this is life in austin & aspen » restaurants

Austin: Alamo’s New Cocktail Lounges Midnight Cowboy & 400 Rabbits

Lyssa — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:04:01 +0000

Alamo Drafthouse recently announced its first cocktail lounge, called 400 Rabbits. Which was cool enough, but THEN they announced that they’re looking for 400 Loyal Austin Patrons who will collectively be known as “The 400 Rabbits.” The 400 Rabbits will be determined by various methods including a Facebook Scavenger Hunt, Radio giveaways, onsite Geeks Who Drink Trivia nights, and more.

Each of “The 400 Rabbits” will receive a variety of prizes, including a 20% discount on their food and beverage in the 400 Rabbits lounge for one year and exclusive invitations to special events and tastings.

The first three methods of entry into “The 400 Rabbits” are detailed as follows:

1. LOYAL CUSTOMERS: Customers are able to input their name into a drawing for every $10 they spend at 400 Rabbits. 40 people will be drawn at random to win a “rabbit” spot. Enter to win during 3/8 – 3/31. Winner drawn on 4/2.

2. ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE SLAUGHTER LANE GIVEAWAY: Alamo Slaughter Lane will randomly give away a Rabbit spot to one person every day from 3/8 – 3/31 for a total of 24 Rabbit spots.

3. TRIVIA NIGHTS: 400 Rabbits will host a Geeks who Drink trivia night every week throughout March and April. The winning teams will be awarded a Rabbit spot – 50 spots total.

For more on “The 400 Rabbits” promotion visit http://www.400RabbitsBar.com

The cocktail lounge will have its grand opening on March 22nd. The name is derived from the Aztec goddess Mayahuel; the lounge will serve a bar menu centered around agave spirits (tequila, mezcal, sotol) and food inspired by Latin American street fare. A sneak of some of the food and drinks:

Torta Ahogada – Carnitas, pickled onions, refried white beans, and cotija, on a toasted bolillo drowned in arbol sauce topped with fresh oregano and served with chips.

Sonoran Hot Dog – Bacon wrapped hot dog, flat grilled with green chile salsa, lettuce, white beans, pickled onions, tomato, jicama, cilantro mayo, and cotija in a bolillo.

Sherry Darling: Reposado tequila, orange infused sherry, grand marnier + La Playa Sunset: Silver tequila, Zyco coconut water, falernum, lime, bitters + Me Encante: no idea what's in that

Alamo beverage director Bill Norris took a sabbatical to Jalisco last year to learn the production methods and history of Tequila and to prepare the 400 Rabbits menu. Executive Chef John Bullington has created a selection of snacks that pair perfectly with Bill’s tequila-centric bar offerings. “The food is inspired by interior Latin American street food while using fresh and local ingredients” says Chef Bullington. I’ve always loved Alamo’s focus on local ingredients!

In Other News: Midnight Cowboy Modeling

Alamo Drafthouse is also opening a cocktail lounge, Midnight Cowboy on East Sixth Street, on March 9^th. For over thirty years, Midnight Cowboy Oriental Modeling operated as a brothel in plain sight. Now, that formerly nefarious spot has been transformed into Austin’s premier cocktail destination. Under a red light, through an unmarked door, come find a 48-seat, reservation-based cocktail lounge, featuring drinks designed by Alamo Drafthouse Beverage Director Bill Norris and Midnight Cowboy manager Brian Dressel (formerly of FINO, East Side Showroom and Bar Congress) and a luxurious interior design by Joel Mozersky.

Midnight Cowboy can accommodate groups of up to eight people, and Mozersky has transformed three former “massage” rooms into private tables for groups of six to eight people, with booths for smaller parties in the front room.

Cocktails will be prepared tableside by highly-experienced bartenders, feature hand cut ice, premium spirits and freshly squeezed juice from an innovative and rotating menu of original cocktails, obscure classics, and modern favorites from our bartender friends in other cities.

Reservations can be made at http://midnightcowboymodeling.com beginning on Tuesday, March 6^th at Noon CST. When a reservation is made, guests will be provided with the procedure for entry through Midnight Cowboy’s unmarked door and welcomed into Austin’s first true luxury cocktail experience.

Midnight Cowboy House Rules

Midnight Cowboy is a relaxing oasis in the midst of the Sixth Street liveliness. To ensure this atmosphere, we don’t allow smoking, guns, cell phone calls, laptops, games, or rowdiness. If you must smoke or make a call, please do so on the rear patio. Please keep your conversations at a reasonable level, and enjoy fine cocktails and the finer company of your companions.

