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

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

Tech Question of the Day: What Is Arduino?

If you’re not particularly in tune with the inner workings of a computer, you likely don’t know what Arduino is. In the simplest terms, Arduino is a single-board microcontroller that hobbyists can use to create computer-powered devices, with sensors like thermometers, light meters, and more. Here are a few key facts about Arduino:

Arduino is an open-source computing platform.
This means that anyone can use it and help to develop it. The Arduino board can be assembled by hand, or it can be purchased already assembled. Owners can use Arduino alone or in conjunction with software running on an existing computer.

Newcomers to computer programming can use Arduino.
In fact, that’s who it was designed for. Arduino is meant to introduce artists and other non-software developers to computer programming by providing a code editor with syntax highlighting, brace matching, and other features. The language and hardware can be used to create fun home projects like wearable computers, interactive toys, and much more!

Introduction [Arduino]

Tech Question of the Day: What Is Arduino?

If you’re not particularly in tune with the inner workings of a computer, you likely don’t know what Arduino is. In the simplest terms, Arduino is a single-board microcontroller that hobbyists can use to create computer-powered devices, with sensors like thermometers, light meters, and more. Here are a few key facts about Arduino:

Arduino is an open-source computing platform.
This means that anyone can use it and help to develop it. The Arduino board can be assembled by hand, or it can be purchased already assembled. Owners can use Arduino alone or in conjunction with software running on an existing computer.

Newcomers to computer programming can use Arduino.
In fact, that’s who it was designed for. Arduino is meant to introduce artists and other non-software developers to computer programming by providing a code editor with syntax highlighting, brace matching, and other features. The language and hardware can be used to create fun home projects like wearable computers, interactive toys, and much more!

Introduction [Arduino]

The Stitch Lab: South Austin Crafts

Austin is great place for crafters, with tons of people learning sewing, knitting and other fun crafts. If you'd like to take up crafting as a hobby, one of Austin's best resources might be The Stitch Lab.

The Stitch Lab's owner Leslie Bonnell is a former costume designer who realized that there was a market for truly skilled sewing instruction, so she started offering classes out of her home in 2001. The concept took off quickly and she expanded into a retail location in 2009, hiring a number of other instructors to supplement her offerings.

All of the teachers here win raves from regular patrons – they’re patient, skilled and capable, willing to take as much time as they need to make sure that you’re really understanding the material. The Stitch Lab also has a sizable retail area which sells a variety of cute and funky fabrics from all over the world, as well as thread, floss, embroidery patterns and other notions.

Visit The Stitch Lab's website to learn more about this Austin craft shop!

The Stitch Lab
1000 S 1st Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 440-0712
www.stitchlab.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/the-stitch-lab-austin

It’s Always Taco Time at El Taquito

Head to South Austin's El Taquito for some delightful tacos. Regulars rave that this little taqueria is one of the best in town. The meats are moist and well-seasoned, and the salsas are perfectly spiced. The menu is mostly tacos and enchiladas, but there are some breakfast options as well.

The Barbacoa and Al Pastor tacos are big favorites, and there are numerous other popular choices too. The salsa bar provides many options to top your meal — make sure to give the roasted red pepper salsa a try. El Taquito offers authentic beverages too, like La Fresca and Horchata, a cinnamon rice milk. They're open well past midnight every night so you can enjoy tasty tacos after a night on the town.

El Taquito
1713 E. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 851-8226
www.yelp.com/biz/el-taquito-austin

Franklin Barbecue: One of Austin’s Best Barbecue Spots

If the crowds of people waiting in line to enjoy classic Texas barbecue are any indication, Franklin Barbecue is not to be missed. Fans of the place say their brisket is well worth waiting in line for – and the proof is that the eatery sells out of it every day. You can order yours by the pound, on a plate with sides, or in a sandwich.

Barbecue Ribs, Pulled Pork, Sausage, and Turkey are also on the menu here. Delightful side dishes are the hallmark of any good barbecue joint, and Franklin Barbecue offers those, too. Potato Salad, Pinto Beans and Coleslaw are on the menu, as are little four-inch pies for dessert. Flavors include Bourbon Banana, Pecan, Key Lime, and Lemon Chess.

Need a gift for a devoted barbecue fan? Get them a Franklin Barbecue T-shirt, hat or some yummy sauce to enjoy at home.

Franklin Barbecue is open Tuesdays through Sundays, in a spot not too far from tree.

Franklin Barbecue
900 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
http://franklinbarbecue.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-barbecue-austin

Easy Ways to Incorporate More Folic Acid Into Your Diet

When you think of the necessary vitamins and minerals that you should be getting from the foods that you eat, folic acid likely isn’t one of the first things that come to mind. It is a very important element in everyone’s diet, however, especially women who are pregnant and those who are susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate more folic acid into your diet.

  1. Broccoli. You already know that you should eat your vegetables to get the proper nutrients, but broccoli contains a great deal of folic acid as well. Just half of a cup of broccoli contains 52 micrograms of folic acid, which equals approximately 13% of the average person’s recommended daily value. Steaming broccoli or eating it raw is one of the healthiest ways to consume this veggie, but you can also add it to salads or stir fries for a more flavorful taste.
  2. Sunflower seeds. These tiny, toasted snacks are not only tasty, they’re also a very impressive source of folic acid. Just one ounce of sunflower seeds provide 20% of your recommended daily intake, and they also provide Vitamin E, beneficial fats, and other essential nutrients.

Surprising Sources of Folic Acid [Yahoo! Shine]
Foods High in Folic Acid [Prenatal Vitamin HQ]
15 Foods High in Folic Acid [Global Healing Center]
18 Foods High in Folic Acid to Prevent Cancer & Birth Defects [Bembu]

Treat Your Hair to a Trip to Salon Aura Veni

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

Treat Your Hair to a Trip to Salon Aura Veni

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

Expect Local Fare and Craft Beers at Snack Bar

Right off South Congress is Snack Bar, an intimate eatery serving up some delicious organic, local fare. Self-described as "indie", Snack Bar proudly boasts an authentic Austin vibe, from the local food to the Texas craft beers.

Here, meats and eggs are hormone free, humanely treated, and raised on pastures. The menu is healthy and offers plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Try the fried eggs with leek, cabbage, shrimp, and bacon, or go for the bagel topped with salmon, cream cheese, and dill. Other entrees include the avocado quinoa with pineapples and banana peppers, braised lamb with couscous and dates, and the goat tostadas with avocado and pico de gallo.

Wash everything down with local craft beers from Lone Star and Fireman's #4 to Wytchmaker and Scratchin' Hippo. Regulars love the relaxing atmosphere, outdoor fire, and the dog-friendly policy at Snack Bar.

Snack Bar
1224 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 445-2626
http://snackbaraustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/snack-bar-austin

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