Austin summers bring crazy high temperatures, devastating our hairstyles and elevating our electric bills. BUT those sunshiney days yield love-filled crops around these parts, blessing us with the availability of local, farm fresh produce and artisan food goods. The wintertime, though thankfully much more mild mannered, aids its temperament to a different sort of produce production. As Austinites we must take advantage of these fleeting “winter” months and consume the seasonal farm to market ingredients while they’ ... read more
A Uniquely Fresh and Authentic Mexican Dining Experience
El Mesón is one of Austin’s most appreciated interior Mexican food restaurants. With an original location on Burleson Road and another on South Lamar, El Mesón has elevated the standards for the casual Latin-inspired dining experience since the early 2000s.
Inside of the modest South Lamar location, ceilings and walls are appareled with festive flags strung across the room. The light fills the first room of the building with ease, extending its reach into the second room up the ramp. In this second room, there is a bar area in addition to traditional d ... read more
Hyde Park Theater has pioneered many movements in Austin, including spearheading what the Austin American Statesman calls “The fringe theater event of the Southwest!” And what is “fringe” theater, exactly? It’s theater outside of the mainstream, it’s experimental, alternative, independent performance; and it’s featured in its perfected embodiment at FronteraFest.
FronteraFest is a citywide, unjuried (meaning all admissions are impartially accepted) fring ... read more
If you missed out on the festivities at Edge Men’s Boutique’s shindig this past week, don’t fret— their event Take The Edge Off is to be held every third Thursday of the month.
As for a recap of January’s event, there was much to celebrate. Edge christened 2012 with featured brand Ksino. Ksino’s woven button-ups, classy caps, and casual two-button sports coats (which are an amazing find with their dark-line stitched lapels!) were a hit with the men… and their ladies!
With a bartendress at beck and call, visitors sipped on cocktails from W.L. Welles Whiskey, Toro de Lidia and Hornitos Tequilas, and Austin’s ever-favorite Cinco Vodka; or popped-a-top of a Stella Artois or Shiner beer, or even kept it classy with a glass or wine. The options seemingly cease ... read more
Ashley M. Halligan, AL's Managing Editor, also happens to be a Property Management Analyst at local company, Software Advice. It's Austin's second fastest growing company, which is why we mention it. So, when she's not writing colorful features centered around travel, spa, or fashion (or, ahem, having a beverage with her editor), she's researching the real estate and property management markets, learning about property management software and writing market-specific articles for Software Advice; all of which is good information for our Austin Lifestyle public. Yes, we know. She's a Jane-of-all-trades. And we're happy to have her. - Daniel Ramirez
By Ashle ... read more
Austin Lifestyle Covers JW Marriott In San Antonio on ... read more
The lack of rest begins to take it’s toll some time around the 7th day. Call it the need to take a day of rest, perhaps, but it was slow going to get out of bed this morning in time for the KGSR Music Lounge at the Four Seasons. However, once this was accomplished, there was no reason to attack the day. As we have said before, the KGSR presence at SXSW is one of the best things that a local can attend and enjoy with very little effort, which pays off in incredible dividends. We were lucky enough, thanks to Michelle, the manager of the events team, to get a seat 8 feet from the stage. We missed Suzanna Choffel, but made it in time for the new ingénue from Nashvill ... read more
SXSW Day 4
Ok, please forgive us as we’ve lost complete track of time and space. Day 3 was by far the perfect example of how SXSW can make the impossible seem trivial. We began the day with the Trade Show, which was impressive in scope, with vendors and innovators of every shape and color, promoting the “next big thing” and giving away food/drink/shirts to entice people to take a look at their wares. From there, it was on to the Keynote by geek dreamgirl, Felicia Day, who gave a perfect perspective on how the world interacts with fans, how we interact with those who critique us; and expressed creativity and its influence on our world. She followed her dream from a simple gamer’s web series to now contracts with two major television studi ... read more
SXSW 2011
It’s that time of year again! Temperatures are rising, our allergies are starting up again, and the celebrities, music lovers and eager festival-goers are about to enter the city in droves. March 11-20 marks the 25th anniversary that Austin will be overtaken by music and film for the annual South by Southwest Festivals and Conferences! Whether you are a huge SXSW-er, all ready to rock out with your wristband, or you are hoping to catch a couple free shows or films this week, there is plenty to do! The festival’s website, sxsw.com, has all the official information on events and FAQ’s. Sorting through all the options is a mighty task, so here’s a little break down of the main attractions in ATX this upcoming week.
