Austin Java: Much More Than Just Coffee

Spicy African peanut soup. Eggs Benedict. Breakfast tacos. Not exactly the type of fare you'd expect to find at a coffee house. And yet, Austin Java's various locations throughout its namesake city serve them all—and to rave reviews from customers.

Despite its title, Austin Java is actually much more than a mere cafe. Yes, it does serve locally-roasted coffee. But it also offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and breakfast is served all day. That's probably to the delight of those regulars who love the breakfast tacos, which are stuffed with everything from honey-cured ham or chorizo to veggies or black beans. Some other morning favorites include migas, a spicy take on the traditional omelet, and thick-sliced farmers' French toast.

Later in the day, enjoy a different savory dish like the crawfish quesadillas or pasta primavera. Other lunch and dinner options encompass salads, various meat-laden pastas, and house soups.

Austin Java
1206 Parkway
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 476-1829
www.austinjava.com/

www.yelp.com/biz/austin-java-austin

Improve Your Entrepreneurial Knowledge With These Business Websites

Whether you own your own business or you’re just interested in the ebb and flow of the economy, reading up on business news is helpful for just about every type of person. Though many business publications are dry and difficult to read, these websites present business news in an interesting, accessible manner.

Inc.
With a simple layout and a variety of business-oriented categories, Inc. is a great website for browsing or reading long-form articles. The startup section provides useful tips and tricks for budding entrepreneurs, providing insight from successful business owners and lists of the most successful industries. Whether you’re interested in salaries, leadership skills, or innovative products, Inc. has a little something for everyone.

Fast Company
Fast Company is an online business magazine focused on innovation in technology, economics, leadership, and design. It is written by a group of successful business leaders who provide helpful insight into establishing and running companies both large and small, and it also features the most creative marketing ideas from innovative brands around the world.

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Happy Spring!

The sun is shining and the flowers are starting to bloom. Wishing everyone a lovely Spring!

Recycled Reads: Support Austin’s Library System

Support Austin's public library and get fantastic used books at a bargain price at Recycled Reads. It’s the perfect place to stock up on reading material for a fraction of what you’d pay if you bought it new. CDs, DVDs and vinyl record albums are also on sale here.

Whether your favorite reading material is mystery, literary fiction, science fiction, poetry, travel, how-to, self-help, art, biography or history, you’re sure to find something to float your literary boat while you spend hours lost in the world of words. Kid’s books are also on their shelves, as is a small selection of new books.

Got books at home gathering dust on your shelves at home at The Boulevard at Town Lake? Bring them in and donate to help fund the Austin library system!

Recycled Reads is open Thursday through Sunday.

Recycled Reads
5335 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 323-5123
http://www.recycledreads.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/recycled-reads-austin

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Uncommon Objects: Austin Curiosities

‘Antiques, oddities and curious goods’ is the tagline behind Austin's Uncommon Objects. That means it’s a fun place to shop for those one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. More than 20 stalls are artfully arranged with items gleaned by the store’s collectors.

Go there to amble among treasures like antique typewriters, vinyl records, costume jewelry, neon signs, old license plates, old rock posters, taxidermy snakes, Brady Bunch lunchboxes, armadillo lamps, brass skeleton keys and more.

Whether you’re looking for something specific, or just want to relax while strolling through this veritable bazaar of the odd and unusual, you’re sure to have fun doing it – and you just might leave with a treasure you never knew you wanted.

Uncommon Objects
512 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
http://www.uncommonobjects.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uncommon-objects-austin

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24 Diner: Austin Comfort Food

24 Diner offers classic American fare with a modern twist in a fun, laid-back Austin atmosphere. The inspired menu, plus a great beer, wine and cocktail selection turn up the volume on the ordinary diner experience. Partygoers love the fact that they stay open round the clock right in the heart of central Austin.

24's all day breakfast menu means you can sidle up to Eggs, Sausage and Waffles at any hour. Burger and sandwich options include a French Dip with gruyere & horseradish, Chicken Salad with spicy pepper relish and a Bacon Avocado Burger with smoked aioli. Entrees include Meatloaf with sweet onion gravy, Pork Chops with sage butter, Roast Chicken with shallot jus, Vegetable Plate with lemon vinaigrette, and No-Bean Chili with cornbread.

Austin's 24 Diner is open daily.

24 Diner
600 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 472-5400
http://www.24diner.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/24-diner-austin

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Two Great Places for Risotto Recipes

Say your usual mushroom risotto is always a dinnertime hit, but you want to switch things up and try a new recipe. These informative, step-by-step websites offer simple recipes for truly unique risotto dishes. Whether you’re looking for something spicy and savory or seasonal and sweet, you’ll find it on these recipe websites.

Health.com
Risotto is typically a healthy dish, but it becomes dangerous when you start adding butter, oils, and salty seasonings. If you want to jazz up your risotto without adding extra calories, Health.com’s 7 Healthy Risotto Recipes is the place to look. The Brown Rice Risotto with Pumpkin adds a bit of sweetness to a healthier brown risotto, while the Beet Risotto with greens, goat Cheese, and walnuts is a vibrantly colorful dish that’s simply packed with healthy vitamins and nutrients.

Cooking Light
For even more creative risotto dishes, Cooking Light is another wonderful online resource. Each of their recipes offers nutritional information to help you stick to your diet, and the easy instructions are simple enough for even amateur chefs. Try the Mushroom and Barley Risotto for a healthier take on the traditional dish, or experiment with something more unique like the Risotto with Champagne and Radicchio.

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May the luck of the Irish be with you today.

Esther’s Follies: Austin Entertainment

Turn off the TV, get up off the couch and head out for some zany fun at Esther’s Follies. The Follies’ home is located at the historic 280-seat Cactus Theatre on Austin’s vibrant 6th Street. It’s a Texas-style revue featuring a melodious mélange of comedy skits, magic acts and political satire. The stage features two large windows that look out on the action on bustling 6th Street.

Now in its 36th season, this Austin hallmark is a must for anyone who loves creative, cutting edge live entertainment. Master magician Ray Anderson is a favorite for his seamless melding of magic and comedy. The theatre features five shows weekly – one on Thursday and two each on Friday and Saturday. Book your tickets in advance, as it sells out regularly.

Esther's Follies
525 E. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 320-0553
http://www.esthersfollies.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/esthers-follies-austin-2

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Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts: On Stage in Austin

Expand and elevate your entertainment options with a trip to Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts. The theatre began its incarnation as the Majestic in 1915, offering the era’s favorite form of entertainment, vaudeville. Its stage graced the likes of famed magician Harry Houdini. In 1930, it was refurbished as a classic movie palace and rechristened the Paramount. After falling into disrepair in the 1970s and 80s, the Grand Old Dame underwent an extensive facelift to restore her to her former magnificence.

Today, the theatre offers an exciting roster of entertainment, featuring performers and shows like STOMP, Penn & Teller, Steve Earle, Lily Tomlin, Ramsey Lewis & John Pizzarelli, the Second City, Joan Rivers, and Craig Ferguson. See their website for upcoming shows and ticket information.

Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts
713 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-2901
http://www.austintheatre.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/paramount-theatre-for-the-performing-arts-austin

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