Posts tagged ‘store’

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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

Posted in Eating | 5 Comments »

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August 9, 2010

Austin: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

I swore off FroYo awhile back. Too out of hand, I ruled, too unhealthy when you add in all the mix-ins and candy topping and cookie dough bites.

But then they put a new one, Menchie’s, in the Central Market shopping center by my house (4001 North Lamar Blvd. Suite 550) and we just HAD to go try it last night (it’s open Sun – Thurs: 11am-11pm, til midnight Friday & Saturday).

The thing that differentiates Menchie’s from the other chains is the toppings. There are an INSANE amount. And they crush them all to tiny, or have mini versions–like mini yogurt-covered pretzels, are you kidding me?–so that you can get just the right amount in your cup.

They also have hot fudge, fat-free hot fudge, peanut butter, and caramel sauces. Out of the pump thingies, not out of the gross squeeze bottles.

And they have about a billion options. Any kind of nut, all kinds of chocolate chips, chocolate-covered almonds, the mini pretzels, mini gummy bears, sour worms, mini animal cookies, two kinds of brownies, the requisite cookie dough and cheesecake bites, berries, kiwi, and cinnamon apples … it was crazay up in there.

The yogurt flavors were nothing extraordinary, though the low-carb Angel Food might serve a particular crowd and the dairy-free kiwi strawberry sorbet was delightful, they definitely were not the stars of the Menchie’s show.

Menchie’s is a national chain, so it clearly has a formula that works. You can even pay $1 extra for a waffle cone bowl, something I haven’t seen anywhere else. But it also has national chain prices, at 41 cents an ounce as opposed to the Austin average of 39 cents. Not my fave, but worth trying. Just my, er, 2 cents.

I’m still off the frozen yogurt. But if you’re on the wagon, Menchie’s is worth a visit. I’m just sayin’.

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May 15, 2009

Sale at Bettysport + Scoping out Natural Grocers

Is your workout gear suffering from cardio-arrest? (Har,har) Replace your old duds during the pre-summer sale at Bettysport today through Sunday. Everything in both the downtown and Domain locations is at least 20% off, with plenty of 30% and 50% racks. I stopped by earlier and the $10 rack already looks slim, while the $25 rack has a good number of size large clothes–if that’s your size, hustle over! Of course, Mediums are pretty nonexistent. :-)

Afterwards, I went to Natural Grocers–not exactly on the way or close, but I had to check the new healthy kid in town out. The trifecta of Whole Foods (6th & Lamar), Central Market (38th & Lamar), Wheatsville (32nd & Guadalupe) is now a rectangle with Natural Grocers sitting right at 42nd & Guadalupe. That’s an insane number of health stores in close range. But I digress…

I liked Natural Grocers. There were three STELLAR deals: $1.99 bottles of Kombucha, regularly $2.99 (compare to $3.59 anywhere else) and Roasted Almond Butter at $4.99/lb (compare to $17.99 anywhere else), and Applegate Farms deli meat at $4.99, regularly $5.99, while it’s $6.99-$8.99 at the other places. Aside from that, they have a substantial collection of free-range and exotic meats–was anyone looking for ostrich burger? elk sausage? buffalo strip steak? They’ve got it

Almost a fourth or more of the store is devoted to vitamins and supplements, and there’s an entire AISLE of protein–whey, soy, vegetable, whatever. Oddly, however, they pre-bag their bulk foods and keep many in refrigerators. It’s almost like they had more refrigerators than they knew what to do with. And I thought the point of bulk was for you to choose your own size? Oh well, it’s not something I’m too concerned about. The produce section IS very small.

All in all, I’d said their prices are comparable to the other Big Three (Four now), but the things they have specials on just happened to be exactly what I wanted, so I’m definitely down for another trip. Beats the pants off freakin’ Newflower. Oh, and they have a bag-free commitment–you can either bring or buy your own reusables, or you can pack in the cardboard boxes their products come in. Badass.

Natural Grocers’ Grand Opening is next Tuesday at 8am, and look for great giveaways–be one of the first 50 in the door and get a $100 gift card, the second 50 and get a $50 gift card, and the third 400 for a $25 gift card. That’s freakin’ awesome.

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April 14, 2009

Whole Foods is where it’s at on Wednesday

Forget bars and clubs with their djs and ipods and take it back to the old school at Whole Foods downtown this Wednesday night.

First, hit the upper deck for a free Hip Hop Yoga workout sponsored by lululemon and taught by Meg from Kula Yoga. 6:30-7:30pm

Then, head downstairs to get in your singles minglin’ as Whole Foods hosts another singles night. Free samples abound all around the store, plus tables of wine and cheese, fondue, and live music. A friend who went last time says that people wear  silly nametags, start dancing on the patio, and there’s lots of low-key mingling.If you’re single, everyone knows grocery stores are a great place to meet a mate. If you’re not, free samples from Whole Foods never hurt! 6-9pm

(ps- on the salad bar, try the African ground beef stew thing–can’t remember the name–it’s awesome!!)