While our cocktails might loosen inhibitions and the building’s past might encourage licentiousness, we ask that you refrain from public displays of affection and unwelcome advances towards members of other parties.

Tables at Midnight Cowboy are available for reservation. Reservations are for two hours and no parties larger than 8 can be accommodated. All reasonable (and legal) services will be considered by your bartenders and hosts.

I always wondered about that whole brothel-in-plain-sight thing. So I pretty much pasted that press release verbatim … I can’t make this stuff up. Perfect for SXSW but will it last?

Austin: New Year’s Eve

Lyssa — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:36:37 +0000

I won’t be in Austin for New Year’s, but as a last-minute planner myself, I thought some of you might appreciate this list of what’s the haps in Austin to ring in 2012. So weird that it’s already 2012, right?

New Year’s Eve Eve with Achachay!

Get your tickets online at Frontgate tickets right now. $8. The full lineup is TBA; Achachay! is scheduled to close the night starting at midnight. Disco-themed so get your frizzy ‘fro ready, bust out white pants, extra wide ties, and leisure suits. Whether you’re wearing go-go dancer outfits, hippy clothes, or just about anything brown and orange the important thing is that you’re ready to boogie. Invite your friends to the Facebook Event, be there on December 30th!

Celeb Style at Hotel San Jose

You know if the celebs are in A-town for NYE, they’ll be at the All Tomorrows Party: A Warhol Factory New Year’s Eve with a photobooth by Alison Narro, DJs, bubbly libations, room to dance and of course a toast at midnight. Black and white attire is encouraged but not required. No cover charge / DJ from 8-midnight / www.sanjosehotel.com

Swank at the Dubs

TRACE at the W Austin is offering two separate seatings and menus to accommodate any partygoer’s plans. The first seating from 5:30pm-7p offers a four- course menu for $95 (with paired wine for $145). Each guest will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling with dessert. The second seating begins at 9pm and offers an extensive menu (attached) of various small plates and shared items for $75 per person food and beverage minimum (not including tax and gratuity). 512-542-3660 for reservations.

The New Year’s Eve “Drop the Ball” party in the W Austin Living Room is open to the public (based on availability) with regular hours 11a – 2a. The nibbles menu will be available à la carte and DJ Rich will be spinning for the party. Guests can reserve a seated area for $175 (includes tax and gratuity) per person. Reserved seating includes a welcome SIP, a platter of Chef Paul Hargrove’s NYE Nibbles, a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne (for every two guests), and party favors. 512-542-3633 for Living Room reservations.

Sushi Sensation

Uchi and Uchiko are still accepting early reservations for New Year’s Eve, and walk-in guests are welcome at the sushi bars. Uchi will serve its tasting menu for $75 including a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and Uchiko will offer its tasting menu for $125 with complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Vivo Lake Creek New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

Live music, dancing, plenty of bubbly and a special menu devised by celebrated Chef Paul Petersen runs from 10p New Year’s Eve through 2a, Jan 1. General admission to Vivo’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball is $50 per person, reserved seating is $100 per person. Guests who make dinner reservations at Vivo Lake Creek for 8 or 8:30p on New Year’s Eve may keep their table for the Masquerade Ball for $50 per person.

Sullivan’s & Sully’s

Celebrate the arrival of 2012 at Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Sully’s Side Bar. Sullivan’s is offering a special prix fixe menu at either restaurant for $79 from 4-5:45p and $89 from 6p-close, including a champagne toast at midnight (alcohol, taxes and gratuity not included). Guests have the choice of an appetizer, a salad or soup, an entrée, side dish and dessert. For reservations, 512.495.6504.

Sully’s Side Bar kicks off the dance party at 10 pm with DJ Kurupt. The bar will be open for full drink service and guests are invited to dance, drink, and celebrate the New Year!

Destination: Lakeway Resort and Spa

Travis Restaurant at Lakeway Resort and Spa will host an elegant three-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Axline. The night will also feature plenty of music and dancing at Josey’s Grill and Bar with Americana music by Andrea Marie and The Magnolia Band and a special complimentary glass of champagne at midnight.

The appetizer course of Lakeway’s exquisite New Year’s Eve dinner includes a choice of baby arugula, spiced pecans, poached bosc pears and Brazos Valley Cheese or grilled Texas quail, stone ground grit cake, smoky bacon, braised leeks and chard. The entree course features a choice of grilled Hereford beef filet, gulf shrimp, whipped potatoes, pan roasted Brussels sprouts; vital farms half chicken, mashed potatoes, French beans, bacon fat almonds; pan roasted California halibut, charred tomatoes, marinated olives, fingerling potatoes and sweet peppers. The dinner also features a dessert course consisting of chocolate chip mint bread pudding, toasted challah, dark chocolate ganache or caramel apple cheesecake, bourbon anglaise and whipped cream.

