AroundAustin

Beale Street Tavern – Elvis on 6th Street

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:12:30 +0000

On historical E. 6th Street, nestled amongst the bouncers bribing passersby with dollar shots is a hidden gem, dripping in Elvis memorabilia. I am talking, of course, about Beale Street Tavern. We held a happy hour for the
E-Learning Council in the upstairs area of the bar and it could not have gone better. The semi-private upstairs space was perfect for upwards of 25 people to comfortably mingle at the high top tables and lounge on the large leather banquettes. The Elvis décor is charming, and not at all overwhelming. We received impeccable service; the catering staff accommodated our every need and our servers were friendly and fast with a refill. While we did not have a chance to sample the Elvis-themed fare (fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, anyone?), the catering menu offers a delightful spread of bite-sized appetizers. I will happily admit to going back for seconds (ok, thirds) of the fried goat cheese fritter with raspberry chipotle sauce. As it was happy hour and the main bar downstairs was quiet, the level of the music and ambient noise was just right for our networking event. Overall, the experience was laidback and fun for our guests.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, after some Sunday morning shopping on Second Street went a little late, my husband and I found ourselves downtown with ten minutes until kickoff for the Texans’ game and nowhere to watch. I immediately thought of Beale Street Tavern, so we popped in to see if we could catch the game. Indeed, the Texans were on the TVs both up and downstairs, and it was blessedly quiet as opposed to the raucous Cowboys viewing party that was going on next door at Bikini’s. I was happy to belly up to the bar and settle in for the long haul.

Again I was impressed with the bartenders’ attitude and service, but this time I had the pleasure of sampling some of Beale Street’s cocktails. Those girls are mixing up some excellent, fresh margaritas and my husband was delighted with his carefully blended Old Fashioned. It was a delightful change of pace from the usual sports bars; with the old hardwood floors, stately bar, and huge, high ceilings I felt more like I was in a stately old bar in the French Quarter rather than on Sixth Street at a time most people reserve for more wholesome activities.

With some good cocktails in hand, it was easy to relax, chat with the staff and fellow football fans, and enjoy the game. Before we knew it, the referees were signaling the two minute warning in the fourth quarter and I hadn’t even thought to order the fried peanut butter and banana sandwich. We look forward to our next visit to Beale Street Tavern: I won’t let another chance to try The King’s favorite meal pass me by.

Beale Street Tavern,
214 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-6078

Find lost property-Texas Unclaimed Property

admin — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:52:58 +0000

One in four Texans has unclaimed property from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, security deposits and utility refunds. It’s your money. Over $2.2 billion in cash and other valuables waiting for the rightful owners to claim. It’s never too late to make a claim*. Sound like a bad informercial? A scam?

Nope, just the Texas Unclaimed Property Site. It’s run by the Comptroller’s Office and it doesn’t cost a dime to check the site or file the claim (so don’t fall for the nasty scammers who claim want filing fees). We’ve found money from closed bank accounts, an insurance refund check that didn’t quite make it back to us ($500!), and even money from an overpaid bill. A tip, when you’re on the site check for money owed to your friends and relatives–they will always appreciate a tip on free money.

We found out about this site via CheapDeep-our local version of Clark Howard. You can find and like CheapDeep on Facebook

Lunch Deal at Roaring Fork Austin

admin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:09:15 +0000

Stopped in to Roaring Fork at Stonelake Boulevard for a business lunch. What a gorgeous location–on the edge of Quarry Lake. The restaurant is quite upscale and I was expecting to blow the lunch budget. However, they have a great deal for lunch–The Texas Two Step. For $13 you can get a Cup of Soup or Pork Stew or Salad and either Grilled Salmon, Trout, or Roast Chicken. Not bad for a sit down meal in a great environment.

Roaring Fork, 10850 Stonelake Boulevard, Austin – (512) 342-2700

Uncle Billy’s now open on Lake Travis

snasta — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:44:54 +0000

The soft opening of Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que on Lake Travis felt more like a family dinner than a restaurant run-through – which, to this comfort-foodie, is a very good sign. After a friendly greeting and prompt seating, my dining partner and I could not decide on which of the 4 house-brewed beers to order. Our server’s solution was to bring out a sampler of each… bless him. We opted for the Amber and Pale Ales in the end, both perfect compliments to our starter of steaming fried pickles. Being something of a fried pickle connoisseur, these spears lived up to my high standards after a few necessary minutes of cooling. The hot sauce-spiked ranch dressing was a welcome surprise for a girl who always adds some heat to America’s favorite dipping sauce.

