Nites Out: JAK (Round Rock, TX)

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.

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.

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!

 

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Rock ‘Em & Sock ‘Em Spring Fling, Roller Derby in Round Rock this Sunday!

Rock ‘Em & Sock ‘Em Spring Fling, Roller Derby in Round Rock this Sunday!

This Sunday at 1:30pm the Rockin’ City Rollergirls are hosting their first home bout of the season.  Yours truly will be working the penalty box.  Bring the kids and some chairs to sit inside the rink for up close action!  

I’ve been training with these ladies since August, and lost a bunch of weight from my second pregnancy that just would not go away.  I avoid the gym like the plague, but knew I needed something to stay motivated.  This is it!  Derby is not just physical, it’s good for your mental well-being.  The friends I found through roller derby are all amazing, strong, charismatic, and funny women.  

So what are you waiting for?  Come out and see us this Sunday!

 

Austin Sports Arena, 3918 Gattis School Road, Round Rock, TX 78664

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/575225 

 

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Nites Out: Gluten Free Menu at Carino’s

*I was offered a tasting of Carino’s gluten-free menu as sponsorship for this post. My thoughts and comments are my own.*

Carino’s, located along I-35 in Round Rock, has expanded their menu to include gluten-free entrées and pizzas.

Making a good gluten-free pizza crust is a tall order, but the chefs at Carino’s pulled it off with the help of Udi’s.  You get to choose up to five toppings for your specialty pizza ($12.99 for a medium, plenty to split with a friend).  I ordered mine with artichoke, bacon, spinach, chicken, and extra cheese and you could have fooled me… it didn’t taste like a gluten-free pizza!

I invited my friends to try out the pizza with me.  They were equally impressed.

If you like soda, try the raspberry Italian Soda with cream!  Not too sweet for my taste and you get refills for free, good deal since I drank three of them.

The entrées on the gluten-free menu are mostly some kind of meat with vegetables.  There is gluten-free pasta, but I didn’t try it on this trip.

Carino’s

2600 N. IH-35 Round Rock,TX

512-238-8288

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Nites Out: Jack Allen’s Kitchen (Round Rock, TX)

After a long morning in Georgetown, I took my Dad out for lunch to Jack Allen’s Kitchen.  I’ve been hearing great things about chef Allen from other AFBA Members, so I had to feed my curiosity.  JAK sources as much as possible from Texas farms and producers, which gives me those warm hippie fuzzy feelings.

Baja Style Fish Tacos

My father, being the adventurous type like me, ordered Baja Fish Tacos, a dish he claims he could not find at home in Alberta.  He vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean, I was surprised he hasn’t encountered a fish taco yet.  However, this is Texas after all,  and we do things weird in these parts.

Chicken Enchilada

Forgive me, but in my moment of gluttony I forgot the name of the dish I had (!!!).  It resembled chicken enchiladas in stacked form, with a fried egg on top.  It was as if I was eating the circle of life, smothered in a creamy chipotle sauce.  Damn fine dish, what ever it was.  Both of our dishes would pass as gluten-free thanks to the corn tortillas.

Paired my chicken with a pint of Independence Brewery Stash IPA, it was dark and smooth, just how I like my water slides.

Key Lime Pie (to die for!)

Finished out the lunch with a slice of heaven, a key lime pie slice that is!

Our server was very knowledgeable of the entire menu, including the beers on tap.  Jack Allen’s Kitchen is perfect for any occasion to celebrate with locally sourced fare.  Reservations for dinner are recommended.  Lunch crowd was not bad at all during the week, but I would guess the weekends are busier.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen

2500 Hoppe Trail, Round Rock, TX 78681 

512.215.0372

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#Free Pair of tickets: Rockin’ City Rollergirls Homecoming Brawl on 9/22

You’re thinking What the heck does Roller Derby have to do with food? Right?  Me.  That’s what!

I’ve joined the Round Rock Roller Derby League called the Rockin’ City Rollergirls and aspire to be hell on eight wheels.  You know, when I’m not playing with the kids, donating blood, or baking cookies in my undies.  But seriously, derby is a motivation to get my tired aging ass back in reasonable shape.   I want to be able to walk up stairs without huffing and puffing by the fourth stair.  I used to swim every day in college, my muscles have been left to waste away to mush.

Mom, don’t worry, I have safety gear and a mouth guard.  Hmm, that also reminds me… You know why derby is awesome?  There’s no one to tell me “no, you can’t”, like those volleyball teams did all those years ago.  If you want to skate, you skate.  If you quit, that’s you’re own fault!

Now for the part you’ve been waiting for: winning two tickets to the Homecoming Brawl!  This is happening in Round Rock at Austin Sports Arena on Sept 22 at 11:30am.  Kids under 12 are free at the door!  Bonus, right?!?  All you have to do is leave a comment below, and if you’re into derby, tell me your favorite team and/or skater.  Be sure to use your real email address when leaving a comment so I can find you if you win!

