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

 

Houston: Art Exhibit

Beautiful Impressionist and Post-Impressionist exhibit in Houston: http://mfah.org/

From HeadforArt.com:

Benini Sculpture Ranch, Johnson City, TX

On a beautiful Friday in January, Melissa F and I decided to check out the Benini Sculpture Ranch. Formerly LBJ’s hunting camp, the Sculpture Ranch and Foundation moved here in 1999 from Florida.

We were expecting a short stroll with a dozen or so of the artist’s sculptures on display. Boy, were we wrong! Set on 140 acres outside of Johnson City, at least 60 sculptures by Benini and other contemporary artists were displayed among the hills and live oaks. 

 

Scott Sustek (?) figure

   

  Gemini's Song, Peter Mangan

Our neighbor, Warren Cullar, has three sculptures there…which I didn’t realize until I read through the listing.

(left to right) Easter Island, Pharoah's Treasure, Spirit Totem, Warren Cullar

The Studio building, a quonset hut, housed exhibits of Benini’s 80s-era paintings, small sculptures, and rotating exhibits of other artists.

We walked along the 1-1/2 mile path, marveling at the variety of sculptures.

 
Commedia dell’Arte series, Marshall Cunningham

The many kinetic sculptures by LaPaso were fascinating, especially when a breeze caught the copper cups and starting parts spinning. Our favorites included glass pieces that glowed in the sunlight.

  
 

We certainly didn’t understand many of the pieces, but they were fascinating. In particular, the ropes installation was intriguing.

Phantom Hill, Robert McConaughy 

But our favorite was the Mother Tree. It’s nice to see they have a sense of humor around there.

 

We walked up the steep incline to the artist’s home, which used to be LBJ’s camping lodge. Benini offered us a ride, but we passed. The home has an amazing 360-degree view and is, of course, surrounded by sculptures.

I think the most special part of this collection is how carefully it’s been sited to complement the beautiful landscape. Even the birds agree. Can you see the nest inside the chest of this figure?

Untitled, Bob Fowler

The Sculpture Ranch is amazing and inspiring. I highly recommend you check it out.

http://www.sculptureranch.com

Another sculpture ranch close by to check out:

Eyfells and Eyfells Foundation
www.eyfellsandeyfells.com

 

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

Trip to Ft. Worth, Sept. 2010

To celebrate my birthday, Julie and I went to the Stampin’ Up regional convention for the weekend…a perfect place for us, wouldn’t you say? Here are a couple of places we explored.

West, Texas (a little north of Waco)

Most of us only know about this little Czech town because we stop for kolaches on the way north. But we decided to get off the Interstate and check out Main Street. There was a very nice looking restored railroad station and a line of shops and offices…not much else from what we could tell.

We ate at the Czech-American Restaurant, a real hole-in-the-wall. Our food was fabulous! We had the sausage-and-sauerkraut special: excellent mild sausage and amazing homemade sauerkraut. I even got a side of tasty black-eyed peas. Dessert was mixed—the apple strudel was very good, but the pecan pie was average (they were out of the coconut cream pie, my first choice).

Near West, we found a real gem: Style Station. You’ve got to see this place to believe it. It’s a converted gas station crammed full of vintage clothing and accessories and ruled by a crazy old guy who will talk your ear off about politics (liberal yellow-dog Democrat version). I scored some cowboy fashion boots from the 70s and looked longingly at the squaw/squaredance dresses. Next time! Check out the photos on their website to see how crammed full of treasures this place is.

Czech-American Restaurant: http://preview.tinyurl.com/23c7l3u

www.stylestationonline.com

Fort Worth

We spent most of our time in the convention center and at our nice hotel (Hyatt Place in Hurst). But we did walk through the Water Gardens. It’s an oasis in the midst of concrete. We agreed we’d spend a lot of time here if we worked downtown.

The Mexican food at Abuelo’s was forgettable, but we had a nice indulgent steak dinner at Bob’s Chop House. Beware! The portions are huge. Julie had the Champagne and Brie soup special and loved it. I enjoyed the Chop House Salad which had the usual salad ingredients plus bacon and hearts of palm. We split a 12-oz ribeye and it was plenty. The steak wasn’t anything special, but the smashed potatoes were out of this world!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Worth_Water_Gardens

www.abuelos.com

www.bobs-steakandchop.com

Restaurant Review: Dixie House Café, Fort Worth, Texas

“Eagle Eyes” Michelle spotted this outpost of a local chain as we were looking for a good place for breakfast close to DFW airport. Okay, it was noon and maybe we slept in a bit!

Anyway, we missed breakfast here, so had to console ourselves with several cups of excellent coffee and the day’s special: chicken fried steak. The steaks and gravy were huge, delicious, and made from scratch. I got my CFS in a sandwich with a side of, I kid you not, the best homemade onion rings I ever put in my mouth! I still dream about them. Michelle got the CFS plate with real mashed potatoes. We were in heaven.