The three-course dinner is $45 per person (plus tax, plus gratuity). Reservations are required: 512-261-7379. Take the elevator home with the New Year’s Eve Package! Rates start at $219 per guest room, plus resort fee and tax. The rate code is NYE2011. The package includes Resort Accommodation on 12/31, a 3-Course New Year’s Eve Dinner for Two Adults, the restaurant sales tax and gratuity, New Years Eve entertainment, and a champagne New Year’s toast. You can book online at www.lakewayresortandspa.com or by calling 512-261-6600.

Malverde

The end of the year dance party will feature premium open bar all night, a champagne toast at midnight, party-favors, desserts and a photobooth by Trevor Ray Thompson. ‘Flashing Lights’: ElectroFunkyDisco and DJ Chicken George will be spinning all night. Tickets are on sale now for $100 at malverde.eventbrite.com. For table reservations email alexis.lanman@malverdeaustin.com.

FINO or ASTI

FINO is serving its regular menu with NYE special cocktail Fish House Punch: Pierre Ferrand Cognac, Smith & Cross Rum, Laird’s Apple Brandy, Orchard Peach Liqueur, Lemon & Turbinado Sugar, and menu items:

Crispy Oysters Aioli Verde, Preserved Lemon 12.
Maine Lobster Bisque Lobster Oil, Chives, Sherry Crema 12.
Tuna Crudo Sauce Vierge, Spanish Estate Olive Oil 18.
Lobster Paella for 2 Saffron Bomba Rice,Peas, Piquillo Peppers, Lemon Aioli, Pea Shoot Salad 65.
Cana De Cabra Fig & Cherry marmalade, Crostini 10.

FINO Restaurant Patio & Bar, 2905 San Gabriel Street, Reservations: 512-474-2905

Sister restaurant ASTI will do a three-course prix fixe for $45. Here’s what I’d order from their selections: Lobster Zuppa Sherry Crema & Pangritata or Niman Ranch Beef Carpaccio to start; Butternut Squash Risotto with Maine Lobster or Wild Mushroom, Chestnut & Cipolline Onion Ragu for dinner; and Chocolate Truffle Tart with Praline Ice Cream, Fresh Figs in Caramel or Antonelli’s Artisanal Cheese Plate with Red Wine Poached Pear & Walnuts in Honey.

ASTI Trattoria, 408 C East 43^rd St., Reservations: 512-451-1218

Austin: Olive & June to Fill El Arbol Void

Lyssa — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:42:38 +0000

With the sad news of El Arbol‘s closing, everyone wondered what would happen to the new Brykerwoods hotspot … well, wait no longer! Acclaimed Chef Shawn Cirkiel of parkside and backspace will open a Southern Italian restaurant called Olive & June next spring.

Olive & June is named for Chef Shawn Cirkiel’s grandmother and his wife’s grandmother and will offer dishes influenced by the fun-loving family dinners Chef Cirkiel enjoyed as a child in the Italian-American neighborhood of the South Bronx, where his father grew up. Olive & June will highlight local, seasonal ingredients and will feature handmade pasta dishes, an updated traditional meatball made with roasted eggplant and breadcrumbs, and a variety of piccoli piatti, small plates.

Sunday evenings at Olive & June are family nights, and the menu will solely feature piccoli piatti and family-style entrées. Saturday and Sunday brunch will come shortly after the opening.

Olive & June is located at 3411 Glenview Ave. in Central Austin (my nabe, Brykerwoods!).

Austin: Target Downtown Cook-Off

Lyssa — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:47:27 +0000

Target, which btw donated $60,000 to Texas Wildfire Relief, is hosting a cook-off and grocery giveaway downtown. In celebration of the fresh food additions to Target stores in the Austin area, celebrity food critic Gail Simmons (judge and critic on Top Chef, host on Top Chef Desserts, and Food & Wine special projects manager) will host a cooking competition between local acclaimed chefs Shawn Cirkiel (parkside and the backspace) and Paul Petersen (Vivo Lake Creek). Target will also offer giveaways and sampling throughout the day while supplies last.

Friday Oct 14 / Congress Avenue and Fourth Street / 8:30a–5p / Cook-off 12:30–1:30p / Parking lot opposite Frost Bank Tower

… sometimes I miss working downtown. Perfect lunch break!

