Posts tagged ‘Eating’

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December 7, 2010

Austin: Free 24 Diner Food!

325,600 eggs were harmed in the making of a year of 24 Diner.
I know I write about 24 Diner a lot, but they have local food and free-range meat and delicious burgers and cool people and are open 24 hours a day and really, what’s not to love?

Free is also something you should love, as they’re celebrating their first birthday with free food and drinks on Wednesday, December 8, from 5 to 9 pm! Free delicious treats by chef Andrew Curren, specialty cocktails by sommelier Billy Caruso, select cold beers, and the garage soul sound of the Greyhounds.

Cocktails are Tito’s style … a 24 Diner Press (Tito’s, Topo Chico, muddled lime), 24 Bloody Mary (Tito’s, housemade mix, pickled vegetable garnish), Ben Crenshaw (Tito’s, organic black iced tea, mint, fresh-squeezed lemonade, muddled lemons) or Tito’s Texas Mule (Tito’s, ginger beer, fresh lime juice).

24 Diner: 600 N. Lamar, 24diner.com

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November 11, 2010

Austin: Spice Shop Grand Opening (by the numbers)

For the longest time, I didn’t really get the spice thing. I’m slow to the cooking game, and I never understood why people went nuts for Penzey’s in Dallas … I didn’t even know Central Market had bulk spices (awesome!) until this year. But people, spices are awesome. They make boring things amazing and amazing things out-of-this-world.

And now Austin has cemented its reputation as a foodie town with the opening of  Savory Spice Shop on West Sixth. Friday, Nov. 12 will feature a fresh rosemary ribbon cutting at 10am with free spice samples all day.

  • 400 herbs, spices, seasonings, blends, extracts and salts from around the world
  • More than 30 different chiles, from Korean Red Pepper Chile Threads to Miniature Thai Chilies
  • Nearly 40 organic herbs, spices and extracts including Organic Madagascar “Bourbon” Vanilla Beans and Organic Imported European Basil
  • 19 different ways to choose pepper from Tasmanian Pepper Berries to Reunion Island Pink Peppercorns
  • specialty salts including Italian Black Truffle Salt and Alder Wood Smoked Sea Salt
  • more than 140 fresh seasoning blends including curries, cheese blends, salt-free seasonings and barbecue spice combinations.

Ground fresh every week, the shop will feature familiar seasonings as well as extraordinary aromatics such as Ethiopian Berbere, Cambodian Lemongrass, Peruvian Chili Lime and Thai Green Curry blends. Hello, yum? These are just spices!

Shoppers will not only be able to sample these blends with ‘tasters’ throughout the store, but also buy them in quantities as small or large as they want – from half-ounce measure to several pounds. After sampling a spice, customers are invited to toss the remaining spice sample on the floor to add to the mesmerizing blend of aromas that waft throughout the store.

See you there. I’ll be the one drooling.

1201B West Sixth Street, just west of the intersection of Blanco and West Sixth. Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm. http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/aboutus/austin6th.html / 512.524.1093 / @savryspiceon6th

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November 5, 2010

Austin: Gypsy Picnic

Gypsy Picnic flyer AUstin
In other words, 35 trailers in one place (Auditorium Shores) with $3 sample plates (steal!) in an all-out battle for culinary supremacy.
Perhaps best of all, the eats will be arranged geographically throughout the park, so if you forget where to find something you found you loved at this event, you can just figure out whether it was a SoCo or DT trailer and go from there. My money is on Kebabalicious, but I also advise you really give your belly a workout and go for at least 4 sample plates.

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October 7, 2010

ACL: Eating Guide

Eating with me is a challenge, I will freely admit. I want free-range happy meat, chicken, milk, and eggs. I don’t want white bread, I probably don’t want whole wheat bread, I definitely don’t want corn (unless it’s a tortilla chip) or beans or soy. I don’t want fake sugar, or agave, or real sugar (but sometimes I eat it anyway). I am definitely a pain.

That said, eating in Austin is easier than eating almost anywhere else. Take the ACL food court … (if I accept a sandwich, assume I’m not eating the bread) here is a complete listing, anything I won’t eat is strike-out-ed, but you can still read it and eat it if you so choose.

AMY’S ICE CREAMS psh that’s not healthy

AQUARELLE RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
Spicy shrimp sandwich

AUSTIN’S BEST BURGER – I could not find a damn thing on this … happy? no? what’s in the veggie burger? no idea.

