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Archive for the ‘Nites Out’ Category

A spur of the moment getaway to San Antonio to explore the Riverwalk.  We didn’t know it was Fiesta this weekend, so the streets were crawling with festival patrons.  The Riverwalk itself wasn’t terribly busy, and I managed to stay out of the water.  Apparently the open container laws are different than Austin, as everyone seems to be holding a cold beer can or a margarita.

I was looking for something different. No chain restaurants, somewhere we would have a view and a glass of wine (or two).  Keep walking until you find the gem, The Fig Treethe quaint little restaurant in La Villita owned by the Phelps family.

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We shared a bottle of the Heinz Eifel Riesling (2013), ordered the duck and prime rib, dark chocolate fondant for dessert.

They have a wide selection of wine, sorted by region. Or ask for a cocktail or beer, the waitstaff are very friendly and can help you decide.

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We stayed at the Omni, La Mansion Del Rio, a boutique hotel with direct access to the Riverwalk.

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After walking all around the river it was nice to relax!  I noticed the A/C was quiet, a very nice amenity to have when you want to get a solid night of sleep.  There was a small pool but I didn’t pack my swimsuit.
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Across the river from the hotel was our lunch spot, Rita’s.  There are probably more Tex-Mex restaurants along the Riverwalk than anything else.  I tried the fish tacos, which ended up super greasy and it was Tilapia (not a fan), not the best lunch for $18.

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Mad Dogs British Pub is on the list for next time we visit the Riverwalk.  It was a little busy when we walked by looking for dinner.

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The abundance of Las Vegas buffets kicked off our holiday, but we were pleasantly surprised to find sushi at the Monte Carlo Resort.

I ordered Sake 3 and some sashimi.  The Sake 3 had salmon marinated in sake in the middle of the roll, fresh salmon on top, garnished with roe and basil.  The basil threw me off a bit, it’s not a typical herb for sushi in my limited experience.

SAKE 3 ROLL

SAKE 3 ROLL

Prices were not that much more than you would find in Austin, TX.  Expertly prepared sushi and hot Chinese dishes are available at Dragon Noodle, something the owner prides himself in offering his guests.

There are several seating options, low sofas, at the bar, tables and at the sushi bar.  Service was friendly and accommodating.  This experience was top notch and my favorite within the resort!

Dragon Noodle Las Vegas NV

Dragon Noodle Co. and Sushi Bar

3770 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Within Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

(702) 730-7965

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For months I’ve been watching the construction just around the corner from my house.  This is part of the excitement of living in a popular growing city, I just hope we don’t get too popular.  I’d like to keep my commute under an hour into Austin.  But if I do get stuck in a sea of suburbanites, at least a good cup of java is going to be available en route to the ninth layer of congestion hell.

I don’t want to spoil it though!  Can you keep this a secret?

Dazzle Coffee is opening in Round Rock!

Dazzle Coffee Round Rock TX

I saw some activity at the site yesterday and poked around their Facebook page.  I’m waiting to confirm the grand opening date (it might be TODAY)!

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Looking for a hip spot to sip on some Joe?  Try Austin Java!

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Raspberry Mocha Frappe, while not hot, was perfectly satisfying on a warm Austin afternoon.  Little Miss enjoyed the heck out of a mango smoothie.

 

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I really enjoy the different flavors of frozen yogurt at Front Porch.  It’s the perfect way to treat the kids any time of the year.  They always make crazy sundaes with the toppings.  Sierra loves the balls of fruit juice, Ben always goes for Cinnamon Toast Crunch (which btw goes with the chocolate flavor and reminds me of Mexican hot cocoa).

Join their club to get discounts on more frozen yogurt. Yum!

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Check them out on Facebook.

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JAK, as foodies affectionately call Jack Allen’s Kitchen, is always a good place to try something interesting without completely blowing your budget.  The kids menu has full size burgers, neither of my minions could finish their plates of cheeseburgers and fries.

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I tried the Prickly Pear Mojito and was so glad I did!  This is perfect for summer.  Fresh mint, tart lime, and the peculiar cactus fruit juice that gives a blush to the foundation.   A small splurge for myself that was refreshing and exciting.

Prickly Pear Mojito (Jack Allen's Kitchen, Round Rock)

For dinner I chose the Sloppy Jack, a beef short rib shredded like pulled pork and piled on a bun.  Messy and delicious!  If you like sweet BBQ sauces on your meat, this is highly recommended.  And yes, there is a large amount of onion rings on the short ribs, but trust me there is a good amount of meat under there!