[UPDATED] Austin: Wine-Down Wednesday

Lyssa — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:03:10 +0000

Update: Tomorrow’s Wine Down is CANCELLED.

In its stead, check out the first-ever open-to-the-public (normally just VIPs are invited) Davis Cup Draw Ceremony with Asleep at the Wheel, at ACL Live on Thursday. Tickets are $5 and benefit the Joplin Tornado Relief Fund.

Doors at 11am, program and performance at noon. The teams, including the US and Spanish teams, will be present at the event and the draw will be performed by Ray Benson. More information and tickets at acl-live.com. What a lunch break, huh?

Original post:

Have you heard about ACL Live’s popular Wine Down Wednesday nights? Basically, someone awesome comes to play, free food from awesome 2nd Street restaurants is had, with happy hour prices on Clos du Bois wine.

The series was so popular in June that they’ve added two July dates: Dan Dyer (who, I will add, played at my friend’s April wedding!) on July 6th with complimentary food (while it lasts) from Malaga Tapas & Bar and Wendy Colonna on July 13th with complimentary food (while it lasts) from TRACE.

Wine Down Wednesday is free and open to the public and takes place from 5 – 7 pm.

“Wine Down Wednesdays are a great way to celebrate the middle of the week, “ said Rose Reyes, Director of Music Marketing for ACVB. “Great Austin music, a world-class venue, fine wines and a breezy porch makes this the perfect spot for visitors and locals alike.”

For more information on the schedule of dates, acl-live.com.

… don’t be scurrrrred of falling glass!

Aspen: Thai at Jimmy’s!

Lyssa — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:36:19 +0000

At a time of year (off-season) that many restaurants are closing shop and getting somewhere warm, Jimmy’s is bringing the heat by introducing a special Thai menu now through May 7!

Click here for the menu, which includes specialities like Choo Chee Pl (halibut), Phad Thai, Massaman Lamb, Chicken Satay, and Goong Sarong.

For other off-season specials, check out EatAspen’s list here. There are some serious prix-fixe bargains to be had, most notably il Mulino’s $35 3-course meal. See you there?

Austin: Two More Brunch Options: Zed’s & TRACE

Lyssa — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:05:49 +0000

Zed’s, the new North Austin dining destination serving modern, casual Austin-American fare, recently introduced an expansive Sunday brunch buffet (which, as you know, is what I think ALL brunches should be). Zed’s brunch is served from 11am to 3pm every Sunday.

The kid-friendly menu includes made-to-order omelets, a meat-carving station, waffles with assorted fruit toppings, and biscuits with homemade gravy. For grown-ups, there’s a build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar ($5) with tomato juices, spices, and pickled vegetables. Mimosas are just $2. Zed’s will also offer its regular a la carte lunch menu, featuring popular dishes including Wild Boar Gumbo, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon and Sausage, Specialty House Salads, and Scalloped Potatoes. Brunch buffett is $17 per person and $11 for children 12 and under.

Zed’s is at 501 Canyon Ridge Drive, south of Parmer Lane and I-35. Opened in December 2010, the restaurant is set upon three acres of land, complete with spacious decks and innovative water features, and brings an independent presence to North Austin. For reservations, call 512-583-0060 or visit http://www.zeds.bz for details.

TRACE, the W darling of the social dining scene, now serves brunch from 10:30am to 3:30pm every Sunday. The á la carte menu features everything from Fried Chicken and Waffles to the Lavaca Omelet, an egg dish with tender fried beef and a tomatillo sauce. The menu still offers TRACE’s signature Market Snacks and Charcuterie Board as well as new hybrid “breakfast desserts”, including the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding and the Drunken Doughnuts topped with a bourbon dulce leche.

Brunch at TRACE also features innovative cocktail creations like the “South Austin Eye Opener”—fresh lemon and lime juice, egg white, bitters, simple syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Saavy Vodka.

“Austinites love brunch and we are happy to provide a relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy their meal outside on the plaza while they listen to some music and sip a mimosa,” says Food & Beverage Director Sean Bradshaw.

TRACE / W Hotel / 200 Lavaca St. / 512.542.3660 / traceaustin.com

Austin: Uchi the Cookbook Released!

Lyssa — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:05:29 +0000

Uchi Chef and Owner Tyson Cole pretty much owns sushi in Austin, but it’s not just sushi. He has a creative, innovative approach to all Japanese cuisine that’s seldom seen, so it’s no wonder his cookbook is so long-awaited! Uchi the Cookbook is now available for pre-orders … snag one now and you’ll also get an invite to attend the VIP signing at Uchiko on March 1^st at 7:30 pm WITH complimentary dishes straight from the book!