How stuffed was I? I could hardly choke down one bite of the heavenly smelling yeast roll that came with M’s plate. And I passed on pie! That’s serious.

This is obviously a locals’ place and the wait staff were friendly but not overbearing. I intend to eat here every time I’m in Ft. Worth and you should, too.

2051 Airport Freeway
Euless, TX‎
817.354.5900‎
dixiehousecafe.com

Restaurant Review: Schoepf’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, Belton, Texas

Just a block off I-35 is a fabulous family run barbecue joint you WANT to stop at on your next trip north of Austin. Schoepf’s is as popular with locals as with highway travelers—and for good reason.

The huge grills are a lot like Cooper’s in Llano (one of my all-time favs). You enter a small room with the “holding grills” and try to decide which meats you must have. We went with brisket, venison sausage, and medium-spicy pork sausage. It was hard to pass up the huge pork chops they are known for, but we had to leave room for the sides!

The brisket was fall-apart tender, but without the char that Michelle prefers. The venison sausage had a great texture, but the pork sausage was more flavorful. And, oh the sauce! It was the type we both like: deep red, thin, tangy.

As for the sides: I am not usually a potato salad fan…I prefer a light vinaigrette to the typical mayo-mustard affair. Schoepf’s version was very tasty--light on the mayo with the tang of pickle juice and lots of black pepper. The green beans were cooked to death with salt pork…just like Pa used to make.

We were so stuffed that we took our pie slices to go. They were the perfect medicine later when we were stuck on I-35 due to construction/associated fender bender. The buttermilk was good, but the pecan was sublime! And, since that’s my own personal criteria for a good Southern/Texas restaurant, Schoepf’s gets 5 stars!

Do yourself a favor and stop in. If you’re fortunate to be there on Saturday nights, they have live music and a dance floor under the trees. 

Dad, are you ready to go?

702 E. Central
Belton, TX
www.schoepfsbbq.com

Wildflower Show, vol. 2: West on 1431

On our way to review a restaurant in Marble Falls, Phyllis and I came upon this field of wildflowers.

We hopped out of the car and started snapping!

 

The sky was gray and rain threatened, so the colors were vibrant.

A short distance later, we spied these bluebonnets along a creek. I don't think I've ever seen them in a wet area.

Please excuse me as I daydream...

Wildflower Show: Round Top/Brenham Area

This is supposed to be the best season for wildflowers in years. After a couple of road trips, I agree!

Last weekend, Michelle and I headed east to Round Top and Brenham and were treated with quite a show.

 

Some of the prettiest displays were in cemetaries.

 

 

It was glorious!

Festival Institute, Round Top, TX

I’ve always confused this institute with Winedale, which is nearby. Both offer performance spaces and refuge for artists.

 

The Round Top Festival Institute is on the outskirts of Round Top (population 77) and includes a gorgeous concert hall, a chapel, outdoor event space, and residences. Each summer, promising students live at the institute, learn from professors, and enjoy concerts that span the breadth of classical music. The faculty is world-class and students study for free. Yo Yo Ma was part of the faculty for four years and performed his first Texas concert here on the porch of one of the historic buildings.

 

 

The concert hall, closed for a recording while we were there, looked gorgeous from the windows. I would love to see a concert there and will keep an eye on the schedule at www.festivalhill.org.

 

We wandered about the grounds, admiring the Old Chapel and adjacent plaza.

 

The endearing mishmash of balconies, bridges, fountains, grottoes, and ironwork around the plaza was great fun to explore.

 

We spent over an hour looking around and didn’t even see the herb garden or nature trails, but we did enjoy a beautiful display of Indian Paintbrushes.

 

 

The Austin Chronicle said it best in their review (June 4, 2004):

Where else can you see such high quality concerts for such reasonable prices? Or take a nature walk, tour a quirky and somewhat random antique collection, picnic under ancient live oaks, and see one of these concerts in the same day?

 

Check it out!

 

Round Top Festival Institute

248 Jaster Road

P.O. Box 89

Round Top, TX 78954

979.249.3129

www.festivalhill.org

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:

Traveling again

After a hiatus for the holidays and bad weather, I'm on the road again. I will be focusing on the Texas Hill Country in the Marble Falls/Spicewood area. Let's see, how do we know we're in Texas?

Beer, bait, and ammo. What else do you need? Well, maybe hardware to enhance the entrance to your ranch.

 

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

Restaurant Review: Thyme and Dough, Dripping Springs, TX

 

This cute little place is the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch on your way to the Hill Country. It’s located a block west of the intersection of Highways 12 and 290.

Order at the counter and eat on the shaded porch while surveying the attached plant nursery.

Our food was fabulous:

• The Texas two-step chicken sandwich is a special on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
• The fruit and chicken tango is a chicken salad with fruit, pecans, and cilantro. Get it as a salad or a sandwich.
• The tuna salad was fresh and tasty.