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April 1, 2009

lululemon offers Free Fitness

Weird Wednesdays are back at lululemon, starting this afternoon with Brooke’s Bootcamp on top of Whole Foods from 6:30-7:30pm. Don’t know what Brooke’s Bootcamp entails, but sounds fun, and who wouldn’t want to hit the WF salad bar afterward?

Today also marks the first day you can shop lululemon online, so all you online-shopping-addicts (erm, uh, NOT ME) can get the fingers working on some workout gear. http://lululemon.com/shop/index.php … um, THANK GOD THIS IS AN APRIL FOOL’S JOKE. The 9-year-old KidPix design is a total throwback to the mid-nineties when everyone thought they could “design” a website. But does this mean that online shopping is also an April Fool’s joke? That does not make me happy.

As usual, the yoga-wear store on 6th & Lamar offers free Saturday yoga from 8:30-9:30am, this month Leigh of Love Yoga Co-op teaches.

Sunday is the first day for the new lululemon run group for ALL-level runners. Be at the store @ 9am for the inaugural run!

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March 30, 2009

Why so much bacon?

Bacon has been all over the media lately and is popping up in some crazy places. I don’t pretend to understand the trend, but I can tell you where to find free-range bacon! Pederson’s Farms, from Hamilton, Texas, makes excellent hickory smoked uncured bacon that’s sold at Wheatsville (nice new expansion, btw), Whole Foods, and I think even Sun Harvest. Score! For anyone planning on making me bacon, I only like bacon when it’s super-crispy.

Below, a sampling of the ridiculous ways the bacon craze has manifested:

I’m a fan of Bacon Salt (not that I’ve ever tried it), because it started in 2007–way ahead of the trend–and has zero calories! but still makes everything you put it on taste like bacon. Mmmmm. Sold at area HEBs!

Bacon Salt

Calorie-laden versions of bacon-infused dishes include:

Maple chocolate baconPeanut butter bacon cupcake

Bacon-chocolate toffee-type concoction and bacon-and-peanut-butter cupcakes from Chicago bakery The Bleeding Heart Bakery are purely ridiculous. Click through to the bakery’s site for even more pictures of ridiculous cupcake combos.

It’s making its way into jewelry? At least some at-home crafter was smart enough to jump on this trend and put up an Etsy shop for her bacon bracelets:

delete4

Is this the monstrosity that started the trend?

Bacon Explosion

And lastly, the blog post that inspired my own: a recap of the Kevin Bacon Bacon Bacon Fest at Alam Drafthouse. Read it here.

Posted in Eating, fashion, Thoughts | 1 Comment »

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March 27, 2009

Busy Weekend: Wheatsville, workout, Thai food, lights out, run

Wheatsville Co-op Grocery Store Opens its Expansion Saturday at 9am

What will you find in the new addition? Expanded deli with lots of Popcorn Tofu, coffee, and fresh baked bread. Expanded seafood and quick-to-fix meat options in a full service area, including Niman Ranch (free range!) bacon chedder patties, turkey burgers, and Niman Ranch pork loin stuffed with Italian sausage. More to come, but that’s enough to get me there after my …

Free CrossFit Workout!

Under the Bridge at 8:30am or at CrossFit Central at 8 or 9am, get your CrossFit on! (I already posted on this here.)

Keep Austin Spicy Asian Food Festival at Fiesta Gardens, Saturday, 11am – 6pm

$5, but food & drink tickets are sold separately

Lots of cultural events including cooking demos, yoga and tai chi; food by Thai Tara, Caly Pit, Jade Leaves Tea House, Momoko, Deli Bento, Masala Wok, Thai Fresh and more. Benefits SAHELI for Asian Families, SafePlace and Capital Area Food Bank

Daily Juice Cafe’s Earth Hour Celebration

At 8:30pm on Saturday, everyone is supposed to turn out their lights for an hour to conserve electricity and help out mama earth. Do it as you head out the door to Daily Juice Cafe, where free beer and chocolate (raw, of course) await amongst music and new friends. Check out the flier below.

Earth hour

The Statesman Capitol 10,000, Sunday morning

@carrozza (RunTex’s Paul Carrozza) says “This year’s Cap 10 is the biggest in years.. today and tomorrow are Packet pickup at the Crockett Center,” so lace up your sneaks because it’s not too late to enter!