Smaller subsequent “book social” events will be scheduled for the following two nights at Uchi and again at Uchiko for guests to purchase their copy and have it signed by Chef Cole. A few complimentary bites will be circulating here as well.

Snag it here: www.uchicookbook.com

Order now, celebrate at Uchiko on March 1^st at 7:30 pm, at Uchi on March 2^nd from 5-7pm, and again at Uchiko on March 3^rd from 5-7pm.

Aspen: Snowmass Restaurant Week!

Lyssa — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:49:47 +0000

Eating on the cheap in Aspen (/Snowmass) can be a challenge, so I’m thrilled they’ve introduced Restaurant Week to Snowmass! More than 25 restaurants (who knew Snowmass had that many?!) are participating with prices at $20.11 … cute. Started on Saturday, runs through February 18. My top three picks:

GARNISH (American)

Open Daily for Après 2:30pm-5:30pm and Dinner from 5:30pm-9:00pm. Lunch on Saturdays and Sunday from 11:30am-2:30pm | Timberline Condominiums | 970.923.4004

APRÈS SKI: $20.11 for two. Select either Colorado smoked trout or molasses cured elk appetizer to share and then each choose a glass of house wine or one of our Colorado draft beers.

VENGA VENGA CANTINA & TEQUILA BAR (Mexican) [My Review Here]

Open Daily | Snowmass Mall | 970.923.7777 (reservations)

LUNCH: $20.11 for two ($10.05 for one) Appetizer: Appetizer Sampler Entrée: Choice of two enchiladas, two tacos or two fajitas (chicken or steak) Dessert: Churros

DINNER: $20.11 per person. Includes a glass of our house wine. Appetizer: Appetizer Sampler Entrée: Choice of Chicken Zarape, Chili Relleno, Crab Enchiladas or Venga Asada Dessert: Churros

EIGHT K AT THE VICEROY, SNOWMASS (American)

Open for Lunch 11:00am-2:00pm, Dinner 6:00pm-10:00pm | Viceroy, Snowmass | 970.923.8000

LUNCH: $20.11 per person. Includes choice of signature 8K burger or creole BBQ shrimp and your favorite draft brew.

DINNER: $30.11 per person. Special Chef’s selection three-course tasting menu.

Click here for the full listing.

Austin: Top 8 Normal Places to Eat Paleo

Lyssa — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:01:55 +0000

I got this email yesterday:

On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 12:34 AM, DUDE* wrote:
Just saw your post on ordering paleo when eating out and wanted to find out if you have any favorite paleo restaurants in Austin. Going to be in Austin this week and looking for a place to eat. Thanks! DUDE*

*names have been changed to protect the ~~paleo~~ innocent

First, a disclaimer: YOU CAN EAT PALEO WHEREVER THE HELL YOU PLEASE. Literally. You can order your food however you want it. You’re paying for it. Don’t be shy.

That said, there are places where it is much EASIER to eat paleo and where you won’t be as tempted by thin crust pizza or the most delicious bread in the whole world or whatever it is that you love that isn’t paleo. There are also normal places where you want to sneakily eat paleo without making a fuss. This is what I sent to DUDE*. It’s short, click the links if you want more info. I also place an emphasis on local, grassfed meat, some people don’t. Leave your faves in the comments!

Paleo Eating Out:
24 Diner – 24 hour diner on 6th & Lamar. Grassfed beef, local produce when possible. Owner is a CrossFitter, they’re used to making things paleo.
Bess – West 6th, Sandra Bullock’s restaurant, local meat, great entrees. Sides aren’t always paleo and they bring out a huge bread basket, so just ask them not to.
Buenos Aires Cafe – East 6th Street (e of 35), local meat, heavy on the meat portions

Pick Up/Quick:
Snap Kitchen - to-go food. Vegetable lasagna (no noodles!) is the best thing ever. Very conscious of paleo.
Whole Foods - sounds like a cop-out, but no other WF has the salad bar and other food bars of the flagship at 6th & Lamar.
Chipotle - also a cop-out, but the meat is grassfed and they do salad bowls with extra servings of guac!

Sushi/Bar:
Bar Chi (2nd & Colorado) is the sushi place I just wrote about and they are really flexible, making you cucumber-wrapped rolls without rice. Reverse happy hour, all day Sunday happy hour.
Piranha Killer Sushi (Rio Grande & 3rd) is also usually really accommodating and they have AWESOME fish prepared without rice anyway. Great mussels too.

Thoughts, paleos?