A warm, inviting ambiance with cinnamon-hued walls greets you when you enter The Clay Pit. The menu features a flavorful selection of Indian fare served attentively in an upscale setting. Order a beer or glass of wine from their extensive selection and a delightful appetizer like Veggie Samosas, Clay Pit Pakoras, Curried Crab Cakes or Coriander Calamari.

The Clay Pit's signature curry dishes include Jeera Saag – pureed spinach with spices, Vindaloo with bell pepper, onion & potatoes, and Mirch Masala with jalapenos, garlic, ginger & onions. Other dishes include Kabuli Chicken with korma sauce, Goat Saag with pureed spinach, Rack of Lamb in yogurt masala, and Lamb Roganjosh with creamy onion sauce. Stop by at lunchtime to feast on the flavorful array of dishes on the buffet table.

This Austin Indian restaurant is open every day.

The Clay Pit
1601 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 322-5131
http://claypit.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-clay-pit-austin

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/auxesis

Whether you’re looking for a hip spot for date night or a venue for a planned event, RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge is a primo place to party in downtown Austin. The venue features a rooftop lounge with a swimming pool, a sports bar, and restaurant with chic, modern decor and premium service. They have a flavorful menu of small plates suitable for sharing.

Get your party started with a glass of wine, or one of their elegant artisan cocktails like the Spring Blossom with gin, St. Germaine liqueur, & lime juice, or the Paloma with tequila, pink grapefruit juice & lime. RIO's dining options include Filet Sliders with garlic herb butter, Truffled Mushroom Flatbread with thyme & arugula, Heirloom Tomato Salad with burrata mozzarella, and Queso with tortilla chips.

RIO Rooftop Bar & Lounge
601 Rio Grande Avenue
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 436-8464
www.riorooftop.com
www.yelp.com/biz/rio-rooftop-pool-lounge-and-restaurant-austin

Public Domain/Public Domain

One of soul music’s most influential pioneers, Ray Charles overcame a number of personal and professional battles during his rise to stardom. Here are some of the most important highlights from his lengthy musical career.

1. Though Ray Charles is known for being blind, he wasn’t born that way. Charles began to gradually lose his sight as a child, and he didn’t become fully blind until age seven.
2. When he moved to Seattle at age 16, Charles befriended Quincy Jones. The legendary songwriter, trumpet player, and music producer often credits Charles for getting him into music. The two remained lifelong friends.
3. Just one year after his first record deal with Atlantic Records, Charles saw his first number one single with “I Got a Woman." The song is now one of his most legendary.
4. Charles has had a lot of nicknames throughout his career. When he first started to become successful, fellow musicians called him “The Genius” because of the previously unheard of way in which he blended musical styles. Later, he became known as “The Father of Soul."
5. Charles was among the first group of musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1986, he received the honor with fellow musicians like Elvis, Chuck Berry, and James Brown.

Ray Charles [Rolling Stone]
Ray Charles [Biography]
Ray Charles Biography [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]

Public Domain/Public Domain