After a rough week, the Beatles quote above is a nice reminder of what’s really important. These photos were taken by the talented Bree Linne at my mom’s wedding reception earlier this month. Their ranch outside of Fort Worth proved to be picture perfect and was truly a sublime setting for a kickass party.
I wish I was headed out west this weekend but we’re headed north to Baltimore instead for brunch with our friends who are expecting their baby girl in June. I love Baltimore and am always happy for an excuse to get up that way. If the bebes still have some steam in them, we’ll head over to our local high school for Touch-A-Truck Day where they’ll (and me too- yay!) get to climb up in fire trucks and play with all the bells and whistles. Sunday begins the inaugural tasting group for my WSET Diploma friends and I who are studying via Capital Wine School here in DC. I’ve missed my NYC tasting group so I’m looking forward to this one. It will be a big wine geek fest- always love that. We’re starting with fortifieds and the mother country, France. Fitting.
Disclaimer: I’m about to get real geeky up in this.
What do you get when a former classics professor moves to California wine country, buys a vineyard full of 60 year old Sauvignon Blanc (that no one else would touch) and starts up an experimental wine project? A little bit of genius and a whole lot of who knows. But that’s kind of the point. Abe Schoener’s operation is titled The Scholium Project. Scholium is taken from the Greek word scholion meaning school- it’s an education in the process. I like it.
Wine is a business and most vineyards are not churning out experimental wines for the hell of it. Not that Schoener is either. He has a vested interest in his vines, but it seems to be fueled more by a mental curiosity than profit. How novel. This is wine for wine’s sake. Again- love it. Schoener has a few tiny vineyards scattered around Northern California’s wine country and he’s churning out some crazy ass wine. He makes a Sauvignon Blanc called The Prince In His Caves that looks like a sherry, a Pinot Grigio (San Floriano del Collio) that looks like a Pinot Noir and a deep mustard colored Chardonnay from 30 year-old vines called The Sylphs that looks like lore in a glass. I’m interested, as are most foodies and oenophiles who are unconventionally inclined. For the same reason that Parker’s point system is less interesting to those of us genuinely curious about wine, the trend seems to be moving toward an investigation into the craft and possibilities of winemaking. I think that we are just as excited about seeing boundaries pushed in the vineyard and winery as we are with seeing chefs pushing their creativity in the kitchen. We want to surprise our palettes, not bore them.
I’ve been hearing about the Project from Somm friends in the know (his wines are featured on the list of the best and brightest in the land including Per Se and the Momofuku kingdom) and Schoener has quickly made his way to the top of the tiny list of unconventional California winemakers including Arnot-Roberts, Forlorn Hope and Donkey & Goat. And- this is my favorite part- he goes on tour to a few major cities each year with his Metaphysical Lecture Series. I tried like hell to get a seat in the DC class but alas, I was too late for the sold out tastings. Schoener is actually here in DC today lecturing on oil painting precision and transparency with relevance to winemaking. A mandatory visit to the National Gallery is required before attending the lecture. And the pièce de résistance- I got so geeked out over this- the wines will be paired not with food but with metaphysical questions. I mean come on, I can’t believe I am missing this.
To paraphase Bill Murray from Tootsie (quite possibly the most perfect comedy ever made): From those that have partaken of the Project’s juice, I’ve heard mixed reviews. While some bottles seem to be spellbinding, others come up a bit short or maybe it’s just that they’re still on their way to greatness. I feel this way about most artists whose work I enjoy. A potential genius at work’s failure is so much more interesting than something that is just good. When I go see a P.T. Anderson movie, I’m always happy and moved even if it’s not quite the masterpiece I’d hoped for. Case in point, Magnolia- huge ideas with huge potential. It doesn’t quite come together as it should, but man was it interesting. That’s the way I hope to feel about The Scholium Project’s wines. We’ll see. I just ordered my first mixed case. If you are so inclined, I would advise checking out the site and buying yourself a vestibular pack of 8 wines asap as most of his wines have sold out. If you are looking for an excuse to start a tasting group, this is it. Whip out The Prince In His Caves and you will undoubtedly be the toast of your tasting.
{Images: Ian Allen for the NY Times and The Scholium Project}
For further reading on Abe Schoener and the Project, check out Robert Draper’s article here.