SXSW Interactive March 11-15
This portion of SXSW is dedicated to presentations, trade shows and networking opportunities for technology, innovative ideas, and more. Blake Mycoskie from TOMS shoes will be delivering the Key Note March 15.
Film Conference and Festival March 11-19
The conferences plethora of noteworthy speakers, trade shows and trends. See a wide range of comedies, documentaries and narratives at the festival, and you may just find the next big movie, or a hidden gem.
Music and Media Conference March 15-20
People in the music industry have their hands full with media and mu ... read more
Saturday night, art enthusiasts and collectors gallery-hopped around Austin to view new and exciting exhibitions for the third annual Art Night Austin. Limousines chauffeured attendees to view works at the various venues, filled with promising collections and installations. There were DJs spinning at all the locations along with refreshments and chef-prepared fare from fine restaurants including La Condesa, Kenichi and Parkside. It was a fabulous preview of what Austin’s art spaces will be gracing our city with this spring.
AMOA
Some of the art at the Austin Museum of Art was alive: Artists Jesus Benavente and Jennifer Remenchik live in a two-level structure in the museum in attempt to explore social barriers and stretch the boundaries of contemporary art. Onlookers saw Benavente prepare a salad while Remenchik sat in a chair and surfing on her macbook. Another highlight was a collection of Ian Ingram’s charcoal and wax portraits. They are simply striking and not to be missed.
Women & Their Work
Scissors hang from the ceiling in the hundreds, pointing openly over a small black table and chair. White strips of fabric sewn together by black thread surrounds the furniture, where artist Beili Liu mends the fabric. All visitors are ... read more
Lillian and Jeanne's Story - CASAblanca 2011 from CASA of Travis County on Vimeo.
By definition, “Torrid” means extreme heat, sultry. That’s the look that buyers and designers of Torrid, the clothing retail store, had in mind when they launched back in 2001. Contrary to what Hollywood and fashion magazines want you to think, I’ve always heard that the average woman in America is a size 12. Torrid exists to supply hot and sultry fashion for the “plus sized” gal (sizes 12-26). No longer can you only find the sexy little black dress in a size 4 or 6. Torrid boasts an array of chic dresses, in addition to: tops, jeans, swimwear, accessories, jewelry, shoes, intimates and even maternity clothes.
Located in both Lakeline Mall and Barton Springs Mall, Austin ladies can find very hip styles at Torrid. Some of my favorite dress styles include: the Olive Military Shirt Dress ($74) and the Black & White Polka Dot with Rose Pocket Dress (on sale for $50).
Whether it’s a Girl’s Night Out or spending some time with a “special someone,” every lady needs the perfect excuse to ... read more
Evie Evan Sends Products to Troops in Afghanistan
Austin, TX, February 15, 2011 – Earlier this month, Evie Evan sent 1,000 of its Soldier ScrubsTM to troops in Afghanistan. Working with a charity, Solider Socks, Evie Evan was able to provide its low-water solution to troops overseas. These efforts were part of the Evie Evan CaresTM program, which looks for different ways to work with charitable organizations.
Supporting the troops is a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of the Evie Evan owners, Ivonne Ruggles and Michelle Perez. Michelle’s brother-in-law, Jeff Wells, served eight years in the Air Force and flew on many humanitarian missions around the world. Jeff often told Ivonne and Michelle about the skin care needs of the soldiers. “We needed items that required very little water, as we wanted to preserve our water for drinking. We also needed packaging that was rugged and would hold up in our packs,” Jeff commented.
Ingredients
Cake
Frosting
Special Equipment
The last time I had darkened the doors of 301 East Sixth Street in Austin (TX), it was New Year’s Eve of 1998. The eatery, then a steakhouse, saw me ring in the New Year by finding a coat button (yes, a button) floating in my cup of cold soup. The joint in question, as it happened, was a questionable joint.