Winner takes 2 free tickets, contest closes Sept 15th!

 

Related: Melissa “Melicious” Joulwan’s Paleo Cookbook!

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Meat Meat Meat

On the hunt for peppers on your burger?  I found three around town and I’ll tell you which one was my favorite.

First up is the Oasis Hatch Chili Burger.

The Oasis

The bun was big and dry, the burger was dry too.  Come for the views of Lake Travis (and yes there was water in there), however the incredibly slow service may irritate you.

Second were the Hatch Green Chili Sliders I found at Round Rock Market Days.

Hatch Green Chili Truck

These little babies had a creamy sauce and juicy slider patties, topped with roasted hatch chili peppers.  Perfect quick lunch while on the go at the market!  Saw the Rockin’ City Rollergirls there too.

The last one I want to share with you is a Poblano Burger from Louisiana Longhorn Café in Round Rock.

Louisiana Longhorn Café

The Poblano Burger was on the special menu, and it was loaded with toppings.  The Cajun fries were tasty but a little greasy.  It had fresh pico de gallo and avocado to compliment the peppers.  All held together with cheese!  Our server brought out a pitcher of ice tea, none of that annoying tea to sweetener ratio control required, you can refill at your own pace.  The décor was full of purple and gold (LSU), mirrors, and odds and ends.

Even though I enjoyed the Poblano Burger with the added avocado, I have to say my favorite pepper burger was the Green Hatch Chili Truck’s hatch sliders.  It’s great to see a few trucks around Round Rock after the Trailer Park went vacant this summer.  Sucks to lose a spot to hang out with the dog and kids, while eating a variety of foods.  I hope to find the Green Chili truck again!

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#atxcityguide Food Trailers (North Austin)

If you haven’t noticed all the food trucks around Austin, Round Rock, and Pflugerville you must be holed up in a bunker.  Late last year, the City of Round Rock approved a pilot plot for food trailers.  Pflugerville and Georgetown are next on the list.  Besides downtown, South and East Austin, you can find trucks up north too!

Stand Alone Trailers

Hey Cupcake! (10931 Research Blvd. Austin, TX 78759) Every month there is a special flavor on the menu, you can also pre-order online.  One cupcake is $3.

Melvin’s Deli Comfort (501 E 53rd St, Austin, Texas 78751)  Weekday (11 – 2pm) lunch truck serving up home cured deli meat sandwiches with homemade chips and pickles.

Biscuits and Groovy (5015 Duval Street Austin, TX 78751) Freshly prepared eggs on biscuits with a choice of two gravies, the Aretha Franklin looks so good!  M-F 9-2pm, Sat-Sun 8:30-2pm

Rock-A-Billy’s Park (5430 U.S. 79 Round Rock, TX 78665)  Snow Cones and Classic Cars.

Food Trailer Parks

NATY (North Austin Trailer Yard) (1012 West Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78757)

More information on the website:  thenaty.com

Snarky’s Sandwiches & Gourmet Doughnuts – M-Sat 11-9, Sun 12-3

The Yogurt Experience – M-Sat 11:30-9

Johnny T’s BBQ – Mon 11:30-3, Tues-Sat 11:30-9

Louisiana Wild – Daily 11-9

Chilly Dogs ATX – 11:30-9, closed Tues & Sun

Good To Go – Daily 11:30 -9

Went for lunch the NATY and tried Good To Go’s Black Bean Burger and the home-made potato and beet chips.   The beets are sweet and crunchy, I was surprised.  I should have put a little mustard and mayo on my burger, other than that it was a satisfying vegan lunch.

Also sampled the Three Meat from Johnny T’s BBQ, where the turkey was very moist and the pork was tender, with a side of beans and potato salad it’s enough to share!

A good feature here is the little play area for the kids (not in the photos, but it’s next to Johnny T’s) and if you’re a member of Planet Fitness you can work out at the location that shares the same parking lot.

Round Rock Food Trailer Park (500 N. Mays Round Rock,TX 78664)

Dog friendly.  Thursday nights is Movie Night!

The FB Page lists all the trucks and operating hours, I’ve included it here for you:

Curly’s Perfect Pig –      Wed-Sun 11:30-7

Meat Up & Veg Out –     Tue-Fri 11:30-2:30, 5:30-8   Sat 11:30-8

New Orleans Po Boy And Gumbo Shop –    Tue-Sun 11-9

Sylvester’s Soft Serve – Closed until late Feb?

