4 Must-Watch Sci-Fi Films

The sci-fi genre has long enthralled moviegoers, who will often line up outside the theater in advance to see the newest installment of their favorite fantastical epics. If you're a fan of sci-fi, the following films are all worth seeing:

Star Wars
George Lucas changed the genre of sci-fi with these breakout films that took moviegoers to a "galaxy far, far away." These award-winning movies are equal parts heroic myth and space drama, and both trilogies delight viewers to this day.

2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick uses the sci fi genre to make a film with some artful cinematography and some interesting meditations on the human condition.

The Matrix
In this Wachowski Brothers’ film, cyperspace is the new frontier, and nothing's really as it seems.

Aliens
This sci-fi thriller combines genres to create a strikingly original movie.

Tasty Chicken and More at Pluckers Wing Bar

Want to watch the game? Head to Pluckers Wing Bar in Round Rock, just a few minutes from The Marquis at Canyon Ridge. This place loves to use their fryers! Pluckers has 19 zesty sauces to coat their crispy and juicy wings, like the Hallelujah, sweet sauce with a kick, and Spicy Mandarin, for a flavorful twist. If you want to challenge your taste buds, try Fire In The Hole, their hottest sauce.  Those that manage to put away 25 wings will appear on their “wall of flame.” (If you do, make sure to cool off with some sweet tea.) Other fried favorites are the pickles, fried mac and cheese, and thick-cut homemade potato chips with warm blue cheese dressing. Burgers and sandwiches round out their menu, along with several sides including twice baked potato casserole, waffle fries, and mac and cheese — which many people swear is the best they’ve had. So what are you waiting for?

Pluckers Wing Bar
300 Mays Crossing
Round Rock, TX 78662
(512) 671-9464
www.yelp.com/biz/pluckers-wing-bar-round-rock

 

Asti Trattoria: Italian Cuisine in a Casual Austin Ambiance

Asti Trattoria in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood offers, casual bistro-style Italian food.  Meals start with crusty and chewy complimentary bread and the cheese and antipasto plates are popular appetizers, offering a variety of cheeses, cured meats, fruit and nuts. Many diners indulge in Asti’s gourmet pizzas and the Bianca topped with three cheeses, sage and drizzled in truffle oil is a customer favorite. Homemade sausage is featured throughout their pasta dishes, like the orecchiette with broccoli rabe. Traditional main dishes round out the entree selection, try the braised lamb shank with polenta. Customers note the portions are deceptive; they look small but will definitely satisfy. Don’t overlook dessert, diners love the sweet finish of beignets with vanilla bean gelato. Asti’s extensive wine list has many by the glass and half bottle selections, including dessert wine and aperitifs. The decor mixes contemporary updates with a 50s diner vibe; red enameled tables and a counter facing the open kitchen create a fun trendy atmosphere for a casual meal. 

Asti Trattoria
408 E. 43rd Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-1218
www.astiaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/asti-trattoria-austin

Tarka Indian Kitchen: Indian Cuisine in Austin’s Allandale Neighborhood

Tarka Indian Kitchen is a quick and inexpensive to satisfy an Indian food craving from Biryanis to Kabobs, Curries to Lassis.  Run by the same owners as popular Clay Pit, there are three area locations, including in north Austin’s Allandale neighborhood.  The casual Indian cafe with counter ordering is popular even among Indian cuisine experts.  The menu offers traditional items like Tikka Masala as well as innovative twists like the “Naaninis” – a panini style sandwich made with naan.  Pair your favorite dish with soft and fluffy garlic naan and a mango lemonade with free refills.  Everything on the menu is under $10; you can dine in, take out, or have delivery through Dine on Demand.  Check out their iPhone app for online ordering.  Tarka has even been recognized as a “Green Restaurant” by the City of Austin for their environmentally friendly practices – just another reason you can feel good about giving in to that craving. 

