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The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press: Globally Inspired Flatbread Sandwiches

April 23, 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

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Read About Some of the Country’s Weirdest, Wackiest Museums

April 16, 2015 by

While the Smithsonian is fascinating, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is always a sight to see, some lesser-known American museums are just as interesting—if a bit weirder! If you have a flair for all things out of the ordinary, these unique museums are worth a visit.

1) International Cryptozoology Museum
Cryptozoology is the study of “hidden animals” not verified by science, and this small museum in Portland, Maine, is dedicated to just that. From Bigfoot to Lake Monsters, take a tour of all of the world’s most intriguing—and mysterious—unknown species.

2) International Banana Museum
This fruity museum in North Shore, California, is filled with every type of banana-related item that its curators could hunt down, from salt and pepper shakers to staplers and even a banana record player. Be sure to visit the famous banana bar and sample a banana-flavored milkshake or banana split.

3) Mütter Museum
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Mütter Museum is one of the finest museums of medical history in the world. While it is a bit creepy to see the 19th-century medical instruments and anatomical specimens, it is also completely fascinating.

4) The Museum of Bad Art
The name says it all at this silly museum in Somerville, Massachusetts. Keep in mind that it’s all in good fun, and just enjoy the truly awful displays of artistic expression.

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Castle Hill Fitness: Exercise, Eat Lunch and Get a Massage All in One Unique Facility

April 9, 2015 by

Whether you’re an avid yogi or an extreme cyclist, Castle Hill Fitness has an exercise class for all types of athletes. The unique studio is operated by friendly staff members who are always willing to lend a hand or offer some advice, and the bright, colorful building is much more welcoming than most gyms.

Castle Hill Fitness offers more than 85 different workout classes each week to accommodate all members’ busy schedules, and classes include yoga, spinning, Pilates, boot camp, and many others. Personal trainers are available for those who prefer a more one-on-one exercise style, and the center also offers a gym area filled with free weights and cardio machines.

In addition to its workout facilities, Castle Hill Fitness includes Food4Fitness, an organic cafe stocked with healthy foods. The Natural Healing Arts Studio offers massages and acupuncture, while the bike shop fits customers for the perfect bike right on the spot. Castle Hill Fitness is a standout fitness center that is truly unique to the Austin area.

Castle Hill Fitness
1112 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 478-4567
www.castlehillfitness.com
www.yelp.com/biz/castle-hill-fitness-austin

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Have You Tried the Summermoon Latte at Brian’s Brew?

April 2, 2015 by

If it's your first visit to Brian's Brew, there are a few things you should know. First, this tiny, independently owned cafe is tucked within the Bank of America building. Next, the cafe brews coffee drinks made from wood-fired beans. That is, beans that have been hand-roasted in small batches over a wood fire. Lastly, Brian’s Brew serves a latte that they claim is "life-changing."

The verdict is still out about that verity of that last point, but regular visitors of Brian's Brew say the latte is worth ordering nonetheless. It's called the Summermoon Latte, and it's described as being creamy, full-bodied, and just a tad sweet. Order yours hot or iced, and pair it with a breakfast taco (provided by Torchy's Tacos) or freshly baked glazed doughnut or apple fritter from local doughnut bakery Round Rock Donuts.

Brian’s Brew is open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

Brian’s Brew
515 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 738-7713
www.briansbrew.com/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/brians-brew-austin

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Lucky’s Puccias: Try a Grilled Sandwich From This Famous Food Truck

March 26, 2015 by

A puccia is a type of flatbread from the Puglia region in Italy, but in Austin, most people would recognize it as the hearty sandwiches served by the famous Lucky’s Puccias. This often buzzed-about white and orange food truck is located in the Market District area of downtown, and it features a few small tables outside where customers can enjoy their sandwiches.

The menu includes puccia sandwiches made on fresh baked bread and topped with organic ingredients, and then the whole thing is baked in an oven to create a wood-fired taste. The signature sandwich is the Lucky’s Puccia, which features prosciutto, tomato, mozzarella, and chipotle mayo. Other puccias come with a variety of other meats or vegetables to accommodate vegetarian customers.

The wait at Lucky's can be a bit long, but regulars recommend stopping by one of the nearby bars for a drink while you wait for your tasty sandwich. Lucky’s Puccias is open daily.

Lucky’s Puccias
817 W 5th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 739-8785
www.facebook.com/LuckysPuccias
www.yelp.com/biz/luckys-puccias-austin

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Internet Safety: How to Protect Yourself Online

March 19, 2015 by

Whether through shopping, checking in on social media, or just reading up on favorite topics, many Americans spend hours upon hours online every year. It should come as no surprise, then, that online identity theft is now a common problem among internet users. In fact, nine million Americans fall prey to internet identity theft every year. Protect yourself by following these helpful tips.