Sloppy Jack

 

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Nites Out: P. Terry's (N. Austin)

Go try the Ruta Maya Organic Coffee Shake @P. Terry’s now!

This is a creamy coffee shake that I found less sweet than the chocolate shake, which is a good thing.  It has a nice robust coffee flavor, and it smells like coffee!  Perfect partner to a bacon cheeseburger.

Thanks P. Terry’s for the coupon so I could try out the new shake! 

 

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A tall Bloody Mary awaits at El Arroyo.

1624 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78703

Known for catchy signs, which are commemorated in photographs along the interior walls, El Arroyo anchors the west end of the popular 6th Street downtown area.  It’s almost up against Mo-Pac (Loop 1), across 5th street from the Mean Eye Cat. 

I tried the Tacos El Pastor (pork with pineapple), they had very lean cubes of pork with a good about of achiote pepper flavor.  Not greasy at all.   My dinnermate had the tamales, which are a pain to make at home, and they were spiced in the right ways.  I’d say fairly authentic Mexican fare!

The “fish” is Tilapia, including the ceviche, which is not my favorite (maybe it’s a Southern thing, it’s certainly foreign to this Canuck!)  I wanted to try their ceviche but was not going to eat Tilapia.  If you like it, go ahead and try it.

El Arroyo can also entertain you with live music on select evenings (check the website).  I hear this is a great place for breakfast on the weekends.

 

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Uncorked is a cozy converted house on the east side of downtown Austin hosting a globetrotters’ gauntlet of wines. Choose your glass by country or use the icons on the wine menu to find a pallet pleasing wine. I’m not a wine savvy person but I know I prefer sweet, fruity flavors if I’m enjoying a glass in good company. The staff are more than helpful and friendly, just ask if you don’t know what to try!

uncorked moscato midnitechef.com

My first choice was right up my alley.

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A sweet moscato with peachy floral notes. This went down very easily. The second glass was a rose and a little dry. From what I do understand about wine, start light and work to darker older vintages. Thanks to Jordan Winery for the class at Antonelli’s Cheese Shop!

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If you are looking for a special night with your sweetheart, Uncorked should be on your list.   Not just for Valentine’s Day (which is this FRIDAY), but any time you need to spend some time to converse over wine and nibbles.   The view of the high rises of downtown Austin is a splendid backdrop for your evening.

Uncorked is located at 900 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 524-2809

uncorkedtastingroom.com

 

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The Village in North Austin (on Anderson Lane near Mo-Pac/Loop 1) has been slowly gaining interest and new businesses are moving in steadily filling in the few remaining gaps. The Goodnight is one of the newer kids on the block and is perfect for a date night with your sweetie, or meeting up with friends. A long plentiful bar centers the dinning area. Four billiard tables are flanked by two ping-pong tables in the rear. There are bowling lanes for the adventurous types! The staff are friendly and the food is diligently prepared, although it’s pub grub. Albeit, tasty pub food. The menu includes many fried items, salads, burgers and hot sandwiches, plus a few entrees of the beef/chicken/fish sort. For a light snack I recommend the Chef’s Board, featuring Antonelli’s Cheese Shop and local nibbles. Vegetarians have a few options but are all heavy on carbs. The Cheese Steak has moist meat on a soft roll.

What to order: For your date night I recommend the Farmer’s Market Pizza to share. It comes topped with roasted mushrooms, goat cheese and spicy arugula.

    Address: 2700 West Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78757
    Phone number: 512-459-5000
    Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 11am-12am, Friday-Saturday 11am-2am
    Takes reservations: Yes
    WiFi: Yes
    Website: http://thegoodnightaustin.com
    Happy Hour: Monday through Friday – 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm – $7 Pizzas, Megamugs of beer and select cocktails.
    Late Night Happy Hour: Friday and Saturday after midnight – $3 wells, $3 shots of Fireball Whiskey or Jameson Whiskey, $2 PBR or Lonestar cans.

But wait… THERE’S MORE!

Bowling
Monday through Saturday – $30 per lane per hour after 4:00 pm.
Friday and Saturday – $15 per lane per hour after midnight.
All other times, including all day Sunday are free to play.

Pool, Shuffleboard and Table Tennis
Thursday through Saturday – $4 per hour from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; $8 per hour from 7:00 pm to close.
All other times are free to play.

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