Photos by Nicole Ryan Photography

In an attempt to try virtually every meat option on the menu, we

each ordered the 3 Meat Plate – the stars of which were the pork ribs (that immediately fell off the bone), moist brisket, and jalapeno and cheese sausage. Regarding the sides, pass on the mac and cheese (it was tasty, but not a standout) and order the fried okra and baked beans – both full of flavor and just the right amount of heat. If your taste buds can handle it, their homemade hot sauce has a great flavor. Just look for the ominous red bottle marked with a skull and crossbones.

Photos by Nicole Ryan Photography

The interior of the restaurant was cozy yet spacious, with enough TVs to make it a perfect spot for game days. Unfortunately it was a chilly night, so the picturesque Oasis location was lost on us. But I’m certain that come spring (or a warm Texas winter day) they’ll open the garage style doors overlooking the lake, giving Uncle Billy’s patrons a gorgeous view to go along with their seriously satisfying BBQ.

Uncle Billy’s Brew & Que
http://www.unclebillysaustin.com/
555 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78731
(512) 266-0111

Only World War II Surrender Color Film at a Central Texas Museum

snasta — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:51:35 +0000

The only color film of Japan's surrender at the end of World War II is available for museum at the Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredricksburg.

The best performing Kiva microlending team is from Austin, Texas

snasta — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:30:00 +0000

Did you know that Austin has the highest performing Kiva city lending team in the world—http://www.kiva.org/team/austin_texas. Yep we beat cities many times our size. As of March 14, 2010 the team has loaned almost $157,000. It was started by a “poor” graduate student…as she said last night at the AIR awards…she’s rich compared to the folks she loans to.

Join the Austin, Texas team or start your own at www.kiva.org–$25 lets you help an entrepreneur and the best part you’ll get it back to help the next entrepreneur. The Kiva, Austin, Texas members also meet periodically and participate in local charities.

Austin Farmers Market

snasta — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:06:51 +0000

Gorgeous Turnips from Springfield Farms

Touch the Fish?

El Arroyo Signs

snasta — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:10:47 +0000

Folks Entering downtown on 5th street frequently do a double-take at the El Arroyo sign. What smart ass comment did the famous (infamous?) Tex-Mex place put up today. Well now you can follow ‘em on Twitter at http://twitter.com/elarroyosign so you don’t miss a sign if you haven’t made it downtown lately.

Nonstop Flights from Austin, Texas

snasta — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:14:33 +0000

I’m never really going to afford a private jet and am far to cheap to fly first class (heck I usually fly Southwest Airlines and there ain’t any first class seats). To make flying easier I look for Nonstop flights from Austin. You can fly to a surprising number of cities nonstop from Austin—Boston, Orlando, Washington, and my favorite during ski season Salt Lake City. ABIA’s website has been kind enough to list all the cities and airlines that offer Nonstop service from Austin at

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/nonstops.htm

I plan on taking some pictures of my family and I’ve been looking around for backgrounds that would say Austin. Where should I go?

snasta — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:02:06 +0000

We have several suggestions to give your family portrait that “Austin” feel. In the spring Bluebonnet shots are mandatory for Texans, aren’t they? Year-round there are several other options:

Try the park on the south-side of Riverside. There is a hill next to the Long Center that will give you a perfect view of the Austin Skyline and Lady Bird Lake, and at the same time the little-ones can check out the fountains and roll down the hill.

There are also some nice “Austin” murals on some down-town buildings, especially in South Austin. The “Greeting’s From Austin” Mural on South 1st Street and Annie Street will give you a postcard-perfect picture. http://www.flickr.com/photos/godkinphoto/3800458832/
The Capital’s grounds will give you some winning photos too. The grounds are free to access, and so are many of the areas inside the Capital. Even if you don’t get the Capital itself in the photo, there are plenty of photo opportunities on the grassy greens: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21327599@N00/3108084550
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjpaulsen/3144965178/
Check out the big Texas-Star at the Texas State History Museum. It’s walking distance from the Capital and looks impressive day or night.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21327599@N00/3189653821
There are a lot of parks on Lake Travis that will let you get a great lake shot.
Lots of parents put their kid next to a Longhorn. Try the brass one on UT campus off MLK or one of the real ones that are posted around town. There are also some cow statues at the Arboretum at 183 & Capital of Texas.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nonojoe/461463273/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oz4caster/3373755409/
Want more suggestions? Try searching flickr.com for “Austin engagement photos”.
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=austin%20texas%20engagement%20photos&w=all

Who else has suggestions?