Greetings from the land of the cherry blossoms. The blooms are about to burst into their little cotton candy puffs and dot the nations’s capital in a sea of pink. What could be better? All these pops of pink call for a pop of pink Champagne. I might have to bust out the Billecart-Salmon rosé in honor of the blossoms and my mom’s wedding reception this weekend. We are off to fête with the fam Texas style in a hoedown to celebrate my mom’s recent nuptials to her longtime sweetheart. Should be fun minus the plane rides with the bebes. Now that they are so squirmy, I’m more than a little nervous to travel with them. If you have any tips, please send them my way.
Here’s a fun post of David Lebovitz’s recent jaunt to Champagne- pretty sweet to be invited by Veuve Clicquot to Reims for a food and bubble-filled weekend- a swoonful read.
A pretty pink pairing for these pretty pink blossoms:
NV Billecart-Salmon Rosé Brut: this one definitely makes my top 5 Champagne list. I’m usually partial to a vintage Champagne if I’m going to go there, but this one always delivers. Mostly Chardonnay, some swear that’s the secret to this blend, but there are many factors at play here. The chalky terroir, the complexity of its notes, the meticulous winemaking, the list goes on. It’s rich and complex with a fine mousse and smoky flavors, bright berries and chalk. Pretty close to perfect. $74.95 at Crush.
Cin Cin! What are you up to this weekend?
{Images: Cherry Blossoms: Andrew Bossi and Smoke Art: Graham Jeffrey}
Amy Azzarito is a girl who knows how to mix it up. A former librarian, bookbinder, screenwriter, P.A., blogger and now managing editor of Design Sponge with degrees in library science, journalism and decorative arts, she’s a bit of a Renaissance woman. She can add author to the list as this past month she released Past & Present, an ode to 24 of her favorite moments in decorative arts history and the 24 DIY modern design projects inspired by them. Cool.
She not only writes about decorative arts in modern design trends, but she lives it. I spied her apartment in the Times this morning chock full of quirky little DIY trimmings and artful collections. I love her mix of the old and new and especially her thoughtful pops of pink throughout her charcoal home. She repurposed her bedside lamp from an antique chandelier, added super cool leather straps to her kitchen cabinets and created arches to add character to her IKEA bookshelves. I really love this home, it’s modern, eclectic and inventive. Read the Times feature on Amy here and Amy’s own post loaded with design details here.
I would pair this hot pink Puglian with this apartment:
2011 Kreos Castello Monaci Rosato: a delicious Italian rosé to match Amy’s ancestry and apartment, not to mention- it’s delicious. Imported by Frederick Wildman, this wine is a blend of mostly Negroamaro (90%) and Malvasia di Lecce. From the rosato region of Italy, this wine comes from the sunbaked clay and limestone Puglian earth and looks like an Italian summer sunset. It is fresh and clean with hints of crushed red berries and a bit of spice making it a great match for Middle Eastern food. $12.99. Cin Cin!
{Images by Bruce Buck for the NYTimes and Design Sponge}
Anthropologie’s Poisson Paillette Peep-Toe flats. Because I know I will wear these every friggin’ day and I’m a sucker for anything metallic- the best neutral.
Springtime in Paris- ooh la la. A darling little mini globe of Paris so a girl can spin while she dreams. Perfect for the bebes’ room.
Smadar Shani’s silver basket bags. This Israeli designer has a way with brushed silver and leather.
Trader Joe’s sells this Blason de Bourgogne rosé brut cremant for 12 bucks and it’s delicious. Fizzy, bright, rosy and like a mouthful of strawberries- you can’t go wrong.
I just ordered this book because who doesn’t want to eat where the pros go? Just another indulgence for my everlasting list making.
I’ve been looking for a great affordable gold cuff for this season. I love a constellation- sold.
I’d love to hear what’s on your wish list for spring.
Dear Spring, Are you really here? Please say yes. We are gearing up for our very first egg hunt with an outing to a local farm on Sunday. I can’t wait to see the bebes with the little spring farm animals. Should be a fun weekend and the forecast here calls for blue skies- we’ll see how it shakes out as Punxsutawney Phil was clearly trying to pull a fast one on us.
A Few Fun Easterly Things
-Thomson’s seersucker pin striped blazer with matching shorts at Pink Olive.
