Have You Tried the Wood-Fired Coffee at Brian’s Brew?

Drip, pour-over, fair-trade … you probably think you've heard of and tried every coffee trend, but think again! Brian's Brew is a small coffee shop that features beverages made from mesquite wood-fired, hand-roasted coffee beans. This technique brings out a rich, smoky flavor that will make you swear off chain coffee for good.

Stop in for your daily caffeine fix and Brian himself will fix you a Summermoon or Wintermoon latte, both of which are signature beverages made with a secret recipe that results in a unique, mocha-like drink. The location inside the Bank of America building makes this a hidden gem of downtown Austin.

Brian's Brew
515 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 738-7713
http://www.briansbrew.com
www.yelp.com/biz/brians-brew-austin

TRIO: Taste the Eponymous Trio of Steak, Seafood, and Wine

Steps from Austin’s bustling downtown and overlooking scenic Lady Bird Lake, TRIO gives diners the best of both worlds. Trio’s carefully-curated menu offers both steak (range) and seafood (Gulf) options. Gulf offerings include Texas shrimp served with red mole sauce, shishito peppers, and corncakes and grouper prepared with grapefruit, roasted cipollini, and brown butter hollandaise. In addition to succulent steaks, TRIO’s range options include chicken, lamb, and antelope for more adventurous eaters. Locals love the made-to-order omelette station at Sunday brunch—as well as the unlimited mimosas, coffee, and tea. TRIO welcomes diners seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Guests praise the attentive and accommodating service as much as the cuisine. One frequent diner had TRIO’s staff custom-create her wedding cake, while another asked (in advance) for the pastry chef to bake a birthday dessert that was not on the menu. Both were pleased with the results!

TRIO
98 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 685-8300
http://www.triorestaurantaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/trio-austin-2

Public Domain/Public Domain

Cork and Co: Austin’s Intimate Wine Bar

A bottle of white, a bottle of red….meet up at Cork and Co. to unwind after work. This downtown Austin wine bar offers a relaxing and intimate space; walls lined with bottles are offset with dim lighting to give the restaurant a wine cellar effect. Traditional tables, a bar, and couches provide a variety of seating options. There are plenty of wines available by the glass and bottle, and knowledgeable bartenders can guide you to the right selection. Try several in a flight, and if you find something you like, take a bottle home for 25% off.

On Wednesdays, Cork and Co. features a different red, white, and sparkling wine, and glasses are just $5. The kitchen offers light sandwiches, but many customers opt for cheese and charcuterie selections to snack on while they imbibe. Prices are always reasonable here, but are even better during the daily happy hour until 7 p.m., when glasses of wine are discounted $3. Cork and Co. is great for late night too, as kitchen is open until 1 a.m.

Cork and Co.
308 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 474-2675
http://www.corkandco.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cork-and-co-austin

Three Websites for Soccer Fans

Soccer is a popular sport worldwide, but it’s harder to find on American television than many other sports. If you want to find more photos, videos and in-depth reporting on your favorite soccer teams at any time of the day, these soccer websites will delight any soccer fan.

Who Scored?
The Guardian Sport Network’s Who Scored? blog is a part of the news network’s worldwide soccer coverage. With posts written by expert contributors discussing statistics, games, player transfers, and even the state of leagues as a whole, Who Scored? is your in-the-know look into the world of European football.

Fox Soccer Blog
This media-heavy blog utilizes game time photos, videos and detailed analyses to make readers feel as though they’re a part of each game. The transfer rumors section of the Fox Soccer Blog offers a bit of locker room gossip, while the blog’s GIFs and Twitter feed add a sense of humor to your usual soccer coverage.

ESPN FC
ESPN FC brings the in-depth sports news coverage of the widely popular television network to a simple, easy-to-navigate online community. Read columns and features, browse the blog network, view photo galleries and watch high-quality video all on this informative soccer website.

Quattro Gatti: Italian Cuisine Complemented by the Capitol Building

Take a date to Quattro Gatti in downtown Austin for an Italian meal in the shadow of the Capitol building. Its ambiance is intimate, yet cheerful. Bright yellow walls are offset by an antique wooden bar, and tables are topped with romantic candles. Many regulars come for the thin crust pizza. Try the Montanara, a pizza topped with prosciutto, arugula, and two cheeses.

