Busy Traveler

Vince Young Steakhouse, Austin, TX

We've wanted to check this place out, but it's super expensive. So, to celebrate our anniversary (and the start of the football season) we decided to splurge.

The decor is very interesting, contrasting a dark, clubby atmosphere with UT bling.

We had superb steaks, outstanding sides, and a Mt. Veeder cab that I liked a lot, but Steve wasn't so enthusiastic about. Guess that's why I drank most of it!

Our waiter brought us a fabulous dessert on the house.

All in all, a great indulgence!

Can we get eight friends interested in booking the Room of Ten?

We have to agree to spend $1000. That's only $100 each. Easy to do in this place!

Vince Young Steakhouse
301 San Jacinto
Austin, TX

 

Wedding, Austin Style

When Carolyn Wonderland (local singer/songwriter) announced her wedding plans to tie the knot with A. Whitney Brown (former SNL'er), officiated by Michael Nesmith (Texan and former Monkee) I just chalked it up to a typical day in Austin. Luckily, Janis really wanted to attend, so we hoofed it over there.

It looked pretty strange to see the circle of people at the top of Doug Sahm Hill on this pleasant, but overcast Friday afternoon.

But Janis charged right up there!

Nice view of downtown from the hill:

I'm a shrimp, so could barely see what was going on. Here is the groom (in white) and the back of the bride's head. I assume the guy in the blue blazer is his best man:

Janis might have gotten a photo of Michael Nesmith, but it's probably enough if I just tell you he looks exactly like LBJ!

Here's a photo from the Austin Chronicle:

And what does one wear to an outdoor wedding in Austin? Pretty much anything you like.

Local coverage: http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2011-03-11/off-the-record/

NY Times coverage: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/fashion/weddings/13VOWS.html

 

Article on Spicewood, Texas

Check out my article on Spicewood in the November issue of austinwoman Magazine!
http://www.austinwomanmagazine.com/Articles/2010/11_NOV/74_Weekend.html

Photography class recommendation

I took a great digital photography class for beginners from Kevin Gorley. If you live in NW Austin, check him out!

Restaurant Review: Freddie’s Place, Austin, TX

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Everyone in town was trying to park and walk to the Zilker Kite Festival. We bagged that idea and, since Mister was with us, headed to Freddie’s Place.

Ah! South Austin. There were grannies and babies and freaks and rednecks, all happily eating and drinking with their dogs under the huge oaks.

Mister couldn’t wait to get into the dog party:

Wish I’d thought to take advantage of the make-your-own Bloody Mary/Maria bar while we were waiting! (aka “Make yo’ mama proud!”)

But the short wait was worth it! We had burgers that were very good, but the scene-stealer was the homemade onion rings. That might be all I order next time.

From the menu:

freddie's burger patties are 100% natural black angus beef, fresh never frozen.

    * step 1: choose your basic

          1/2 lb velveeta burger

          grilled chicken & swiss

          veggie & jack burger

          grilled provolone portabella

    * step 2: choose your toasted bun

          White, whole wheat, jalapeño cheese, texas toast

    * step 3: substitute cheese (if you must)

          Cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, velveeta, provolone, bleu, pepper jack, white American, queso

    * step 4: customize yours...add:

          bbq sauce, grilled onions, banana peppers, jalapeños, ranch, another cheese, refried beans, salsa, hummus, hot wing sauce, sprouts, bacon, avocado, guacamole, grilled mushrooms, pineapple, red pepper, queso

        There are 1,610,612,724 possible combinations!

 

The dogs were having a great time because their owners can buy them a large doggie burger for $2. Mister had to content himself with begging from the owners of Max the Malamute and my leftovers.

The live music was decent and it looked like they were having lots of non-SXSW-sanctioned music this week.

We waddled out, vowing to take all our dog-loving, out-of-town visitors here.

 

1703 S 1st St

Austin, TX

512.445.9197

www.freddiesplaceaustin.com

 

Spicewood Vineyards, Spicewood, TX

If you are a good navigator, check out this laid-back Central Texas winery. It lies off Highway 71 W on County Road 409. When I visited, the signage was almost non-existent, so make sure you check the website for directions.

Bring a picnic lunch (and the family/canines) and enjoy the scenery from the shaded pavilion. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere idyllic. It gets even more idyllic when you realize you can taste seven of their wines for $2. They are known primarily for their Chardonnays, but you be the judge.

They've recently added a beautiful event center where they host concerts. It looks to me like it would be a wonderful place to hear a concert. The line-up is primarily classical and acoustic. It is available for weddings and other get-togethers and would be a perfect gathering spot for a group.