-Dad’s skinny minty tie, an Etsy find.
-My Peacekeeper’s “Paint Me Content” natural lipstick- this is the most flattering color for fair to medium skin-toned women. I pretty much wear this everyday. I originally found it at ABC Home and they have since sold out, available at the company’s website.
-Felt Easter baskets found at Whole Foods.
-Gigi’s ballet flats- another Etsy find.
-My go-to yucky stuff-free Tarte foundation with SPF 15 for the hopefully sunny weekend- love this stuff.
-Gigi’s Tulip Clips- aren’t these adorable- and spring appropriate. Hello Shisho.
-My Colorcycle Tote from Anthropologie. I love this thing. I throw diapers, wipes, pacis and my laptop in, and I’m good to go.
-My Punchy Pink Chewbeads for the teething bebes.
-Portrait of a spring lamb by Sharon Montrose at The Animal Print Shop- amazingly cute baby animal portraits- so adorable for a nursery.
What I’m Cooking for Easter Dinner:
Yields: 2 servings
How You Make It:
Seared Sea Scallops
1. Over medium heat, add a small pat of Irish butter to the pan.
2. Add scallops (6-8 for 2 people), season with salt and pepper and quickly sear on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes tops.
3. Take off the heat and allow scallops to cook off heat for 5 minutes. They will cook through.
4. Add pan back to medium heat and throw in a splash of white wine with the juice of a lemon. Allow to come to a boil, take off the heat and drizzle over scallops.
Salted Arugula Salad
1. Throw a large handful of washed and dryed arugula into a mixing bowl.
2. Salt the leaves with a few pinches of sea salt and work through.
*The key to your salted salad- add the salt before the olive oil so that it will stick to the leaves. This little tip courtesy of famed Italian cookbook author, Marcella Hazan.
3. Add in a handful of pine nuts, sliced avocado and a few fresh mozzarella balls.
4. Season with fresh black pepper.
5. Squeeze the juice of a small lemon over the greens.
6. Drizzle olive oil to taste over the salad and toss.
Voila- a super easy and tasty meal.
If I’m super ambitious, I’ll make this for dessert, a Cornmeal-Almond Cake with Mascarpone and Strawberries- kind of perfect for Easter. Not exactly great for the calorie counting that I’ve been trying to do, but hey- it’s a holiday!
What I’m Sipping with Easter Dinner:
Kermit Lynch’s 2009 Clos Ste. Magdeleine Cassis Blanc
Mostly Marsanne, this white tastes of the sea air as it is made literally on the coast of Southern France in Cassis- a perfect pairing with seafood. I visited the winery last summer, talk about La Belle Vie- Wowzers. This place is the stuff of dreams churning out the nectar of the Gods.
Cin Cin and Happy Easter! How will you celebrate this weekend?
I recently had a delicious dark glass of fizzy Opera 02 Lambrusco with my mushroom burger and fries at Sonoma in Capitol Hill. Delish. Seriously delish. Sonoma is known for its impressive Italian wine list so some may scoff at my choice of its red bubbles. Lambrusco has gotten a bad rap in the past and I have written about it here before so let’s just move on and get with the program. There are lots of delicious old school lambruscos now being imported to the US for our drinking pleasure. It’s a fantastic pizza/burger/bbq wine, it’s rustic, it’s earthy, it’s bold with lots of ripe red fruit, a touch of floral if you’re lucky, and it fizzes. I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t like a well made lambrusco.
This one is divine. I found it at Planet Wine, one of my favorite local wine shops, for $16. Even better. Cin Cin ragazzi.
It’s still a little chilly here on the east coast to feel much like spring but I’m off to tackle some spring cleaning in the spirit of the season. My friend and Volatizing’s Clever Girl, Natalia sent me Jessica Alba’s new book, The Honest Life and I’ve been thumbing through it this week for some toxin-free inspiration (so has Gigi, above). I read Healthy Child, Healthy Worlda few years ago and it set me on a new path to clean living. It is a bit overwhelming though. I have to admit that after reading it, I was a little panicked about the level of toxins in our everyday environment and my lack of control over it. I think her take is a more simplified and easier to digest version. Kudos to her for having the courage of her convictions to create The Honest Company and spread the knowledge.
