Every barbecue enthusiast knows that the marinade is key when it comes to adding flavor to your meats, but there are a whole lot more options than just the usual barbecue sauce to choose from. From sweet to tangy to spicy, these grill-ready marinades can take foods from bland to mouthwatering in just a few minutes flat. And best of all? They don’t have to sit in the refrigerator all night, so they’re perfect for the last-minute home chef!

Greek Marinade [greek.food.com]
Olive oil and lemon juice impart a bright, zesty flavor to foods like chicken and fish, while a bounty of fresh herbs and spices will make you feel like you hopped a plane to the shores of Greece. Pour this perfect marinade over your meats and pop them into the fridge for an hour before grilling.

Maple Grilled Salmon Glaze [myrecipes.com]
Take salmon to the next level with this sweet and smoky glaze that you can brush on the fish — or even on a juicy pork chop — right as it’s cooking. Garnish with orange slices to bring out even more sweet, citrus-y flavor.

Barbecue Sauce [marthastewart.com]
Although there are limitless options for marinades, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old-fashioned barbecue sauce. This simple, straightforward recipe takes just 30 minutes to make, and it can be used on everything from ribs to chicken at your next cookout.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Carodean Road Designs

Whether you love kitschy, quirky trinkets or you know someone else who does, Monkey See Monkey Do! is one of Austin’s most popular gift shops. This wacky store is like a toy store for adults, and it is positively packed full of all of the magnets, action figures, whoopee cushions, and novelty candies that you can imagine. There’s also a number of Austin-themed gifts!

None of these items are particularly useful, but once you spend a while in this silly shop you'll realize that that’s what makes them great. And of course, Monkey See Monkey Do! even carries a vast assortment of—you guessed it—monkey paraphernalia!

Monkey See Monkey Do! is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Monkey See Monkey Do!
1712 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-4999
www.facebook.com/MonkeySeeMonkeyDoAustin
www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-see-monkey-do-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/allison_mcdonald

Whether you’re looking for a charming breakfast spot or a place to relax with friends over happy hour drinks, Blue Dahlia Bistro is the place for both in Austin. In the morning, the expansive menu includes French dishes like fresh-baked croissants, rich yogurt and fruit, and berry blintzes stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese. Later in the day, enjoy a lunch or dinner of French cheeses, duck mousse pâté and fresh mussels, or opt for something a bit more filling with housemade pastas and Bouillabaisse.

If you stop in for happy hour, Blue Dahlia Bistro offers special rates on red and white wines and festive champagnes, as well as a large selection of beer and snacks to share. No matter the time of day, this charming French bistro is a stylish, laid-back locale to enjoy authentic Parisian cuisine here in Austin.

Blue Dahlia Bistro
1115 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 542-9542
www.bluedahliabistro.com
www.yelp.com/biz/blue-dahlia-bistro-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Edsel L