La Condensa features a flavorful selection of fare served in a vibrant, upscale Austin setting. Go there to get your fiesta started with a tropical themed libation like a Watermelon Elderflower Martini or a Mango Passionflower Margarita. Add on a tasty starter like Guacamole & Chips, Hamache Ceviche with yellowtail & habanero truffle oil, or Vida de Cameron with poached shrimp.

La Condesa's wood-fire grilled entrees include Carne Asada – New York Strip with braised fennel, Costillas de Puerco – spicy guava-glazed pork ribs, and Robalo – whole branzino with garlic oil. Tacos, tostadas, and huaraches – crisp corn tortillas with a variety of toppings, are also available. Stop by on weekends to dine on yummy brunch items like Huevos y Carne Asada – eggs with grilled hanger steak, and Huevos Rancheros – fried eggs with black beans & salsa.

Located just a short trip from tree in downtown Austin, La Condesa is open every day.

La Condesa
400 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 499-0300
www.lacondesa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-condesa-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Sharon & Nikki McCutcheon

The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is a favorite among Austin locals, and once you get a meal from this colorful little food truck, you'll likely understand why. The menu promises a global culinary tour, offering a broad range of tasty sandwiches, each wrapped in a piece of fresh, house-made flatbread.

Try the Italian inspired caprese sandwich stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, and pesto, or bite into a spicy Thai style sandwich heaped with pickled onions, tangy Asian slaw, and peanut sauce. There’s a substantial vegetarian menu, too, featuring sandwiches like “the butler,” which is filled with rich, buttery brie, and topped with picked apples, honey, and slivered almonds. The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press is happy to convert any of the sandwiches into gluten-free salad bowls and will even transform your order into a set of tacos, if you like.

However you order, add a side of colorful veggie chips or creamy hummus to enjoy a full, hearty meal.

The Jalopy Rotisserie & Press
1502 San Antonio Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 814-8557
www.jalopyaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-jalopy-rotisserie-and-press-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/stevendepolo

If you’re hosting a large party, you’re likely concerned with serving tasty foods, but your goal should also be to keep those foods safe for your guests. Here are a few helpful tips that will keep your food buffet just as healthy as it is delicious.

1. Wash your hands. The first thing you should do when preparing a food buffet is wash your hands. This prevents you from spreading germs to your guests, but it also helps to keep you safe from food borne illnesses caused by raw meat, eggs, and other ingredients. Be sure to wash your hands each time you refill the buffet, as well.
2. Cook foods completely. It’s safe to keep foods out on a buffet, provided that they’re cooked properly beforehand. Meats like beef and pork chops should be cooked to at least 145º F, while chicken and poultry should reach at least 165º F.
3. Use the proper serving tools. If you’re serving hot foods, be sure to store them in a chafing dish, slow cooker, or warming tray to keep them from changing temperature. Cold dishes can be served in nesting bowls over bowls of ice, and they must stay at 40°F or lower in order to stop the growth of bacteria.
4. Abide by the two-hour rule. Finally, never let foods sit on a buffet for more than two hours. Tossing food that’s been at room temperature for too long will ensure a safe and healthy party.

Serving Up Safe Buffets [FDA]
Serving Prepared Foods Safely [Whole Foods]
Holiday or Party Buffets [USDA]
Buffet Safety [NSF]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Phil Hawksworth