 

1419 Burnet County Road 409
Spicewood Texas 78669
830.693.5328
http://www.spicewoodvineyards.com/

Happy Hour: 219 West, Austin, TX

Because this place is consistently voted “Best Happy Hour in Austin” we decided to check it out. The menus are built around alcoholic beverages, which seems pretty weird, but we were up for the challenge.

We ordered the mini-cheeseburgers from the Beer Menu, the Artichoke-Spinach Quesadilla from the Martini Menu, and (if I remember correctly) the Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wrap from the Wine Menu. We also tried a happy hour wine flight for $12 and enjoyed the tasting.

Everything was tasty and the bill was reasonable. We were definitely older and less fashionably dressed than the other patrons, but didn’t care!

Thanks to Pat for reminding me about this place. We need to return!

Deals on appetizers and drinks: 5pm-9pm weekdays and 5pm-8pm Saturdays.

219 W. 4th Street Austin, TX 512.474.2194

http://www.219west.com/

Ilsa’s Kitchen, Spicewood, TX

This Bavarian restaurant opened in an ill-fated location in December. So far, it doesn’t seem to be doing much of a dinner business and that’s a shame. Everything we ordered was fantastic, including the German potato salad, the sauerkraut, and even the side of veggies. The star was Kaese Spaetzle, a huge helping of egg noodles, cheese, and onions (bacon optional)—basically German macaroni and cheese.

I’ve heard the weekend brunch selection is out of this world and I plan to check it out very soon. If you’re on the way to the lake or other recreation in the area, please stop by and keep this gem in business!

 

20700 State Highway 71 W
Spicewood, TX 78669
512.494.4270

http://www.ilsaskitchen.com/

Luxury on the Lake

My dear friends own this gorgeous place on Lake Travis and you can rent it!

Stone House Lodge on Lake Travis

• Sleeps up to 15
• Vanishing edge pool, hot tub, paddle boat, canoe
• Home theater room, game room, workout room

It's a dream! 

http://www.stonehouselodgeonlaketravis.com/

And I love that they are using one of my photos on the site:

Review: High Tea at the Four Seasons, Austin

Joan and I spent a wonderful afternoon in the Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons. Tea is from 1:30 to 3:30 every day and you must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

The staff treated us like the queens we are and showed us to a lovely table next to a window and balcony. The first major task is to select your tea. Joan went with a lovely Tea de Provence and I enjoyed the standard Organic English Breakfast. All teas are Mighty Tealeaf brand, available at Whole Foods. Yes, those are rose petals on the table!

The first plate consisted of four tea sandwiches. Our selection was:

• Ham, tomato, Bibb lettuce, Swiss, and honey mustard on sourdough
• Smoked salmon and arugula on marble rye
• Grilled portobello mushroom and sundried tomato pesto on nine-grain       
• Shrimp salad on toasted brioche

All was fabulous and I’m not sure we can pick a favorite.

Next we chose our second course tea. I couldn’t resist a rose-infused green tea and Joan tried the luscious chocolate mint truffle that was a complete meal when cream was added!

An auxiliary table had to be brought over for the sweets. Three kinds of scones, still warm from the oven, were served with clotted cream and lemon curd. At the top of the dessert tower were chocolate covered strawberries, jellies, chocolates, and tea cookies. And that wasn’t all! We each got a plate with a small serving of dense chocolate cake, ricotta crème cake, and hazelnut torte. Each bite was better than the last.

 

Needless to say, we were blissed out two hours later when we left, and we hadn’t even gotten any of the Roederer champagne that is an option with the tea. This is a special celebration place and I cannot wait to do it again! Happy birthday, Joan!

Happy Hour Eats: Volume 2

Here are some more of my favorite Austin happy hour deals. With the faltering economy, there are more deals than ever!

Billy’s on Burnet

This is the place to go if you’re starting your happy hour early! But the specials are complicated. Monday through Friday, beginning at 2PM, domestic draughts are $2 per pint. “Mid-range” draughts are $3.25/pt and premiums are $4.00/pint. During Happiest Hour (4 to 5PM), these prices are further reduced to $1.50/$2.00/$2.75.  Food is decent pub grub and this is definitely an Austin-y scene. Bring your dog!