Flash forward a decade or so, and, my how times have changed. Now the home of Parkside Café (since 2008), the dining experience was much better upon my return. The spread was supreme, the setting festive and, impressively, the food was served hot and sans accessories.
Sandwiched between venerable bars and nightclubs-come-lately, Parkside Cafe may very well boast the only cloth tablecloths on the block, but the award-winning eatery still manages to maintain the party theme that is Sixth Street’s hallmark. Loud but not pushy. Nice but not pretentious. A fun-filled calm amidst a brewing storm. And, where else can you get dish towels as table napkins?
We arrived and were chaperoned to a window booth that allowed us to keep the feel of the night—observing the Sixth Street scene and the people watching of those carousing down the party lane. Th ... read more
Dive into Max’s Wine Dive
It’s a delicious and exciting blend of the comfort food you grew up on fused with gourmet culinary experimentation to create a unique dining experience. Max’s Wine Dive is a Texas-based restaurant with locations in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. In Austin, the location is strategically placed in the hip area of 2nd Street (and San Jacinto), snuggled between the Austin Convention Center and Congress Avenue. When you’re looking for a unique dining option where you don’t have to fuss with gourmet’s pomp and circumstance, but you do want all the taste sensation, Max’s is a great choice. Max’s is built on the concept of combining real food with a fun twist and pairing that with a delicious wine selection.
For example, try several of their “small plates” with a fruity sauvignon blanc such as “Republic”. I highly recommend getting your taste buds o ... read more
The British have landed! Quietly, with nary a soul knowing, outside their friends and family, Haddington's opened last night for the first time. Equal parts curiosity and adventure, my friends and I showed up at 8pm to survey what they had. Needless to say, it was quite the surprise from former Mulberry founders, Zack Northcutt & Michael Polombo, the British influence of both the fare and the pub's ambience (to call it anything but a pub is almost to insult the dark wood, brass joints, and long bars that were, no doubt, painstakingly decided upon) were abundantly clear. Touring is like a walk through an Irish pub, with nooks and other rooms, impressive in such a small space. The front windows overlook 6th and continue the ruse that you are, in fact, in London. A glance at the wine list will let you know that you're anywhere but a normal pub, however. The wine list sprawled, which was an exquisite surprise, as were the specialty cocktails on offer. From foie-infused Sazerac (if memory serves), to the more obscure prohibition cocktails that are finally reclaiming the bar scene, this is the perfect fusion of Olde and new. By the time the menu called to us, we were already impressed. And here is where the decision went a little south for me, but was a win for the others in my party. On the menu is a decadent use of meat and fat, known as British meatballs. Cooked in caulfat, which, while sounding atrocious, is making a significant resurgence thanks to the Food Network and Jamie Oliver in particular, the m ... read more
Call it the fanboy day. Today was full of wide-eyed wonder and crazy mishap, en route to two films, three parties, and a host of different events surrounding the Austin Film Festival. First, we begin at the party that wasn’t a party in the Driskill Bar, just before the Film Texas BBQ luncheon. Chatter flies everywhere, in various accents and expressions. It even comes complete with the starchaser wannabes, dressed to the hilt to catch the eye of tomorrow’s Taylor Lautner or today’s Owen Wilson. But this is no L.A. scenester haven. It’s the Drisk ... read more
Stay tuned for fresh, new blog topics in the coming weeks as well as the scoop on entertainment, philanthropy and all things associated with living the Austin Lifestyle!&nb ... read more
UTexas Foodies
I’ve never heard so much discussion about the spicy garnish known as curry. Pretty much my entire grasp of Asian cuisine is provided by whatever dishes are served at the local Pei Wei. But my dining companions Ryan Meister and Sierra Shear know the sauce like the back of their hand, and relish in the full breadth of its delectability. Really no shocker that the two of them were members of the new UTexas Foodies organization that had one simple, yet ultimately satisfying purpose: eat out at vibrant restaurants, and have a sensational experience in the process.
read more