 

www.thymeanddough.com

 

Restaurant Review: Castaways, Port Aransas, TX

This restaurant is a long-time standby for tasty seafood in casual surroundings. If you’re there during oyster season, go for the fried oysters…in a platter or a po’boy. Go ahead and make it a fried dinner with the crispy onion rings and you’re in seafood heaven.

The fish of the day is very fresh and I like to opt for one of the species from the Gulf, not a farm-raised variety that you can get anywhere. Last time, I had the red snapper grilled with the “chef’s combination” seasoning. The seasoning was light and perfectly set off the freshness of the fish.

The salad bar is pedestrian and service is laid-back, but the entrees make it a good night out at the beach.
320 N. Alister
361.749.5394
www.castawaysporta.com/

Copyright 2009 Beth Schrader

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

Hotel: Hyatt Summerfield Suites – Lincoln Park, Dallas, TX

Bingo! We found the best place to stay in Dallas at a reasonable price. This hotel is located on Central Expressway between SMU/Highland Park Village and Northpark Mall. What more could you want?

Well, how about a room with a comfy large sofa, full kitchen, free wireless, large TV and DVD/CD player?

How about a hot breakfast (Starbucks coffee included)? How about free happy hour (on weekdays) with good wine and beer, snacks, and actual meal items? The evening we were there, they offered barbecue chicken pizza, fresh salad, cold cuts and cheese and crackers, baked potato soup, chips and salsa, and delicious chocolate chip cookies. We made a meal of it.

 

So, considering you get breakfast and dinner included, the rate is outstanding for this part of Dallas(we paid $109/night).

Hyatt Summerfield Suites Dallas/Lincoln Park

8221 North Central Expressway
Dallas, Texas 75225
Phone: 214 696 1555 Fax: 214 696 1550 http://dallaslincolnpark.summerfieldsuites.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/summerfield/

Restaurant Review: Basaberu, Waco, TX

We stopped here on the way to Dallas and really enjoyed our meal. The restaurant’s strange name comes from the first two letters of the names of the owner, his wife, and his two daughters. We were there for lunch on a Tuesday and it was quiet, but this place evidently hops at night. The second floor is a full lounge and many company parties are held there.

Lunch is casual: order at the cashier, served to your table. We tried the “frickles” (fried dill pickles) and these were the best we’ve ever had. I think it was the panko crust that made the difference. Our sandwiches were very good, but the absolute winner was the barbecued wings. The owner says the Secret Service detail eats there when in Crawford and they voted these the best in the country. He had a Secret Service pin to “prove” it. I will say they were the best wings I’ve ever had.

Many other items, including pasta, chicken, seafood, and the Mediterranean salad look promising. If you find yourself in Waco, get yourself to this place!

723 S 6th St
254.224.8500
basaberu.com

Salado

For decades, Salado has been the go-to shopping destination for Austinites. But it seems that few of my friends have been there in the last five years. Now that every town has its historical/shopping district, why go to Salado?

We found several reasons, including the beautiful spring-fed Salado Creek that winds along Main Street.

From the Traveltex.com site:
Salado Creek…was Texas’ first designated natural landmark. Site was an Indian campground long before recorded history. Since Main St. was part of the Chisholm Trail, ruts from wagon wheels still appear in the bedrock of the creek just north of the park.

Warning: We visited on a Monday. Many cafes and shops were closed. I assume that’s because they are open on Sundays.

Lodging

The Inn at Salado
This historic B&B is a lovely place to stay and is convenient to shopping and dining locations. Note that pets are not allowed.

Stagecoach Inn
This is the place to stay if you have a large group. It looks a little dated, but the rooms are in pretty good shape. The coffee shop is the place to see and be seen in Salado and feels like you’re back in the 60s.

Dining

McNeil’s Café
This spot had just opened when Melissa and I stumbled on it. And what a find! They roast their own coffee and it is fantastic. We had large, delicious sandwiches: the chicken fried steak sandwich was outstanding…tender steak, not greasy, tasty. No wonder the place was crowded! No website yet. I’ll check it out on the next visit.

Shopping

Salado is a crafter’s heaven. We loved The Sewing Basket, Stamp Salado, and Brazos Collection for beads. Horsefeathers is one of Southern Living’s favorite stores and now I know why: reasonably priced non-typical furniture, art, and accents. There were many antique stores and art galleries to explore in future visits.

Details

The Inn at Salado
North Main at Pace Park Drive
254.947.0027
800.724.0027
inn-at-salado.com

Stagecoach Inn
401 South Stagecoach Road
254.947.5111
800.732.8994
www.stayatstagecoach.com

McNeil’s Café
South of Civic Center on Main

The Sewing Basket
560 North Main #6
254.947.5423
877.244.0450
www.thesewingbasket.com

Stamp Salado
642 North Main
254.947.8848
www.stampsaladotexas.com

Brazos Collection
318 North Main
254.947.9222
www.brazoscollection.com

Horsefeathers
680 North Main
254.947.3203

Copyright 2008 Beth Schrader