Each month we receive our little cleaning bundle full of honest goodies, which I LOVE- especially the shampoo/soap and the laundry pods. Her partner, Christopher Gavigan, is the former CEO of Healthy Child, Healthy World so that adds some serious street cred to the mix. She comes across very real and cool in her book and has filled it with some great recipes, diy makeup and style tips to boot. Sure life’s a bowl of biodynamic pesticide free cherries when you’re a movie star, but it’s actually not so hard to make a few adjustments and live a little cleaner. We’re not exactly camera ready in this house as clearly illustrated above and while our home doesn’t look like Miss Alba’s on an ordinary day, and I lament that I will never be as organized as her, her book is still chock full of great insight. I recommend.
P.P.S.: We’re drinking rosé full tilt right about now whether spring is here or not. We popped open this bottle tonight, one I had been saving since a trip to Provence two summers ago. While there, we toured a few small wineries in Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Chateauneuf du Pape with Olivier Hickman, a British expat now making his home and living as a winemaker in the Rhone Valley. If you find yourself in the Southern Rhone, I highly recommend Olivier as a guide for a fun and inspired day of wine tasting. Back to the wine at hand- my glass was a deep strawberry, ruby red with bright red fruit and beautiful herbal notes of wild garrigue with a grounded earthiness. Not to be a tease but this bottle is not available in the states. Michael Skurnik imports Domaine la Garrigue’s wines but not this one. A crime since it is absolutely heavenly.
What are you up to this weekend? What will you be imbibing to celebrate spring? Enjoy and Cin Cin!
I’m switching up my bubble routine with the Steininger Riesling Sekt- Y.U.M. From the Kamptal region in Austria, this is a dry, bubbly riesling with 5g of residual sugar- just enough to keep it interesting. This sparkler was like drinking a refined glass of hard candy and pears with lively acidity and a delicate mousse. Light bodied, this wine would be killer with scrambled eggs but we just drank on its own- so refreshing. I picked it up at Le Tastevin, a local wine shop here in Alexandria for $27- a great value for such deliciousness.
Does this look like fun or what? I love Austin. Any town that knows how to string a strand of lights to optimal effect is ok in my book. I count myself lucky to have family that lives in Austin, which gives me a great excuse to visit and often. I’ve put together a spanktacular list of great things to do with the help of my co-contributor and Austin local, Lauren Crandall aka my sister-in-law and girl about town. She knows the dealio and is always the first to know about the next great place.
Austin’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird”- although these days you’re more likely to spot a bumper sticker that read “Austin Sucks”. Not to worry- the locals have not turned on their beloved hometown, just trying to deflect the rest of the world that seems to finally have caught on. With Apple moving its headquarters to the capital city, it’s hard to imagine how this town can really maintain its quirk. But knowing the Texans- especially the Austinites- they’ll do their damnedest.
Stay@: San Jose Hotel
Nosh@: La Condessa
Dance@: Barbarella’s
Moviego@: Alamo Drafthouse
Play@: Barton Springs
Eat@: Uchi
Swirl@: Apothecary
Listen@: East Side Showroom
Shop@: Feathers
Chill@: Thunderbird
More on these to follow. Now, let’s get down to brass tacks and talk turkey.
Look out San Fran and Brooklyn, Austin has turned foodie. It’s been in the works for over the last 10 years but Austin now hosts a bevy of establishments to rival the top foodie towns, USA.
Downtown:
Congress: fancy pants prix-fixe dining with both a three and seven course tasting menu offered. Upscale all around.
Counter Cafe: I love this place. A great little diner with a modern vibe, saddle up to the counter and order one of Austin’s best burgers or the very yummy grilled pimiento cheese sandwich. The sweet potato fries are delish too. Walk across the street to take in a real live… wait for it- BOOK STORE. BookPeople is a great local bookstore if you can believe it with recommendations from real live people that work there. I don’t know how much more time they have, so take it in while you can.
Hula Hut: kid-friendly Tiki-tastic Mexican surfer food and right on the water, makes sense to me.
Justine’s Brasserie: I ate at Justine’s about 2 years ago and fell in love with it. An old East Side Austin house housing a record player turning out a crackly Edith Piaf, delicious French bistro food and wine all under a few lovely strands of lights. Ok, it’s pretty hipsterish, very Fort Greene circa 2007, but in a really good way. They could bump up their wine list a bit to the discerning French vin drinker but there’s plenty to pick from especially from the Languedoc which is right on for a place like Justine’s. I dig it.
