We hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day!
La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights: Macarons, Coffee, and More
August 28, 2014 by
The French know how to do dessert, from their decadent pastries to their delicately flavored macarons. La Patisserie offers all of these French delicacies and more right in the heart of Austin’s Pflugerville neighborhood, and the bakery features a stylish interior that’s equally as sweet. Glass display cases show off La Patisserie’s colorful baked goods, while hardwood floors, antique bookcases, and gleaming chandeliers offer a touch of charm.
The shop’s brightly colored macaron is one of La Patisserie's most popular desserts, but regulars also adore the pain au chocolat and the cream puffs. La Patisserie serves traditional French quiches and croissants for breakfast, as well as a few American breakfast dishes. For lunch, the menu comprises hot sandwiches like croque monsieur and croque madame, simple cold sandwiches, and fresh soups to go along with them. Don’t forget to grab an espresso on your way out!
Note that La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights is closed on Mondays.
La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights
602 W. Annie Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 912-0033
www.lapatisseriepfl.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-patisserie-austin
Ceviche Recipes You Need to Taste to Believe
August 21, 2014 by
Traditional ceviche is a popular Latin American dish, but the citrus-marinated fish dish has also become popular among ethnic restaurants all over the world. It can be made with a variety of different ingredients, though the flavorful combination of raw fish and lemon or lime remains virtually the same. This trio of creative ceviche recipes is perfect for the adventurous at-home chef.
Halibut-Mango Ceviche [MyRecipes]
Mild halibut is perfectly seasoned with the sweet taste of juicy mango and the spicy kick of jalapeno in this tropical ceviche dish. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips or tostadas!
Coconut Lime Ceviche [Cooking Channel TV]
The meaty cubes of coconut replace the traditional fish in this unique ceviche recipe, but the tart lime juice still adds a refreshing burst of flavor. It’s also seasoned with a wide variety of herbs and spices to add an even more intense taste.
Snapper Ceviche with Chiles and Herbs [Chow]
Both lime and orange juice create a wonderfully acidic reaction with the flaky snapper in this spicy ceviche. The traditional blend of chiles and herbs is also on par with the authentic Latin recipe. Be sure to ask for a top-grade cut of fish since you’ll essentially be serving it raw.
Roaring Fork: Taste the Wood-Fired Flavor of Classic America
August 14, 2014 by
The Roaring Fork was created with the idea of old-fashioned American cuisine in mind, cooked over an open fire and bursting with bold, smoky flavor. Each dish is cooked over a wood fire rotisserie to capture this essence, and you’ll even find it in the restaurant’s aesthetic. From the hardwood floors and cozy booths to the sleek, modern light fixtures, every part of the Roaring Fork’s dining room combines elegance and rustic charm.
Regulars rave about meat creations like the stacked-high burgers, roasted chicken, and bacon wrapped tenderloin, while sides like fried avocado are the perfect accompaniments. The handcrafted cocktails and happy hour specials are a delight to of-age guests, and the Roaring Fork also boasts a hearty Sunday brunch that’s been touted as one of the best in the area.
The Roaring Fork is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour starts at 4 p.m.
Roaring Fork
10850 Stonelake Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 342-2700
www.roaringfork.com
www.yelp.com/biz/roaring-fork-austin-3
Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar: Fine Wine and Dining in Austin
August 7, 2014 by
Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar features flavorful Italian fare served in a richly hued setting with a long mirrored bar and walls decorated to create a delightful ambiance. Happy Hour is a great time to cruise in for great discounts on food and drink — visit the Gusto Italian Kitchen website to find out more.
Gusto's pizza offerings include the Italian Job with sausage, mozzarella & goat cheese, and the Bianco with ricotta, cream, roasted chicken, spinach & caramelized onions. Spinach Lasagna, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Rostini alla Crema with chicken, spinach, walnuts, parmesan & cream are among the pasta choices. If you'd like to order something else, Gusto's menu of entrées includes Cioppino with salmon, shrimp, mussels, calamari & spicy tomato sauce, Grilled 10-Ounce Strip Steak with Brussels sprouts, Pan Seared Black Drum with roasted fall vegetables, and Braised Lamb Shank with creamy gorgonzola polenta.