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January 15, 2009

Austin Kidbits / Hill Country Ride Kick-Off Party

Thursday are perking back up after that nobody-does-anything-at-all lull over the holidays. Next week is going to be even bigger! Still, these two should keep you happy (houring).

Hill Country Ride for Aids 10th Anniversary Kick-Off Party at La Zona Rosa.

It’s for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS, a signature Austin event and the largest fundraiser in Central Texas for people living with HIV/AIDS. Doors open at 7, free food and music, cash bar. Come meet Riders and Donors while kicking it back and enjoying some tunes!

Austin Kidbits Birthday party

Wee, one of my fave stores that I won’t be shopping in for awhile (I’ve pulled products from them several times and LOVE their stuff and staff, but no babies are on my horizon) is hosting the Austin Kidbits birthday party, the stylish mama answer to Austin Tidbits. With cocktails and cupcakes from 6:30-8:30pm, guests will receive a 20 percent discount at Wee and next-door neighbor Finch.

Posted in Eating, free, Going Out, Music, One-time event, Shopping | Leave a Comment »

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January 8, 2009

I hereby dub this shopping week

While everyone else is “Free Week”ing it–let those live-music lovers revel–I think we should be shopping. Mainly because I’ve found a lot of great deals to share with you! And it seems like all I’m blogging about this week is shopping … stimulate the economy, people, stimulate! Does this make me the Czarina of Shopping?

Apparently there’s a website out there about local shopping called Shop512. Now, snotty native that I am, I don’t think I need this, but surely it could help newbies find some good shopping off the beaten path. Plus, there’s a sales section, and who can resist that?

Also, in the name of shopping and getting pampered at the same time, check out the sweet spa days at Saks this month:


Armani Facial Event
Every Monday in January
Receive a complimentary stone facial and makeup application with Armani skincare
and cosmetics.
To schedule your appointment, please call 512.231.3787

YSL Spa Event
Saturday, January 10
Let the YSL team professional makeup artist create a sleek, sophisticated look just for you.

Sisley Spa Event
Wednesday, January 14 through Friday,
January 16
Get luminous skin with our Sisley products and learn the secret to beautiful skin.

Sisley International Makeup Artist
Personal Apearance
Saks invites you to meet Alfredo Lizardi,
Sisley’s International Makeup Artist
Friday, January 16
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call 512.231.3765
La Mer Spa Event
Friday, January 23
Get perfect skin with a complimentary facial
from La Mer.
For additional information, please call 512.231.3763

La Prairie Spa Event
Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31
Indulge your skin with a luxurious facial
with La Prairie skincare.

Posted in Beauty, free, Shopping | Leave a Comment »

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January 5, 2009

Designer Clearance House

Driving down Burnet Road the other day, I was stopped in my tracks by the Designer Clearance House. This rarely happens to me, but who am I to turn down Designer clearances? I turn my car around and pop into the little shop to be greeted by a friendly man named Lalo. I ignore him in favor of the shoes … Sam Edelman flats, Loeffler Randall heels, Dolce Vita for $39?! Another section with shoes for just $59?! Then, another section with shoes for … well, more, but still deeply discounted?! So exciting.

Plus, they have clothes! All of their clothes come from an exclusive deal with Houston upscale retailer Tootsie’s and are offered at an astounding 75% off of retail price. There was a stunning red Badgley Mischka strapless dress for a mere $112! Lalo told me all about how they started as an appointment-only designer shoe clearance house, but then they made the deal with Tootsie’s, and now they have a permanent home (this one, on Burnet) with real store hours: Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-4.

And then the sweet man said to me, “We just have a lot of fun. We love it.”

A retailer who just loves selling shoes on the cheap and fancy schmancy dresses for super-marked-down prices? Dear Lalo, we’re going to have a lot of fun together, and we’re definitely going to love it.

From their website, written by Lalo’s daughter-in-law, Spring:

A recent arrival at the store is designer and couture apparel at HUGE discounts! We currently have the following clothing brand (to name a few): Fabulous party dresses from Nicole Miller, fun summer shifts from Diane VonFurstenburg, loungewear from Juicy Couture, street wear and party dresses from BCBG, separates by Elie Tahari, mother-of-the-bride suits by Armani, occasion dresses from Kay Unger, and all sorts of goodies from Alice and Olivia, Trina Turk, Theory, Robert Rodriguez and Nanette Lepore.

Right now, we have shoes from Loeffler Randall, D&G, Tori Burch, Cole Haan, Moschino, Michael Kors, Bolo, Ashley Deerborn, Guiseppe Zanotti, London Sole, Martinez Valero, Rafe, Dolce Vita and MANY more great brands.

Go check it out; I know I need to get back!!

Posted in Good people/services, Shopping | 3 Comments »

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