La Condessa: this place just rocks out the traditional Mexican food with a ridiculous tequila list. Everybody loves this place. Just go.
Lambert’s: fancy downtown delicious bbq, great digs in an old warehouse.
Swift’s Attic: another small plates farm to table phenomenon. Serving up delicious eats and promoting the “Creative, Whimsical, and Delicious” with an interesting wine list to boot, this is the kind of place you’d like to find yourself any night of the week.
North Austin:
Hillside Farmacy: so charming. One stop-shopping- an eatery and grocery in one. Get your farm fresh eggs on the table and a pork chop cut to go. And down a few oysters while you’re at it, they have a great raw bar.
Olive & June: a small plate and sophisticated Italian spot in Rosedale, a very local ‘hood just north of downtown. Yum. (pictured above)
Tacodeli: excellent tacos and that’s saying a lot in Texas. Get there early though, they close at 3pm.
Uchiko: Japanese Farmhouse dining presented to you by one of Austin’s finest and James Beard award winner Tyson Cole. ’nuff said.
South Austin:
Barley Swine: one of last year’s best new chefs, Bryce Gilmore reigns king in this kitchen. A small plates style establishment serving up local fare, this place does it right with a great wine list, craft beers and tasty food. I love that their website bios everyone from the chef and owner to the cooks.
Elizabeth Street Cafe: Noodles, Bahn Mi, Boulangerie- does it get better? An idyllic little place serving up delicious French Vietnamese fare. I will be hitting this place up on my next visit.
Lenoir: a tuned up French restaurant aiming for the local clientele run by chef power couple Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher. The space has a very global and organic feel- very ABC Kitchen- and anyone that puts a sparkling Gamay on the list is ok in my book.
Maudie’s: a self-proclaimed Tex-Mex heaven. Good stuff- if that’s what you’re looking for, this is where you should be.
Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar: One of the best patios in town to while away your day. Savor a few fresh oysters and some crispy Texas Gulf snapper, then wash it all down with a Simonnet-Fevbre Brut Rosé by the glass. Yumminess ensues.
South Congress Cafe: a good go to spot for brunch where it is served daily. A mainstay, this place takes diner dining to new heights. Right on the main drag in South Austin.
Sway: Recently opened from the La Condessa kids, I just tried this place this past December. Ridiculously delicious authentic yet modern Thai that really has that Texas kick to it. My tastebuds always have to readjust when I land in the Lone Star State and this place is no exception. So tasty, so stylish and so friendly- I even saw a couple of car seats in this stylish joint.
Uchi: the fancier version of Uchiko with contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Food Trucks and Trailers and Airstreams- Oh My!
This town is chock full of them giving Portland a run for its money. Here are a few standouts:
East Side King: Top Chef Texas winner Paul Qui’s food truck empire on Austin’s East Side. This guy is on a roll- from Uchiko to East Side King to the soon to be opened Qui, you know you want to check out his food. Grab yourself a flip happy crepe.
Gordough’s: donuts that are not to be believed- this truck is Paula Deen’s dream. The Mother Clucker is somehow a donut with fried chicken strips and honey butter icing. I don’t even get it. If you go, let me know what you think.
G’raj Mahal Cafe: As Lauren puts it, “absurdly delicious Indian” and she’s tough, so this one’s a must.
Hey Cupcake!: that adorable airstream with the pink cupcake on top (see top image). How can you pass this place up, it’s just so cute.
Cocktails & Libations:
Bar Ilegal: (above) is a quiet respite from the notoriously douchey Rainey Street bars. Step inside and may the douchiness disappear as you savor the all-Mezcal menu. A sipper’s paradise. The cantina style stone building will make you feel like John Wayne saddling up to the bar in a John Ford western. Who doesn’t love that.
Bar Congress: this marble topped bar serves up an excellent cocktail list by some of the city’s top ‘tenders, it’s swanky too.
Easy Tiger: fun, laughs, good times- name that musical. A quirky beer garden with a retro personality and obscure wine and beer picks right along Walnut Creek- pretty.
Lala’s: a complete hole decorated in Christmas lights year round, with a fair amount of Hobbit spotting (aka Elijah digs it).