Just a short trip from Nalle Woods in Austin, Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is open every day.
Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
4800 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 458-1100
www.gustoitaliankitchen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/gusto-italian-kitchen-and-wine-bar-austin
5 Little-Known Facts About Tennis Star John McEnroe
July 24, 2014 by
Tennis star John McEnroe rose to fame in the 1980s and dominated the American and international tennis worlds for much of the decade. Here are a few of the highlights from McEnroe’s often exciting career.
- McEnroe was born February 16, 1959, in Wiesbaden, Germany, because his father was in the Air Force. The family later relocated to Queens, New York, for the rest of McEnroe’s youth, as well as for much of his tennis training.
- Over the course of his career, McEnroe won 17 Grand Slam titles, 77 career single titles, and 77 doubles titles.
- McEnroe was known for his constant rivalry with Swedish player Bjorn Borg. The two played each other often throughout their careers.
- McEnroe has appeared as himself in several films, including as Mr. Deeds and You Don't Mess With The Zohan.
- Today, McEnroe is a tennis commentator for the NBC and CBS networks.
John McEnroe [Biography]
McEnroe [The Biography Channel]
John McEnroe [ATP World Tour]
Public Domain/Freeimagescollection
You’ll Be in Stitches at The Cloth Pocket
July 17, 2014 by
Austin is widely known as a very crafty town. The city’s sewing scene is particularly powerful, and one of the key places artisans shop supplies is The Cloth Pocket. This fun, funky fabric store was established by a mother-daughter team who knew that the town had a need for a carefully-curated stock of textiles designed for crafting, quilting, and other fabric arts.
The square footage of the space is not huge, but it’s so expertly organized that you’ll have no problem finding the perfect bolt of fabric for whatever you plan to do. The staff here is super nice, too, offering you tea or water when you step in the door and helping you work out your project needs without spending too much money.
The Cloth Pocket is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. If you’re into the fabric arts, this is going to be your new favorite store.
The Cloth Pocket
5448 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 524-5684
www.theclothpocket.com/index2.php#!/home
www.yelp.com/biz/the-cloth-pocket-austin
Public Domain/Public Domain
Embark on a Journey to Fitness at Greenhouse Yoga Austin
July 10, 2014 by
No matter what your yoga experience, you’ll enjoy a visit to Greenhouse Yoga Austin. This mindful, intelligent practice offers beginners an excellent way to embark upon a journey of body shaping and self-discovery while also allowing more expert practitioners a place to grow and refine their movements. Regulars rave about the spacious studios, which give you plenty of room in all directions to stretch out, as well as the kind, patient manner of the instructors. Learning a new position in yoga can be challenging and frustrating, so the fact that they take their time and make sure you have it right is a huge plus in their favor.
One of the most popular programs here is the Athlete Enhance training, which aims to use yoga as a complement to other sports and physical activities. Prices are very fair, and customer service is attentive and friendly.
Greenhouse Yoga Austin
1500 Justin Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 539-7520
greenhouse-yoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/greenhouse-yoga-austin-austin-2
Happy 4th of July
July 4, 2014 by
We hope everyone has a safe and happy day as we celebrate America's Independence. Happy 4th of July!
Sugar Addict Bakery: Sweet and Savory Beignets
July 3, 2014 by
Get your sweet fix at Sugar Addict Bakery, where delectable pastries and coffee are what’s on the menu. Take a trip to New Orleans’ French Quarter with a plate of hot beignets, those delicious pastries doused liberally with powdered sugar. Other varieties include a Nutella and strawberry beignet and a Nutella and banana beignet.
Despite the name, not everything at this bakery is sweet. The two-egg breakfast beignet is a savory and satisfying choice for your morning meal. Other options include stuffed beignet balls with cheese and your choice of chicken or pastrami, the rotisserie chicken Beignet with creamy havarti cheese, and a smoked pastrami beignet with organic spring leaves.
Take home a dozen or two of the delectable cupcakes swirled with vanilla or chocolate icing.
Sugar Addict Bakery is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Sugar Addict Bakery
4001 Medical Parkway
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 568-7330
sugaraddictbakery.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.
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