Quattro Gatti's menu also offers formal Italian dishes, including plenty of pasta and main course items. Try the Rigatoni aella Nonna, replete with tomato sauce eggplant, mozzarella, and basil or the Lombatina di Vitello, a grilled veal chop seasoned with olive oil and rosemary. Customers find the prices reasonable for the generous portions.

Quattro Gatti
908 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 476-3131
http://www.quattrogattiaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/quattro-gatti-austin

Lick Ice Creams: Frozen Treats in South Austin

Seeking a sweet, frozen treat in South Austin? One top pick might be Lick Ice Creams. Go there to sample of few of their innovative flavors, before you choose a couple that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Their flavors are based on what’s fresh and local and all of their milk and cream is sourced from nearby dairies. They love to mix tastes in unique ways, combining fruits, herbs and even vegetables in the mix. In summertime you’ll find flavors like Blackberry, Lime & Basil, Mexican Marigold & Blueberry Swirl, Strawberry Basil, Lemon Lavender, and Honeyed Peaches with Rosemary. Year-round flavors include Fresh Mint & Chocolate, Hill Country Honey & Vanilla Bean, Caramel Salt Lick, Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey and Roasted Beets & Fresh Mint. Open every day.

Lick Ice Creams
2032 S. Lamar
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 363-5622
http://www.ilikelick.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lick-ice-creams-austin

Arro: A Trendy Destination for Austin Foodies

Austin foodies with a love of French cuisine are flocking to Arro, the trendy sister restaurant to Easy Tiger Bake Shop. The seasonal menu features a mix of traditional French cuisine (Duck Confit) and more unusual items (Grilled Antelope). If you're new to French cuisine, the three-course menu for $25 is a great way to experience Arro. Diners can choose from several options, and favorites include the Lobster Bisque to start, Mussels and Fries as a main course, and the Lemon Goat Cheese Tart for dessert.

A full bar offers sophisticated cocktails and French wine. Renovations to the restaurant's warehouse setting have preserved the building's open, industrial feel, and large windows offer great urban views of 6th street. Arro's ambiance is ideal for a classy, yet casual, date.

Arro
601 W. 6th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 992-2776
http://www.arroaustin.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/arro-austin

Find Creative Thanksgiving Recipes Online with These Sites

Sure, the big turkey is a given, but planning the rest of your Thanksgiving menu can seem a bit daunting. If you’re looking for simple, easy-to-follow recipes for creative and delicious Thanksgiving foods, these popular websites can help:

The Food Network
The Food Network is a go-to choice for cooking shows and competitions, but the network’s corresponding website is also a great resource for all of your at home cooking needs. Their expansive Thanksgiving recipe guide features top-rated recipes from Food Network chefs like Ina Garten and Bobby Flay, including side dishes, festive appetizers, vegetarian options and more.

Food & Wine
The elegant, accessible dishes in Food & Wine magazine are also available online, and the site even has a Thanksgiving planning page that will be an endless source of inspiration. From how to make the juiciest turkey to classy ways to serve cocktails to table settings that will leave your guests in awe, Food & Wine is an inclusive source for all things Thanksgiving.

Saveur
Saveur is known for blending food with culture, and their Thanksgiving menu guide is a perfect example. With schedules for planning your spread days before the feast, complete Thanksgiving menus from the Chesapeake Bay to down South, and even tips for preparing meals for vegans or gluten-free guests, this a truly innovative take on the traditional holiday meal.

Play, Play, Play at the ZACH Theatre

Founded in 1933, Austin's ZACH Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas.  With a year round season of over 500 performances, there's always something interesting on stage here. Their programming features classic plays and musicals, youth productions, and  original work from regional and national playwrights. The theatre space in intimate, the audience is in close proximity to the stage, and any seat in the house offers a great experience.

ZACH also emphasizes education and community outreach through their Youth Theatre program, which offers classes and productions to engage children in the performing arts. 
 

ZACH Theatre
1510 Toomey Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-0541
www.yelp.com/biz/zach-theatre-austin

Austin Eats Food Tours: Eat Up

What better way to know your town than with an Austin Eats Food Tour? The South Congress Walking Tour takes you to off the beaten path places where you’ll taste some of the flavorful fare that makes the city a primo dining destination. The Best of Austin Van Tour starts at the famed farmer's market, followed by stop-offs at some of the city’s favorite food trucks and restaurants, including a top BBQ eatery. See their website for a complete list of tours and reservation info.

Austin Eats Food Tours
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 963-4545
http://www.yelp.com/biz/austin-eats-food-tours-austin

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