Midnight Cowboy: an old brothel, the original sign reads “Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage” (Modeling… really guys- just who did you think you were fooling?), this place is now a swankadoo speakeasy with killer cocktails. With a checkered past, you know this place still maintains its intrigue when its home page reads, “please refrain from excessive displays of public affection and unwelcome advances towards members of other parties.” It must get crazy up in there. Reservations required via their website.
Peche: with over 10 different Absinthe infused cocktails, this place is a mixologist’s delight. Pony up to the bar where you can indulge in their delicious bar menu alongside one of those lip smacking cocktails.
Vino:
Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar: swirl it up in this darling north Austin spot where they take great pride in their rotating wine list and they should, it’s a good one. It would be tough to stay away from the Pierre Peters grower champagne, but there are lots of wonderful old and new world bottles.
Aviary Lounge and Home Decor: unique and very Austin, this South Austin spot is actually a home decor store with a cute little wine bar and a killer wine list as an added bonus. I love it- the good things in life. The couple who owns Aviary were just written up in Apartment Therapy for their chic style. See their home tour here.
Red Room Wine Lounge: An Austin sommelier’s home away from home. This is where the pros go- need I say more? Bill Elsey, Texas’ Sommelier of the Year 2011 is behind the bar to guide your tastebuds and impart some of his vast knowledge. No food, no beer, no cocktails. Just vino. I like it.
Vino Vino: one of my favorite wine bloggers, Jeremy Parzen of DoBianchi, regularly leads tasting events at this local oenophile’s fave. That’s kind of reason enough for me to patronize this place, I’m sold. My brother and sister-in-law annually attend their sparkling fest every December and are big fans.
Wink: specializing in old world wines with over 45 wines by the glass, Wink Wine Bar is a cozy little spot behind the noteworthy restaurant. Kick back with a great glass and food from Wink in a more relaxed environment.
Taste:
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop: ok, so I’m still talking about eating but this is another great little cheese shop in North Austin offering a plethora of great cheese classes. If you find yourself with some time and a curiosity for camembert, this is your place.
Whole Foods: stop in to see the 80,000 square foot flagship store downtown. Most locals I know prefer Central Market but it’s still fun to peruse.
Chill:
Jo’s Coffee: this place is sort of what I pictured Austin looking like. Truthfully I think it may host more out of towners as the South Congress locale is adjacent to the Hotel San Jose but it’s still pretty fun to sit at the outdoor counter, read your iPad (I dare you to bust out a paper) and take in your cup of joe.
Thunderbird Coffee: I dig this place too. Relax with a latte or a Lone Star and take in the neighborhood. Two locations.
Romp:
Barton Springs: jump into this natural spring fed pool. If you’re there on a full moon, join the rest of the werewolves as they howl at the moon for a night swim every full moon at 9pm.
Lake Travis: cannonball into the teal waters of Lake Travis. Limestone lines the bottom of the lake so the water is an unbelievably pretty color- just like the Barton Springs pool. Rent a boat, a canoe, fish or just take a dip.
Zilker Park: hike, bike, canoe or ride the tiny train in this pretty park.
Moviego:
The Alamo Drafthouse: the most badass movie theater you’ve ever been to, in the traditional sense- we’re not talking about viewings of La Dolce Vita projected onto an Italian villa here- we’re talking about good old-fashioned moviegoing. You can never go back to your regular AMC again after experiencing the magic that is the Alamo Drafthouse. Stadium seating rocks it out, the food is really good and they feature craft beers, cocktails and a really good wine list. They also just get it. These guys know what they’re doing and who they’re catering to- a nostalgia-obsessed culture. When the new Die Hard movie is released, they know how to kick it old school and throw it back to 1988 with a screening of the original to get everyone psyched, no matter how bad the new one is. They show Roman Holiday alongside new releases, host 80s sing alongs and the best part- you get kicked out for talking. I like these guys. Thankfully they plan on taking over the world. An Alamo draft house is scheduled to open near DC this spring.
Shop:
Allens Boots: this is a must. Aisles and miles of beautiful cowboy boots right on South Congress.
Feathers Boutique: I try to stop in every time I’m in Austin. The buyers are fantastic, you can find a kickass vintage Oscar de la Renta silk top next to some vintage Nacona boots.
