Happy Spring!

Spring has sprung! What is your favorite thing about Spring?

Local Talent Takes the Stage at The Long Center

There are very few places in Austin that offer the variety of entertainment options provided by The Long Center, a non-profit that serves as a creative resource for the community. More than 80 percent of performances hosted here showcase the talent of local artists. Whether you’re interested in seeing ballet or the symphony, a local singer or flamenco guitarist, children’s theater or Shakespeare, The Long Center truly offers it all and then some (including one of the best views of the city skyline!).

Comprising multiple performance spaces, the building has been renovated over the years to keep with the times. The most impressive space within The Long Center is the grand hall, which seats more 2,400 people over three levels and features flawless acoustics. Most patrons seem to agree that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Be sure to visit the website for a calendar of upcoming performances!

The Long Center
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 457-5100
www.thelongcenter.org

Bite Into Fresh Seafood at Turf N Surf Po’ Boy in Austin

You’ll discover a whole lot more than just po’ boy sandwiches at Turf N Surf Po’ Boy, a casual seafood favorite in the Austin area. This nondescript local spot may not look like much from the outside, but experienced locals know that it’s one of the best places in town for fresh and tasty fried fish.

You’ll find jalapeno hush puppies served alongside fried catfish po’ boys, and if you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, you can also order your po’ boy topped with blackened mahi mahi or other grilled fish. All of the shrimp, lobster, and fish selections are priced at market values that change from day to day, but no matter which style you order, everything at Turf N Surf Po’ Boy tastes better when paired with the cilantro French fries.

Enjoy it all inside the colorful, bar-style eatery, or even order through the window if you’re looking to pick up food to go!

Turf N Surf Po’ Boy
407 Lavaca St
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 276-2763
www.yelp.com/biz/turf-n-surf-po-boy-austin

Simple Ways to Cut Costs in the Home — and Out

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs on everyday items around the home and in your day-to-day life, these simple tips can help you get started.

  1. Lower your thermostat. When you leave for work for the day, turn down your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees (or switch off the air conditioner in the summer). This could lower your bill up to 15% throughout the year. Also, consider applying inexpensive shrink film to your windows during the winter for added insulation.
  2. Stop speeding. To save money on gas, drive the speed limit instead of over it. This can raise your fuel efficiency by up to 17%!
  3. Make coffee at home. This also goes for eating out, grabbing a snack, or going out for happy hour after work—limit these outings to once or twice a week instead of every day.
  4. Check the thrift store. Before you buy something new, such as an air conditioner or a winter coat, visit the thrift store or consignment shop first. You could save a great deal of money on something that’s in perfect condition!

5 big bills you can cut fast [Bankrate]
Lower Your Monthly Bills Checklist [Real Simple]
30 Ways To Cut Your Monthly Expenses [Lifehack]

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May your day be touched with a little bit of the luck of the Irish!

Fuel Up on Local Coffee at Texas Coffee Traders

If you’re the type of person who can’t start your day without a good cup of coffee, Texas Coffee Traders is a great place to get your java jolt in Austin. This local cafe and roaster creates its own blend of coffees from high-quality beans and expert roasting techniques, and it’s sure to impress even the most knowledgeable coffee fan.

Inside, Texas Coffee Traders has natural decor and an open, airy atmosphere, complete with walls of coffee filled with all kinds of brews that you can take home with you. There is also another retail section that boasts shelves filled with Chemex systems, pour-overs, and other methods for preparing coffee at home. The tasting area displays a few styles that customers can sample before buying, while the outdoor patio is the perfect place to sip a steaming mug with other local coffee lovers.

Texas Coffee Traders
1400 E Fourth St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 476-2279
www.texascoffeetraders.com

El Pollo Regio: Mesquite Charcoal Grilled Chicken With Humble Beginnings

El Pollo Regio came from humble beginnings before growing into a chain of 49 locations, including several in Austin. Opened by Juan Jorge Bazaldua in a special trailer with a mesquite charcoal grill, El Pollo Regio features the founder’s popular marinated chicken. You can order the whole chicken, which comes with rice, beans, and tortillas. You’ll also the chicken in such menu options as the chicken tostada, chicken soup, and chicken poblano mole. The menu also lists grilled carne asada and flour tacos.

If you want to share the popular, authentic Mexican dishes with your friends, El Pollo Regio provides catering services. Nostalgic fans of the restaurant can take it a step further and pay homage by traveling to Oklahoma City, where the original trailer is still in use at one of the branches.

El Pollo Regio
1110 B. East William Canonn Drive
Austin, TX 78745
(512) 215-0235
www.elpolloregio.net
www.yelp.com/biz/el-regio-austin

Cafe 1626: Play Games Over Pizza

At Cafe 1626, you can have fun while dining in or save some time by ordering delivery to anywhere in the South Austin area. This popular pizzeria has a friendly, casual atmosphere and a menu of affordable American fare, including sandwiches, salads, pastas and, of course, delicious pizza. There is also a game room filled with arcade games that the little ones (and the young at heart) will enjoy.

On game days, the 106-inch projector screen makes Cafe 1626 a great place to cheer on your favorite teams, while the large salad bar and pizza bar create affordable lunch options for those who work nearby. If you prefer to order out instead of dining in, Café 1626 also offers convenient delivery that’s perfect for your next movie night at home.

Cafe 1626 is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Cafe 1626
11600 Manchaca Road
Austin, TX 78748
(512) 440-1626
www.cafe1626.com
www.yelp.com/biz/speakeasy-austin

Reap the Health Benefits of Flax Seeds With These Recipes

Flax seeds are some of the healthiest foods on earth due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients, and luckily, it’s very easy to incorporate them into many of your favorite foods. Here are just a few great recipes that will help you to reap the health benefits of flax seeds!

Oatmeal Cranberry Lemon Cookies [Bob’s Red Mill]
This unique recipe offers the best of both worlds: the sweet, chewy taste of cookies and the bodily benefits of a health food. These cookies are also gluten-free, vegan, and low in calories, making them great for all kinds of diets.

Kale and Banana Smoothie [All Recipes]
Fuel up in the morning or after a workout with this quick and easy recipe that not only uses flax seeds, it’s also packed with fruits and vegetables. Simply blend kale, bananas, and soy milk with one tablespoon of flax seeds for a drinkable snack on the go.

Banana-Flax Breakfast Muffins [Vegetarian Times]
Keep these flax-filled muffins on hand throughout the week for a quick breakfast that you can eat on your morning commute. The combination of bran and flax is great for digestive health, while four whole bananas offer a boost of potassium.

Happy Presidents’ Day

On this day we honor all of the Presidents of our great country. If it weren’t for them, our country would not be what it is today!

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