Mon-Fri, 2 to 7PM: Draught specials

Mon-Fri, 4 to 5 PM: Extra reduction for draughts

All night Monday: Domestic pints $1.75, pitchers $6.75

All night Tuesday: Lone Star pints $1.75, pitchers $6.75

www.billysonburnet.com

Cover 3 Sports Bar

If you like sports bars, try this happy hour. The beef tenderloin sliders, fried oyster and shrimp plate, and triple queso are tasty. Enjoy them at $3 off during happy hour, as well as $3 off domestic draft beer.
Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM
www.cover-3.com

Cru (in the Domain)

The fried brie with honey is heavenly and the baked crab is a substantial portion of deviled crab server with pita bread. We had the Portobello pizza after those two appetizers and couldn’t even eat half of it! The wine was yummy. Steve tried the Chardonnay flight and we discovered some new labels that we liked.

Mon-Fri, 3 to 6PM: Half-price appetizers and pizzas

Thurs all day: Half-price champagne

Sun all day: 1/3 off all bottles of wine

www.cruawinebar.com

El Chile(update)

One of my favs for meals or for happy hour! The north location isn’t usually crowded. You MUST try the Chilango margarita (spicy orange frozen marg). It is out of this world and $5.95 during happy hour. Dos Equis beer is $4.50 for 20 oz., $1 off for other drinks. And the half-price appetizers! Get one per person at the table and share. The salsa is fabulous, so eat lots of chips. An order of fresh guacamole, Nachos Especiales, and Queso Flameado (fab tortillas!) filled up four of us.

Mon-Thurs, 4 to 7PM
Fri, 4 to 6PM
www.elchilecafe.com

Fonda San Miguel

I can’t think of another place I’d rather be sitting than in the lovely bar here. They have perfectly reproduced a Mexico City atmosphere. We wound up enjoying the special on margaritas, then having a full meal, so I’ll have to get back to you about which appetizers are on happy hour special.

Mon and Tues, 5 to 7:30PM: half-price some appetizers, $1 off margaritas

www.fondasanmiguel.com

Iron Cactus (downtown and NW)

I’m not impressed with the happy hour here. They have drink deals every weeknight and other specials every late night. The appetizers are very blandly average.

Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM

Mon-Sat, 9PM to close

Sunday, 7PM to close

www.ironcactus.com

Kenobi

Great happy hour in the bar and the outdoor area. Every appetizer and roll we tried was fantastic, especially the lobster dumplings and rib-eye maki. This is a little pricier than other happy hours, but offers very fresh seafood and fancy surroundings.

Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM and Sunday all day: $5 appetizers and rolls, $1 off drinks

Tuesday, 4PM to close: $5 martinis

www.kenobiaustin.com

Roaring Fork

We checked out the new Northwest location on a Sunday evening. In the bar, the French doors were open to a cooling breeze on the deck that overlooks the quarry lake and is well-shaded. The service was abysmal when we arrived and seated ourselves in the bar, but the waiter and the manager apologized profusely, gave us plenty of attention, and a free dessert. The food was so good that we forgave them. We started with a house margarita and white sangria, both on happy hour special and very tasty. The daily appetizer special was a superb soft-shell crab topped with pico de gallo and avocado. We also tried the made-to-order guacamole and pronounced it perfect. We split a “Big Ass Burger” from the dinner menu and then polished off the piece de resistance: Hot Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, a molten chocolate cake with peanuts, caramel, and peanut butter ice cream. As we waddled out, we marveled at the fabulous meal we consumed for a modest price and planned the next trip to try the lamb chops with fondue and the green chile pork stew.

Mon-Fri, 4 to 7PM, Sunday and Monday all evening: $5 martinis, mojitos, and wine; $3.50 well drinks; $3 beers. Soups, salads and appetizers are discounted. Rotating specials.

www.eddiev.com

Happy Hour Eats: Volume 1

Today’s American-Statesman ran an article about happy hour deals around town. That’s my favorite way to eat cheaply at nice restaurants, so I want to let you know which of the spots in the article I’ve checked out. Volume 2 will discuss other favorite happy hour locations. Let me know if you want to explore a few with me!

