7301 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 275-6013
www.chagos.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/chagos-austin

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