Parts & Labour: exclusively Lone-Star state produced goods, but of course.
Roadhouse Relics: if you’re a fan of signage, you’ll love this gallery where neon artist Todd Sanders shows and sells his fluorescent creations.
Shiki: 2nd Street has become the go to place for boutique shopping in Austin. Shiki was one of the first to open its doors there and a great place to pick up a cool clutch or shop up and coming designers.
Uncommon Objects: an expertly curated antique goods store- don’t miss this spot. Curiosities galore.
Listen:
The Continental Club: swing, rockabilly, country- the usual suspects- pack the house in this swingin’ club retrofitted to its 1957 roots.
East Side Showroom: take in the accordion, a steel guitar, the Flying Balalaika Brothers, a tango milonga and a Japanese cocktail at this east side haunt. Surprised by any of this? At this point, it all just seems normal.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q: Nick Cave, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Fall Out Boy- the big guys play this beer and bbq venue with a Sunday Gospel brunch to boot.
Kick Up Your Heels:
Barbarella’s: if you really want to dance it out nightclub style, this is your place. Mostly college students, but if the urge to dance the night away strikes you, you know where to go.
Donn’s Depot: a piano bar and saloon housed in an old train depot with 2 dance floors and a blackjack table just for the fun. This place is the deal. You’ll find a real mix of Austinites in this place.
Stay in a souped up Airstream: Soak up Austin in all its retro glory by renting the above airstream via airbnb.com for $65/night. Looks pretty cool and would definitely be memorable.
Hotel San Jose: do as the hipsters do and stay at the San Jose. This place really is cool and couldn’t be better located for your stay, right on the main drag in South Austin. The interiors and grounds are inspired. Rooms are decked out with cowhide rugs, mid-century furnishings and prints of rock legends. From $175 for a shared bathroom Euro style.
The Driskill: go old school and stay in this landmarked beauty. Built in 1886, this beauty has been fully restored and is now one of the Historic Hotels of America. Right downtown Austin, this hotel adds a little vintage luxe to your visit. From $259
W Austin: it’s a W. We all know what those are. Modern and fun, this one is right downtown in a great location with a swanky pool. This would be a great stay albeit pricey. From $429.
Four Seasons Austin: blow it out and stay at the Four Seasons. Also smack in the middle of downtown Austin. From $459.
If you are traveling with kids or just prefer a cozy stay with a kitchen, both airbnb.com and homeaway.com offer some fantastic home rentals. Austin is chock full of darling 1920s and 30s bungalows that have been tricked out and filled with smart furnishings perfect for a comfy stay.
Festival Town U.S.A.
Austin is always hosting some sort of festival. Austin City Limits (above) and SXSW are the biggies and there are plenty more. They’ve got a kite festival, a hot sauce festival, a reggae festival, a crawfish festival and Food & Wine has even set up shop with an annual gustatory festival every April. If you’re planning your getaway around one, do so early- accommodations book up fast.
Excursion
And lastly for the vino inclined who didn’t get enough in Austin proper, there’s an excursion to Hill Country where they’re churning out some awfully good wines. The heart of Texas Hill Country’s Wine Country is Fredericksburg, a charming little town. It’s a 70 mile drive from downtown so you could stay the night or just come out for the day.
4.0 Cellars: a newly opened collaboration between three excellent winemakers- Brennan Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery, and McPherson Cellars. In a modern and beautiful Texas limestone space, you can taste up to 5 pours from each label. Located in Fredericksburg, they also host live music on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Newly opened and named as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Places to Drink in 2012.
That should do it. Please leave your comments with your top Austin picks- I’d love to hear from you.
Yippee-Kay-Yay and Cin Cin!
{Images: Hello Cupcake: travelmuse.com, Barbarella: Xgray/flickr Alamo Drafthouse: Raquel Hill Design/flickr, Lake Travis: Kevin Vandivier, Uchi: ThatFoodieGirl.com, East Side Showroom: thehealthyirishman/flickriver, The Continental Club: Brett Harned/flickr}
Former showgirl, forever travel junkie, sometime sommelier, and mom to twin bebes. This little blog is a mixed bag of tasting notes, travels, tales of motherhood, and current musings. Thank you for stopping by. Cin Cin! (photo by Amy Dickerson for Anthology Magazine)
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