1. Check (and double check) your bank and credit card statements.
Keep an eye out for strange purchases, like ones made out of state or via online retailers you don't frequent. Report suspicious activity right away. Also, be sure to order your credit report annually to double check that no fishy accounts or credit cards have been opened in your name. You're entitled to a free copy of your credit report once per year from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

2. Create strong passwords.
Use a combination of hard-to-guess letters, numbers, and characters in your online passwords. Be sure to change passwords frequently, and be especially careful when entering them into a public computer. Don't share your passwords, social security number, or credit card information over email or instant messenger — even with your family members. You never know when your email could be breached.

3. Install anti-virus software.
Keep your computer up-to-date with software packages that detect viruses and spyware. Also, when you log into your bank or credit card accounts, make an online purchase, or engage in any activity that requires security, double check that the web address bar begins with https. This signifies a secure website connection.

8 Tips on How to Protect Yourself Online [McAfee]
How to Protect Yourself Online [FCC]
10 Ways to Protect Yourself Online [Reader's Digest]
How to Protect Yourself Online [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]
Identity Theft & Credit Card Fraud – How to Protect Yourself [Wall Street Journal]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Treat Your Hair to a Trip to Salon Aura Veni

March 12, 2015 by

Salon Aura Veni isn't your typical hair salon. Yes, its stylists boast an array of specific talents (go to Leigh for short hair and Lori for hair extensions), and yes, they take on every styling task you can imagine, from cutting and coloring to curling and straightening. However, the stylists at Salon Aura Veni rely solely on the highest quality products to achieve their jaw-dropping cuts and colors.

These include Kevin Murphy products, a professional line that shies away from any harmful parabens or sulfates. Pureology, another brand the stylists enlist, also shirks all sulfates in favor of safer ingredients that won't damage strands. Moroccan Oil is another common name in professional hair care, one known for its powerful antioxidant ingredients and UV protection; it's generally used to condition hair to make it shiny and soft.

Salon Aura Veni
210 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-2872
www.auraveni.com/Salon_Aura_Veni/About.html
www.yelp.com/biz/salon-aura-veni-austin

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“Hair of the 3-Legged Dog”: An Austin Day Party on March 19

March 11, 2015 by

With so many great events coming up next week in Austin, it can be hard to figure out what to attend. So, here's a suggestion: "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog." This event's presented by The Austin Chronicle (and sponsored by Greystar), and it's named after the Chronicle's mascot Hank.

It takes place on Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. and brings food, drinks, and fun to The Liberty Bar on East Sixth Street in Austin. Four local artists will play music at the event: Sweet Spirit, Anya, Bop English, and Flesh Lights. There'll also be snacks from Tacodeli, Rhythm Superfoods, Baked By Amy's and more to fuel Austinites for another day of SXSW.

Want to learn more about "Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"? Click here to visit The Austin Chronicle's page about the event.

"Hair of the 3-Legged Dog"
Thursday, March 19 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
The Liberty Bar
1618 1/2 East Sixth Street
Austin, TX
www.austinchronicle.com/dayparty

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Pro Tips for a Perfect Pie Crust

March 5, 2015 by

With the holiday season in full swing, you might want to impress your family and friends with a delicious, homemade pie at your festive gathering. Although making a pie from scratch seems intimidating, these tips from the pros will ensure that your crust turns out completely flawless.

  1. Chill everything. It’s fairly common knowledge that a good pie crust relies on very cold butter, but you can even go one step further by chilling everything (like flour, butter and shortening) before beginning.
  2. Keep things lumpy. While most recipes require you to blend or mix the dough until it’s perfectly smooth, a good pie crust relies on those small chunks of butter or other fats. This is what creates small air pockets for that lovely flaky texture once it’s done baking.
  3. Don’t over-handle the dough. The warmth from your hands can cause the gluten in the dough to seize up, so be sure to only touch the dough when transferring it into the pan.
  4. Use parchment paper. Not only does sandwiching your pie dough between parchment paper keep your kitchen cleaner, it also prevents the crust from tearing when it gets too thin.
  5. Create an aluminum shield. Because the pie’s filling and its crust tend to cook at different speeds, wrap a shield of aluminum foil around the crust’s edges during the last five minutes of baking.

10 Tips for Making Perfect Pie Crust [About Food]
The 10 Commandments of a Perfect Pie Crust [Real Simple]
6 Tips For Perfect Pies And Tarts [Food Network]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Franklin Barbecue: Possibly Austin’s Most Buzzed-About Barbecue

February 26, 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

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: , ,
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