Dawn’s Thai Kitchen –    Tue-Sun 11:30-8

Beef Cake Shop –     Tue-Sat 11-8

Carnival Concessions –     Wed-Sat 11-9  Sun 12-6

Hey Cupcake –   Mon-Sun 11-9

Ms Js Soul Food –   Tue-Sun 11-8

Flavalicious – Tue-Sun 11-8

Full House BBQ – Tue-Fri 11-8 Sun 11-3

Round Rock Food Trailer Park

Sylvester’s Soft Serve

Pflugerville Pfood Ranch (2205 West Pecan Pflugerville, TX 78660)

New for 2013 and open Saturdays 11 – 5pm.  Watch the FB page as they add more trailers.

Current offerings are:

Hey Cupcake

Hall of Flame BBQ

and various arts and crafts.  Dog friendly.

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Casey’s Food Court in Georgetown (near 903 Church Street Georgetown, TX 78626)

Coming April 1, 2013!  Should be rockin’ in time for the Poppy Festival.

*

James wrote about Vegetarian Food Trailers for the city guide.

Veronica wrote about East Austin Trailers.

Mike rounded up the Downtown Trailers.

Suzanna covered South Austin Food Trailers.

Check out the other categories in the 2013 Austin City Guide!

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Nites Out: Round Rock Food Trailer Park

A relatively new addition to downtown Round Rock just a few blocks north of 620 on Mays is a food trailer park.   The food trailer fever blazing in Austin has spread north to my town.  There are a baker’s dozen of trailers including Hey Cupcake!, Curly Pig, and The Beef Cake Shop where I ate lunch.

Fridays and Saturdays the park hosts live music in the evenings and movie night on Thursdays.  Check their Facebook page for details.

This weekend there was an inflated slide for the kids to play on while parents could nosh in peace.  It’s not a regular feature, the trailers pitched in to rent it this Saturday.  And since this is outdoor eating, bring your friendly dogs to hang out with, they might even get a biscuit.

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I ordered a trio of sliders from The Beef Cake Shop.  The Day After Thanksgiving flavor was awesome, ground turkey with cranberries, stuffing and gravy.  The meatloaf was fluffy, actually all the patties were not compacted too tightly, just enough to hold together.  The pepperoni pizza was different, supposedly a kid favorite but not for mine.  There was also an Italian meatball slider that I did not try but the owner Jimmy says it’s a family recipe.  The other family recipe on the menu now is pumpkin pie, this was delicious and cured my craving for pumpkin.

The kids wanted ice cream and they each had a chocolate soft serve cone from Sylvester’s.

I sat with another couple as we watched the kids on the slide and the woman noted there were no coffee trailers, maybe there is an opportunity waiting?

If you’re in the neighborhood stop in and grab some grub!

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Nites Out: Teji’s (Round Rock, TX)

I have to agree with the raves Teji’s has received on various restaurant review websites.  This is the mixed grilled plate (#12) with four different meat dishes cooked in a tandoor.  Naan is extra but so darn good, it’s worth it.  A great value at about 10 bucks, I had to take half of it home.   Thanks to my friends who invited us out to discover some of the best Indian food that was hiding in plain sight!

Try the samosas if you go, the owner brought us some as an appetizer to share.

Teji’s is located at 1205 Round Rock Ave (FM620) west a couple blocks from I-35 in a shopping strip.  You can also find a sandwich shop and taqueria there.

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Nites Out: Pho Lee Vietnamese Restaurant (Round Rock, TX)

Phð Lee opened last October in one of the busy shopping areas of Round Rock.  Located near the I-35/SH-45 intersection (exit 250), this new Vietnamese establishment is easy to access.  Prices are on par with other similar restaurants in the area, beef, chicken and shrimp dishes for under ten bucks.  I would order your own plate though, the portions might be too small to share unless you have small children.  Order at the counter when you walk in then get some self-serve drinks at the fountain.  It’s clean and they didn’t seem to mind my toddler running rampant while we waited for dinner.

I had the Com Thit Nuong (Grilled marinated pork with rice) $7.00.  Thin slices of pork on a pile of rice, a basic dish that would please anyone.  Heat is your option.  Add siracha sauce or not.  All it needed was a splash of soy.  Not a huge value for the portion of pork on the plate.  They must expect everyone to fill up on rice (which was a little under cooked).  The plastic plates made the food get cold pretty quickly, although these are good for kids so they won’t burn themselves on hot dishes or shatter them when in the middle of a table-clearing tantrum.

Hubby has his pho as usual.  The kids shared Mi Xao Ga (Egg noodles with chicken and vegetables) $7.50.

The noodle dishes come with a spicy sauce on the side.  The egg noodles tasted stale.  It could have been the sauce, which was garlic infused, that threw me off.  There was a nice assortment of different veggies: mushroom, carrot, broccoli, zucchini, and onion.  The chicken was very soft, like it had just come out of a sauna.  The kids liked slurping the noodles, one at a time, especially Little Sister who squealed “Dada watch!” before each one.

For less than $20 a family of four ate out together.  That is a feat in our family.

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