Chez Zee
This is your opportunity to indulge in the appetizers and desserts that you don’t have room for when you order a full meal. A half-price basil cheese torta or crabmeat quesadilla is the perfect size to follow with a slice of Italian cream cake or Kahlua crunch pie. House wines are $3 off at happy hour.
Mon-Fri: 3 to 6PM
www.chez-zee.com

The Daily Grill
A perfect place for a girlfriend happy hour. The appetizers are super-cheap and tasty. We’ve tried the spinach and artichoke dip, the hummus plate, and the shrimp cocktail and can vouch that they are above-average. Because this is located in the Domain, waddle over to Viva Chocolato for dessert. You won’t be sorry.
Mon-Fri: 4 to 7PM and 9 to close
Sat and Sun: 4PM to close
www.dailygrill.com
http://www.vivachocolato.com/

Eddie V’s
Get gourmet food in small portions in the lovely bar area. Many of the appetizers are half-price and drinks are $1 off. My favorite bites are the ahi tartare and calamari, but the menu is seasonal and will be different each time you visit.
Roaring Fork
Owned by the Eddie V’s group, this location provides hearty dishes in the bar. The lamb chops with roasted butternut squash and chile-pistachio bread or the ample burger are all you need.
Sun and Mon: all night, other nights: 4:30 to 7PM
www.eddiev.com

Louie’s 106
This has been one of our favorite downtown locations for ages. Being able to buy this fabulous Mediterranean food on the cheap is one of the benefits of living in Austin! Order the mussels, the crab-and-avocado salad, or the house-made mesquite smoked salmon and enjoy! Wine by the glass is only 20% off, but you will be amazed and delighted by the selection. Don’t miss this one!
Mon-Fri: 4 to 7PM
www.louies106.net

Manuel’s
It’s easy to make a meal with the half-price appetizers and $4 margaritas. Don’t miss the avocado nachos and the hongos guisados (sautéed mushrooms in melted cheese with fantastic homemade tortillas).
4 to 6 PM every day
www.manuels.com

McCormick & Schmick’s
Woo hoo! You don’t have to pay those astronomical prices. Go at happy hour and enjoy bruschetta for $1.95, a cheeseburger and fries for $2.95, and/or the fish tacos for $4.95. There are no drink deals, so go mostly for the food.
Mon-Fri: 3 to 6:30PM and 9:30 to 11:00PM,
Sat and Sun: 3 to 5 PM
www.mccormickandschmicks.com

Copyright 2009 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Sampaio’s, Austin

I’m not familiar with Brazilian food, and this restaurant is a great place to explore the cuisine. The décor is fun and there is a pretty patio if the weather cooperates.

At happy hour, many appetizers are on special and drinks are discounted. We had the frozen caipirinhas, one lime and one mango. They were outstanding and just the refreshment we needed on a hot day. In fact, it was so delicious and went down so easy that we made the mistake of ordering a second round! Our waitress was very friendly without being intrusive.

However, the food often didn’t live up to the drinks. We tried the bolinhos de arroz, a favorite Brazilian comfort food. I guess it’s a comfort food because it is bland and filling. The rice balls with cheese and potatoes were pure carbs and the tomato cream sauce that accompanies them was tasteless.

More successful were the filled pastries…one with chicken and cheese and a spicy vinaigrette dipping sauce, and a better one with chicken, raisins, and corn served with mango relish. The mussels were delicious -- make sure you ask for bread to sop up the green garlic butter sauce.

The deep fried Brie and the salmon croquettes were not included in the happy hour deals, but sound fantastic.

Joan and I have eaten lunch here and the house salad is outstanding. I also enjoyed the flan, a dessert I test whenever I can.

4800 Burnet Road
512.469.9988
www.sampaiosrestaurant.com

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Malaga, Austin, TX

Malaga has recently moved into new, much larger digs. Although I’m sure the staff loves the larger kitchen, this space doesn’t have the atmosphere I so loved at the old place.

However, the menu remains intact. I like to go for the happy hour tapas-and-wine pairing. The gambas (shrimp) are out of this world and the calamares (calamari) are tasty and not at all greasy. The fried cheese raviolis and artichoke dip help make it a full dinner on the cheap.

The new location allows them to serve lunch and weekend brunch. Must check those out!
New cooking classes start in October. What I love about them is that they are “hands off” and 2 glasses of wine are included. Yea! Watch someone else prepare your meal!

440 West 2nd Street
512.236.8020
www.malagatapasbar.com

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: El Chile Café y Cantina, Manor Road, Austin

El Chile serves up some of the best Mexican food and drinks in town. But, beware: it’s a really popular place and you’ll have to wait during prime time. Don’t go to El Chile thinking you’ll have an intimate talk with your companion – it’s loud. But it’s a great place to take visitors who want to be in the middle of the Austin atmosphere.

First off: the drinks. This was the first “gringo-owned” place in town (that I know of) to serve micheladas, beer with lime and spicy rim salt. Great on a summer day! Another winner is the chilango margarita, a delicious margarita with orange liqueur and that spicy salt rim. The margarita specials with in-season fruit also win raves from my friends.