AUSTIN’S PIZZA

BESS BISTRO – YAY! HAPPY LOCAL MEAT!

Fish and chips /Semolina crusted artichoke hearts / Steak sandwich / Fish sandwich

BEST LEMONADE

THE BEST WURST unhappy meat

BOOMERANG’S PIES
Thai veggie (vegan) fine, how good does that sound? yum.

CHILDREN OF THE KETTLE CORN delish, but no good for you

JUICEBOX (assuming no added sugar)
Fresh cherry limeade / Cucumber mint agua fresca / Pure coconut water / Sambazon acai smoothie

FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO

GALAXY CAFE

GARRIDO’S BURRITOS

GUERO’S

HYDE PARK BAR & GRILL

KERBEY LANE CAFE
All-natural sausage pancake on a stick

LAVACA ST. GRILL

LONESOME DOVE WESTERN BISTRO – no word on happy meat status but sounds delish!
Wild mushroom and tenderloin skewers / Truffled mac and cheese

MAINE ROOT

MANGIA PIZZA love, but need whole wheat. and spinach.

MIGHTY CONE
Hot and crunchy shrimp and avocado cone / Venison sausage wrap

OLIVIA not happy meat

P. TERRY’S BURGER STAND – HAPPY MEAT! DELISH VEGGIE BURGER!
Hamburger / Cheeseburger / Double cheeseburger / Veggie burger

PLUCKERS

THE SALT LICK

SNOWIE

STUBB’S BBQ

SWEET LEAF TEA

TIFF’S TREATS

TIM LOVE’S LOVE SHACK – again, don’t know if it’s happy meat?
Love Burger (prime tenderloin/prime brisket burger with Love sauce, lettuce, tomato, house pickles and cheese)

TORCHY’S TACOS

WAHOO’S FISH TACO
Blackened fish tacos

… so there you have it. Eat before you go if you’re as picky as me :-)

Also, I highly recommend stopping by Uncle Billy’s for a to-go cup of beer for your walk down Barton Springs Road into the fest. It’s a $5 steal for a microbrew, and you just feel cool carrying a to-go beer down a street you normally aren’t allowed to carry beer down.

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September 29, 2010

Aspen: Shop and Eat in New Places!

New places to shop (I still love Susie’s):

WeSC, which stands for “WeAretheSuperlativeConspiracy”, opened its Aspen concept store this August. The Swedish born street-fashion brand is designed “For intellectual slackers,” it means for hipsters with cash to spend and attitude to spare (461 East Hopkins).

Courage. B boutique will open “soon” and specialize in fashionable women’s apparel and accessories. From ballet flats to Hermes-inspired Kelly bags to knit shifts with matching cardigans, you’ll find everything you need to update your wardrobe  … if you’re a tourist, probably.

Yoga studio 02 Aspen is opening a retail store in the Aspen Square building by Thanksgiving … while I think it’s amazing a lululemon hasn’t opened here yet despite the fact that you can’t GO to a yoga class in Aspen without seeing the silly om sign, the luxury yoga line is just one of many carried at 02′s main street store, but lulu’s shorts are marked up 150%. Unless there are some serious sales, I still have my fingers crossed for a local lulu (and you know my loyalty lies with King Yoga).

Dannenmann-Pure was such a hit during Aspen Fashion Week this year that German fashion designer Petra Dannenmann is bringing her signature 100 percent organic pure boiled wool fabric produced with no chemicals to the little ski town that could (525 East Cooper).

Eating

Some of us are stuck with the off-season deals (though I can hardly say stuck when Matsuhisa offers $5 rolls), but for everyone else there are some new grub-gettin’ places in town:

The Silver Queen opened in September 2010 occupying the former famous Syzygy space. Chef Jamie Flatt, formerly of Willow Creek and known for some incredible use of truffle in his sweet potato fries, is overseeing the kitchen. The cuisine is American-eclectic with an Aspen-reasonably priced bar menu (520 E. Hyman).

Pitkin County Steakhouse & Pitkin Tavern opened in August of 2010 replacing Double Dog and Steak Pit on the corner of restaurant row. The steakhouse serves dry aged steaks, fresh fish, and a salad bar stocked with local produce, while the tavern is a classic locals’ hangout with a full menu, shuffleboard, and 12 beers on draft (305 East Hopkins).

Casa Tua restaurant and private club is slated to open mid-December across from Belly Up. Can another “private club” make it in a Caribou Club town? Look for the restaurant to offer fine Italian fare with French and Swiss influences, while the upstairs club will offer an “Italian oasis” for members only. Do we have that many Italians visiting Aspen?

Hopefully C & P Burger will fill Aspen’s much-needed quick-n-dirty dining scene. Austin has its food trailers, why can’t Aspen have some grab-and-go options? Lunch, dinner, and adult beverages, will include locally grown beef burgers (yum!), LuLu Wilson’s famed Kale salad (better than Peaches?), truffle parmesan fries (sign me up), soft-serve yoghurt with seasonal fresh fruit (ha! it was only a matter of time…). It opens “soon” so keep your eyes peeled!

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September 24, 2010

Austin: TGITailgating

Tailgating in the Texas heat is serious business

Thank goodness for tailgating! You wouldn’t really know it’s fall in Austin without hordes of burnt-orange-clad revelers crowding the streets of campus. Three of my top picks (two are recurring, one is this weekend only):

La Condesa’s awesome tailgate

17th & Congress from 12 pm – 6 pm for all home games

FREE Grilled Mexican Street Corn and FREE Lone Star beer. Put it on your list, and make sure you stop by.

Blackout Breakfast Club at J. Black’s (plus bus!)

J. Black’s at 710-B W. 6th Street / Doors Open at 10am all home games + Texas-OU

Why blackout? The bar blacks out the windows facing West 6th–to better see the TV, duh! Bloody marys, buckets of beer, and more are included on the game day menu, along with food like Kobe Beef Nachos, Pulled Pork Frito Pie, brunch-y faves like Breakfast Pizza, Shrimp and Grits, and the Open Face Egg Sandwich.

Maybe the best part? Complimentary shuttle bus that drives right into the heart of the tailgating area. The J. BLACK’S shuttle is outfitted with a symbolic black longhorn on the hood, a plush interior, a rocking sound system and music to keep the party going, all courtesy of Blackhorn Buses. “Park and Ride” never felt so great on a Saturday morning!

We aren’t hurting for tailgate options in Austin.

AYC & YMBL Tailgate 2010 (this weekend only)

Saturday, September 25th @ 11:30am / SW Corner of 17th & Congress Ave.- Look for the big white school bus!

Flat screen to watch football, music, tons of bbq and plenty of drinks. Tix $15 — buy online ahead of time, cash only at the door.

Tailgate sponsors: Brown Distributing, Dripping Springs Vodka, Graham’s Texas Tea, Paula’s Texas Orange, Republic Tequila, and Treaty Oak Rum.

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September 17, 2010

Aspen: Off-Season Eatin’

One of the best things about off-season in Aspen (the time between summer and winter where no one comes here because it starts to snow but not enough to ski, so it’s supposedly just miserable … I’ll keep you posted) is the amazing deals the usually too-expensive-for-my-budget restaurants have. Check out EatAspen‘s full list of specials, but here are all the ones I want to try:

- Ellina Modern Italian Restaurant is offering a $30 Prix Fixe every evening. Choice of appetizer, main course & either a glass of wine or a dessert. (a friend says this is the best meal he’s had in Aspen …)

- Il Mulino Prix Fixe $20 Lunch or $30 Dinner for Autumn Harvest menu! (a friend’s friend owns this restaurant and I CAN’T WAIT to try it!)

- Brexi offers a $34 prixe fixe – appetizer, entree, dessert (me & the Vermonster’s fave restaurant in Aspen)

- LuLu Wilson offers a $35 prixe fixe – appetizer, entree, dessert

- Takah Sushi is offering $6 sushi rolls & 1/2 priced atomic shrimp & sake

- Syzygy Restaurant offers a 3 course prix fixe for $39

- Silver Queen is now open–don’t know if they’re doing any specials, but definitely want to check it out!

Then, Viceroy Snowmass is offering Colorado residents a special rate of $95 per night per room, including parking.  The Spa at Viceroy Snowmass is also offering 25 percent savings on all spa services!! For Viceroy Snowmass’ spa, call 970.923.8007.

Hear of any more deals? Let me know!

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August 30, 2010

Aspen: Fine Line Bar & Grill

Fine Line Bar & Grill is a new bar, restaurant, grill, hangout in El Jebel/Basalt that’s reasonably-priced, has GREAT happy hour food and drink specials from 3-6pm daily ($2 Bud & Bud Light Drafts , $3 New Belgium Drafts, $10 Bucket Of 6 Coronitas, $5 Tuaca & Soco Lime Shots), plus special deals for each day and even serving up karaoke Tuesday nights!

Totally Tuesdays: Half Price On All Appetizers
Wine Wednesdays: Buy One Glass Of House Wine Get One Free / Free Chips & Salsa
Tequila Thursdays: Gingeritas & Margaritas $5 / All Nacho Plates Half Price
Fired Up Fridays: Free Chips And Salsa / Tuaca & Soco Lime Shots $3
Smokin’ Saturdays: Rib Platter $10 / Fat Tire Drafts $3
Sunday Bloody Sundays: Absolut Peppar Bloody Marys $5

This is the Gingerita: A Simple Margarita With A Twist. Equal Parts Fresh Lime Juice, Grand Marnier, & Ginger-Infused Corzo Tequila. At $8, a good price for a great, creative margarita. The drink menu is top-notch–all of the drinks are creative and delish!

The food is mostly outstanding. The salad was not good–but the menu calls their salad menu “Rabbit Food,” so maybe I should have known they aren’t really salad fans. Get into the heavier dishes and you’re golden. The Lobster Ravioli was as good as you’d find anywhere, and reasonably-priced at $15.95. Menu reads: Ravioli Stuffed With Fresh Maine Lobster And Served With Vodka Marinara Sauce And A Side Of Garlic Bread.

The best thing Fine Line serves is probably its pizza. This stuff was GOOOOOOD. Menu says: Veggie Garbage Pizza: Spinach, Black Olives, Red And Yellow Onions, Artichoke Hearts, Mushrooms, Fresh And Sun Dried Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic, And Feta Cheese. $14.95/$18.95 (this is the $14.95 size and was HUGE)

Overall, all four of the people in my party loved the For Locals By Locals experience of Fine Line Bar & Grill. I only wish such a reasonably-priced, laid-back place was in Aspen! Also check out their 50″ flat screens for football this season!

Also, in more it’s-a-small-world-after-all news, the owner’s fiancee works with the Vermonster, and the owner went to school with the Vermonster in Vermont, where the Vermonster was the MAILMAN for the owner’s dorm. Awesome.

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August 20, 2010

Austin: Cupcake Smackdown 2.0

Last year’s crazy cupcake party had us all smashed into One 2 One Bar on a hot summer day stuffing ourselves with sugar. This year’s event expands to Le Cordon Bleu, 3110 Esperanza Crossing Suite 100 and The Westin, 11301 Domain Drive. Vendors and activities located at the Le Cordon Bleu will be held indoors while the Cupcake Cannon and Pinata will be held outdoors at the Westin.

Here’s Saturday’s schedule:

11: 30am & 1:30pm – Attempt to break Guinness World Record for Most Jaffa Cakes Eaten in One Minute (2 rounds) at LCB

11:30 am until 12 noon – Check-in and set-up for Most People Simultaneously Frosting a Cupcake at LCB. Please arrive at this time to participate.

12 noon – Setting World Record for Most People Simultaneously Frosting a Cupcake at LCB.

12:30pm to 3 pm – Cupcake Cannon and Cupcake Piñata at The Westin’s North Parking Lot

Admission to the event is free.  Donations for the activities suggested (cash please). Proceeds from Cupcake Smackdown 2.0 will benefit Lights, Camera, Help, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, and Keep Austin Dog Friendly. You will be able to buy cupcakes from vendors, so bring $$$ for that as well.

www.cupcakesmackdown.com

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July 21, 2010

Austin: Free Cocktails on Patios … what more could you want?

I’m pretty sure the flyer speaks for itself. Free Grey Goose cocktails on the patios at Terrace 59 and Six Lounge, this Thursday and Friday. Be there!

TERRACE 59
412-D Congress Ave.
speakeasyaustin.com
Thursday, JULY 22/7-9pm

SIX LOUNGE
117 W. 4th St
sixlounge.com

Friday, JULY 23/8-10pm

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