Tarka Indian Cuisine
2525 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 323-0955
www.tarkaindiankitchen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tarka-indian-kitchen-austin-2

The Parlor: A Vegan Pizza Lover’s Paradise in Austin

Meat-lovers and vegans can both agree that The Parlor does pizza right.  This north Austin spot is half pizzeria half bar with a neighborhood dive vibe.  Parlor pizza has fluffy and chewy crust with many specialty pies to choose from – which can all be made vegan.  If one of those doesn’t tempt your taste-buds, you can build your own with plenty of traditional and gourmet toppings to choose from, including house-made vegan meats like mock chicken, pepperoni and sausage.  Try the Gunnar with artichoke hearts, spinach, garlic, and jalapenos.  Their pizza is perfect with beer and if you come before 7 p.m. you’ll get happy hour discounts on pints and pitchers.  A jukebox plays funky tunes and a well-maintained pinball machine make for an entertaining evening.  Although the pizza is on the pricey side, regulars agree its worth the price and reheats well if you have leftovers.  

The Parlor
4301 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 323-0440
www.theparloraustin.wordpress.com/pizza
www.yelp.com/biz/the-parlor-austin-2

Fresh Seafood and Cold Drafts at Deckhand Oyster Bar

Next time you want to go out to watch the big game, consider Deckhand Oyster Bar in Round Rock. This casual bar is a great place to kick back with a pitcher of beer and a group of friends.  The menu features fresh, casual seafood favorites like fried catfish and crawfish poboys.  Oysters are shucked in front of you, and served on the half shell.  Regulars love the gumbo!  There are several Asian items on the menu too – like tom yum soup, a sweet and sour seafood soup with a little kick. If you order oysters, try the thai sauce, which is a unique complement to their mild flavor. Prices are reasonable and get even lower during happy hour from 3-6 p.m.  The Deckhand serves beer in frosted mugs, but don’t expect craft brews – it’s mostly American favorites. The Thai Tea is a tasty non-alcoholic alternative.  
 

Deckhand Oyster Bar
500 Parker Dr
Round Rock, TX 78728
(512) 368-3379
www.yelp.com/biz/deckhand-oyster-bar-round-rock

Our New Facebook Sweepstakes Has Started! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, Like our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends August 31st,  2013. For mobile users ONLY, like our Facebook Page, and then click here to enter!

Happy 4th of July!

On this 4th of July, we hope you take time to relax and celebrate America's freedom with close friends and loved ones. Happy Independence Day, USA!

Hot Rod Coffee Trailer: Coffee With Personality in Austin

Hot Rod Coffee Trailer is just as the name suggests – a spot for a quick cup of joe with personality. Regulars at this Allandale area trailer appreciate the friendly and welcoming service and appreciate that owner Ken gets to know his customers. Don’t let the trailer fool you, a neighborhood coffee house vibe still comes through. All the coffee drinks are made with organic, fair trade, locally roasted beans. For a refreshing treat on a hot day, try the customer favorite, cold brewed toddy. Ken is always creating custom beverages, some of which have earned their spot on the regular menu, like the “Hazelnut Horsepower Mocha” – a white chocolate, Nutella-inspired warmer that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re hungry Hot Rod Coffee Trailer serves gourmet hot dogs, with specials like the “blue cheese” and “mango madness.”

Hot Rod Coffee Trailer
6546 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 516-3113
www.hotrodcoffeetrailer.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hot-rod-coffee-trailer-austin

Recycled Reads: Find a Great Book

Buy a book and feel good about your love of paper books! Recycled Reads is run by Austin Public Libraries and encourages reading and environmental stewardship. By selling books, audio, and visual items that are no longer in library circulation, they have saved over 140 tons of books from a landfill. Most books are $1-$2 and there are plenty of selections from all genres, including a wide selection of children’s books. They also have a nice selection of unique and rare books, if you are looking for something special for your collection. You can even donate your old reading material at Recycle Reads. Check the Recycled Reads website and Facebook page for upcoming events like classes and demonstrations.

Recycled Reads
5335 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 323-5123
www.recycledreads.org
www.yelp.com/biz/recycled-reads-austin

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