The appetizers are the usual line-up, but done with freshness and quality. The entrees are where the restaurant really shines. I had some enfrijoladas (chicken enchiladas with black bean puree) that, I hate to admit, were better than my homemade ones!

I’m not a fan of the Puebla-style brown mole, but El Chile serves Oaxaca-style red mole chicken that is fabulous! You can order the lunch/dinner plate or get it on the Caesar salad. Magnifico! Another item not to miss: the chiles rellenos.

Next to try: weekend brunch at the new El Chile on Greystone. I can’t wait!

1809 Manor Rd
Austin, TX 78722
512.457.9900

3435 Greystone Dr
Austin, TX 78731
512.284.7863

http://www.elchilecafe.com/

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader

Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is one of the reasons it’s so great to live in Austin. Just outside of the city, this place is like swimming in a sunny cave.

Underground springs keep the pool cool and water drips down the stalactites from springs in the formations above.

This is one of the places where it is actually pleasant to spend an ultra-hot summer day outside.
Be aware that it is a very popular place. Summer weekends, especially holidays, are crowded. There can be a wait up of up an hour to get into the park. But it’s worth it!

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader

Restaurant Review: Truluck’s Arboretum

We have been haughtily turned away from this restaurant several times because we didn’t have a reservation. We’ve tried eating in the bar, but the pianist is so loud that we couldn’t talk. Because this visit was a special occasion, I actually remembered to make a reservation and we were graciously whisked right to our booth.

So what’s the big deal with this chain? It’s the crab, mon! Our waiter brought over a huge platter with examples of each kind of crab available that night. We chose the North Atlantic Jonah crab claw appetizer: four huge claws. They were more difficult to eat than smaller claws and relatively sweet, but definitely not the best I’ve had.

For the entrée, my companions ordered the mahi mahi in Truluck’s signature macadamia nut coconut crust and the salmon with Kalamata olive vinaigrette. Both were pronounced delicious and certainly looked appealing.

I, however, had to try the Dutch Harbor Red King Crab leg. The huge leg comes split open, making the eating effortless. The meat was tasty and sweet -- I did very little melted butter dipping! The sides were outstanding: Parmesan mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.

Our waiter heard us say we had a birthday cake waiting at home and were going to skip dessert, so when he brought the check, he also brought the birthday boy a small box of chocolate truffles.

The next morning, a staff member called to ask if we were happy with the food and service…I answered with a big YES!

Let me give you some advice that I learned the hard way: the key to enjoying Truluck’s is to make that reservation!

http://trulucks.com/arboretum_location.php

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader

Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Bastrop, Texas

This large resort is similar to the Hyatt Hill Country Resort outside San Antonio, transported to the Piney Woods. It is situated next to McKinney Roughs Park and connects to the park through a hiking/biking/horse trail.

Summer weekends are sheer mayhem here. Families with small kids dominate the pools and eating areas. There are many kid-friendly touches and activities all day and night. It’s a perfect vacation place for well-to-do families.

Firewheel Café is the main option for casual dining. It’s loud and crazy, the kitchen is slow, but the food is fabulous. Even the buffet food was delicious and there is a wonderful kid’s buffet at a lower height with kid favorites such as chicken nuggets and pizza rolls.

The resort enjoys access to the Colorado River, but swimming is not allowed, except at the “beach.” Canoes and kayaks are available, although they were all booked the weekend we were there. We were also disappointed that bikes are not available at the resort; you have to drive into Bastrop.

I did find some places to escape the noise and enjoy the luxurious surroundings:

• In the main building, Stories Restaurant provides top-notch cuisine and soothing surroundings for dinner. Make reservations for weekend evenings, because it fills up quickly.
• Major Neighbors Grill at the golf course is also a great choice – casual food and nice setting with mostly adults.
• Scribes Bar is usually a quiet place to sit and read. The bar opens at 5PM and you can relax with your summer read and a glass of wine.
• The adult pool is within earshot of the chaos of the family pools, but only adults sun and swim here.
• Another fabulous escape is the Django Spa. This is a full-service, pricey spa with amenities that include a women-only relaxation room and outdoor hot tub. The men have a private pool. The coed outdoor pool and hot tub is often empty (see below). The fitness center is open 24/7.

This beautiful resort with a Texas theme is a good alternative for families around the state.

http://lostpines.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road
Lost Pines, Texas, USA 78612
Tel: +1 512 308 1234 Fax: +1 512 308 4800

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader