I’ve recovered from my first SXSW in Austin! If you’re not familiar with SXSW, it’s a 10 day interactive, film, and music festival that invades Austin every year. It’s overwhelming, but awesome! I’m going to share a few posts with you about my experiences. I didn’t buy a badge for SXSW, but there are plenty and I mean PLENTY of free events to get into!
One of my first ventures out was for the Food Crawl organized by Jane.
It was a drizzly day, but that wasn’t going to stop people looking for cheap eats! After helping hand out wristbands at the Long Center, Mary Helen, Meredith & I (and our new friends) headed over to Kenichi for sushi.
I had the Maguro “Yakiniku”-Zuke (Korean style BBQ marinated tuna, avocado, crispy garlic, asian pear) and the Pork Belly Kushiyaki (sesame mizuna, teriyaki).
Soon after, it was time to move the party of to Hickory Street for Hormel’s Bacon Takedown!
I’d heard about this event from other bloggers. Christy & Elizabeth are two of my blogging friends who were also judges! There were 15 entries with creative & tasty uses of bacon. The contestants had to make ample amounts for the crowd to try too! I mean, I wasn’t there just to look & smell bacon….I need to EAT some bacon!!
Slaw P Bacon entry
An array of bacon samples that I devoured….including bacon gumbo & cabbage bacon rolls.
Drunken Crusty Pigdough….what??! Cookie dough & bacon….the judges were a fan of this entry.
Bacon Scotch Eggs…loved the look of this one and the flavor of the mustard.
My overall favorite was the Bleu Bacodilla entry. You can find pictures and recipes here.
After the Bacon Takedown, I convinced Mary Helen & Meredith to come with me to the Intercontinental Hotel bar for a drink. It’s right next to the Paramount Theatre where Paul Rudd was screening his new movie. I thought that maybe we’d eye spy a celeb in the hotel bar. No such luck…but it gave me a chance to charge up my cell phone.
SXSW tip: you MUST bring your cell phone charger with you! SXSW is tech overload and you will be on Twitter constantly checking for updates on free events, etc. So, you’ll want that charger on hand!
While on the hotel balcony, the girls saw the Jeni’s ice cream truck and flipped out! I mean, seriously, they were excited! And thanks to Twitter, we learned that they were going to the Royal Blue Grocery store that was less than a block from us.
I opted for the salty caramel!
We finally decided to make our way back to our cars. But along the way, we learned that there was free food and an open bar at the Bing lounge. Hey, might as well stop by….:) It was PACKED in there. People love free food & alcohol. We made our way up to the 3rd floor, fought through the crowd…and got a free Coolhaus ice cream sandwich! Yay for more ice cream! It was my first Coolhaus experience and it was worth making my way through drunk people! But it wasn’t worth trying to capture a photo in a crowd like that!
We devoured our ice cream sandwiches and were outta there!! So it was a solid first day of SXSW’ing—-bacon & ice cream!
More to come with my other adventures!!
In November, one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world, Sarah, came to visit. Sarah did a little research online first and asked if we could go to La Condesa for dinner her first night in town. Far be it from me to say no to tacos, guac, and beer!
I asked Sarah…..will you get up and stand in line at 9:30 am to eat BBQ with me tomorrow? Sarah said yes, of course. Yesssssssss!!
I finally got to try Franklin Barbecue!
Franklin’s is known for having some of the best brisket in the country. Just ask Anthony Bourdain. It was delicious, but I liked the ribs even better.
After devouring some meat, we headed off the duck tour of Austin. I don’t think Sarah blew her duck whistle once. But I made up for it for the both of us.
The State Capitol building
Lake Austin
During Sarah’s visit, we also took in two concerts. We saw Snow Patrol (great concert!) at Austin Music Hall and Counting Crows at Stubb’s.
I was very nervous for Snow Patrol as I’d read bad reviews about Austin Music Hall. So maybe the reviewers were whiny….or the hall was improved…or both, but I really enjoyed the venue!! The only downfall is that since it’s near condos/apartments, they have to stop concerts at 10 pm. I wish that Snow Patrol could have played longer.
Our other adventure during Sarah’s visit was the Austin Eats Food Tour. I’d been wanting to try the downtown Austin tour for awhile and had a Groupon to boot! The tour met on a Saturday morning the Republic Park farmers’ market.
Our stops on the food tour:
1. Dai Due Butcher Shop
2. Tacodeli
3. Hut’s Hamburgers
4. Haddington’s–I’d already been to Haddington’s twice before, but this was my first time trying a Moscow Mule! Loooooooove!!
5. Walton’s Fancy and Staple — The shortbread cookies are so good!
6. Frank’s
For Sarah’s last day in Austin, I suggested a Sunday Funday of brunch and bar hopping! We had brunch at Bess Bistro (otherwise known as Sandra Bullock’s restaurant–as is Walton’s). Then we headed over to Kung Fu Saloon and met up with with my friend, Brandi, and her hubs.
To end on a killer high note, Sarah and I had dinner at Uchi. Oh Uchi….I love thee!! Uchi, you are way better than Uchiko (sorry, Paul Qui). If you’re in Austin and you love sushi, you must go to Uchi. Go early (happy hour prices), get the shag roll, get the maguro sashimi and goat cheese…thank me later!
Sarah, I hope you come again in 2013!! Maybe for a little ACL concert action!
Over Columbus Day weekend, my friend, Kelly, came to visit me from Charlotte.
(Yes, Columbus Day weekend….one of my New Year’s resolutions is to be more timely with my blogging!)
Kelly was my first friend to visit, so I was stoked! I gave her the option of day tripping to San Antonio or to Fredericksburg to go to the wineries. I was thrilled when she chose Fredericksburg!
In addition to touring wineries, we also ate at Torchy’s, shopped on South Congress, went on a tour of the city, had drinks at the Driskill, and went to the movies to see Pitch Perfect.
Cheers! Having oyster shooters at Perla’s.
Pork belly “sushi” at Uchiko. Nom nom nom!!
On our way to tour the barrel room at the Grape Creek Vineyards.
Can I climb in and take a swim?
We also visited Four Point Cellars, William Chris Vineyards, and Woodrose Winery.
Brunch at Matt’s El Rancho
Always get the Bob Armstrong dip!
Banana Pudding with Rum Sauce at 1886 Cafe & Bakery
My only regret during Kelly’s visit was wearing new shoes that ended up cutting into my ankle her last afternoon in town. I hated being a grumpy hostess for the last few hours that we hobbled around. Hopefully I will lure her back with more wine!
For Christmas this year, I stayed in Austin. My parents came down to spend the holiday with me and my aunts & uncles.
Haley loves visitors!
Family brunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe. Everyone loved it!
My aunt & uncle at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Every arts & crafts fair should have a live band!
Shopping at the Domain
Dad & I taking a break from shopping to sit outside & enjoy a beer.
Love this new dish towel that my aunt Ann got me!
My Dad asked if we were going to have our breakfast date at Whole Foods to get coffee and a muffin like when they visited this summer. Yes yes! A new tradition! 
Brunch at Magnolia Cafe
I made Christmas Eve spaghetti & meatballs!
New owl nightlight lamp from my parents! My owl obsession is going strong!
My cousin Kristy has had a great 2012….getting fit! I’m so jealous proud of her!
My cousin-in-law makes a great turkey!
Mom & Ann
I made fudge for the first time!
Thanks again Mom & Dad for making the long drive down to spend Christmas with me. But next year…leave the flu at home.
Shortly after I got back from Cleveland, I was off to Omaha to spend the weekend with my BFF Chris. I wanted to visit Chris in Omaha before he moved (back to Charlotte). And it didn’t hurt that Bryan Adams was in town for an acoustic concert. I love me some BA!!
It was a weekend filled with food, drink, shopping, and music. My favorites things! We checked out DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar, The Zin Room (yum!), and Upstream Brewing Company. I know we also went to an Irish bar that was in a basement and it kind of freaked me out…like I could see a random fight breaking out at any moment! So, it must have been an authentic Irish bar. 
Chris lived right by the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which is also known as the Iowa/Nebraska bridge. I loved this bridge and part of town. This was the view from Chris’ balcony. Of course, I made him walk the bridge with me. Wait, I’m in Iowa…no I’m in Nebraska!
After our walk, we went to Aksarben Village to walk around the art festival. Aksarben = Nebraska spelled backwards…Google is a wonderful thing. The first thing on my agenda though was coffee!
I was immediately drawn to Jones Bros. Cupcakes. This place was a-jumpin’ too!
My favorite piece from the art festival.
My favorite stop in the Aksarben Village was by far the Luvbird Boutique. It was so cute!! I could have done a lot more damage in that store.
After trying & failing to get donuts on Saturday night, I still had donuts on the brain come Monday morning. So immediately after Chris got up on Monday morning, I said…let’s go get donuts!!
My last day in Omaha was spent shopping and gambling at the casino. We didn’t win any money. :/
Happy Hour at Roja Mexican Grill before the concert
En route to the concert
6th row for the concert! It was a great show…acoustic is the way to see Bryan Adams. It was my 3rd time seeing him and the best yet. And can’t wait to visit Chris again in Charlotte this time in 2013!
With this being election day and Ohio being a battleground state, it reminded me… I never blogged about my trip to Cleveland! I went to Cleveland in September for a work trip. I came to town 2 days early to meet up with friends.
There was beautiful weather when I visited! I couldn’t get enough of the sky!
The night I arrived, I met up with Anita, Amy, and Angie for dinner and drinks at Paladar. If you’re a mojito fan, you’ll enjoy Paladar.
The next day, I put on my tourist hat and hit the town with Angie and her husband, Dave. Angie had told me that we definitely had to have brunch at her favorite place, Lucky’s. Lucky’s is a great, quaint farm-to-table restaurant.
Lucky’s has a small garden on-site. Items not harvested there are from local Ohio farmers.
I couldn’t decide between a hot or cold drink. So I got both…hey, I was on vacation! I had the Hazelnut Mocha Shaker and the Ginger, Peach, and Grape smoothie. They were both fantastic!!!
Omelet with sausage, Ohio sweet corn, and white cheddar…served with strawberry coffee cake on the side. Lucky’s was so delicious! If it were in Austin, I’m sure I’d be there every weekend.
After brunch, we walked around the Tremont area to see the sights and shop.
After walking around for awhile, we headed over to tour the A Christmas Story house!
Angie & I
P.S. I’m short.
Angie & Dave
The infamous leg lamp…..fra-gil-e—-must be French.
Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.
After leaving the A Christmas Story house, we did some more sightseeing downtown. Then we dropped Dave off so he could watch football. Angie and I headed over to Little Italy to explore.
We stopped at Presti’s Bakery for some caffeine and sugar. Yay for chocolate dipped macaroons!
My day of exploring Cleveland ended with dinner at Melt. I was told by several people to go to Melt. A restaurant devoted to grilled cheese!? Yes, please. I love the random Halloween & Easter decor. Even more than the grilled cheese, I was exposed to my first banana bread beer!! I was skeptical of ordering this beer, but SO glad I did! It’s so great. Try it if you haven’t!
I opted for the Big Popper: fresh jalapeño peppers, cheddar & herbed cream cheese, crispy battered & deep fried, mixed berry preserves
Yeah, you’ll want to change into your fat pants after eating this sandwich!! You certainly won’t be able to finish it all in one sitting.
Angie got the Falafel grilled cheese, which was a special item. Dang, I wish that I’d have gotten that one!!
I had a great time in Cleveland and Angie was an awesome tour guide!
And if I’m ever in the market to buy a leg lamp, I know where to go now.
I’d heard great things about South Congress Cafe’s brunch when I first moved to Austin.
Brunch and I are BFF’s since I moved here too.
I was prepared for a wait when I arrived. Good location around fun shops + good food + Austinites in general are BFF’s with brunch = there’s a wait to be seated.
Luckily, I had a Bloody Mary to indulge in during the wait. It was tasty, but kind of pricy! If I recall correctly, it was $8….so I only ordered one.
My first impression of the brunch menu….”Wow, um…can you order any a la carte “normal” items?” No, you can’t. Just go with it & be adventurous. The second time I went to brunch at South Congress Cafe, one of my friends from book club had this deer in headlights look on her face! Be forewarned if you are taking out of town guests here that aren’t foodies.
Both times that I have been to South Congress Cafe, my waiter was fantastic. Great service!! I really wanted to try the Carrot Cake French Toast, but didn’t want it for my whole meal. The waiter said we could order just one piece to share…like an appetizer.
Brillant & tasty idea! I’ll be all over this come fall!
For my entree, I decided on the Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict with the Chipotle Hollandaise.
My food was a bit cold and the eggs were overcooked. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the chipotle Hollandaise. I should have stuck with the regular Eggs Benedict option.
Unpictured: my 2nd time at South Congress Cafe for brunch, I had the lemon and goat cheese pancakes with blueberry compote.
What?! Lemon & goat cheese pancakes??! Yes! They were really good!!! Even my deer-in-headlights friend liked them. :)
South Congress Cafe
1600 South Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704
Monday – Friday, 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday – Sunday, 9 am to 10 pm
I do have a complaint from my 3rd month living in Austin. No, it’s not the heat. I’m a Kansas girl, so I’m used to the heat.
It’s the dang crickets!!! No one forewarned me that crickets come out in vengeance in June! It’s been ri-di-cu-lous! Crickets everywhere! Outside….INSIDE my apartment….INSIDE at work. Supposedly, Austinites are just used to such grossness. I, however, have spent the last few weeks being creeped out and peering around corners wondering if yet another cricket will be in my bathroom. Eww!
Luckily (knock on wood), I’ve only seen about 2-3 crickets a day over the past few days. So, fingers crossed that I won’t have to battle them again for another year!
What Has Julie Been Up to Her 3rd Month in Austin!
1. My parents came to visit me!! It was so great to see them and show them around my new city.
2. Restaurants/Bars I’ve Been To:
Uchiko
Cover 3
Jack Allen’s
Hoover’s
Ten Oak
Eddy V’s
Highball
Opa!
The Broken Spoke
Blind Pig Pub
Amy’s Ice Cream
Polvo’s
Evangeline Cafe
The Salt Lick
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery
Contigo
Little Woodrow’s
Patsy’s Cowgirl Cafe
Magnolia Cafe
La Madeleine
3. New Experiences
Wonderful multi-course dinner at Uchiko called The Dessert Project…benefiting the Austin Food Bank
Google Austin Mac & Cheese Tour — loved!
Took my parents down to San Antonio. It wasn’t new to me, but new to my Dad to check out the Alamo and the Riverwalk.
If you missed Month One and Month Two of Living in Austin, check them out!
**edited March 2013–Haddington’s is now closed.
My friend, Alison, and her boyfriend recently did a road trip down to Austin & San Antonio. I had plans to meet with them for brunch. They asked me where to go. {enter Julie’s mini-panic attack}
Alison’s BF is a big foodie! I’ve never met him before! What if I pick a bad restaurant?! I haven’t lived in Austin long enough to know where to go!
Be grateful you don’t live inside my crazy stream of consciousness.
I went the safe route of naming a few choices and making them pick from those. We settled on brunch at Haddington’s.
I had looked online the night before at the brunch menu. Everyone does that, right? No? I need ample time to review and plan my attack. I couldn’t decide between the fried chicken eggs Benedict, pretzel bread egg sandwich, or the gouda apple omelette.
But I knew two things for sure: $3 mimosas (keep ‘em coming) and the basket o’ donuts.
These “donuts” were more lovely little beignets. I loved the espresso dipping glaze. A great sugary start to brunch. I feel like they should be served in a basket though. Why call them “basket o’ donuts” and then serve them sans basket??
After having popped 2 donuts in my mouth, I figured that I should opt for my lightest brunch entree option.
Gouda apple omelette
Sadly, I had food choice remorse after seeing Kevin & Alison’s food. Kevin got the pretzel bread egg sandwich. it looked SO good and he confirmed it tasted great. Alison got the French toast and a side of bacon. That French toast….wowzers! It was so thick….like angel food cake thick. Which I found out that’s a thing! Yum!!!
My omelette was a bit lackluster. My apple were too crunchy for the omelette and I would have liked more gouda. I will definitely go back to Haddington’s for brunch though. Anyone want to split the pretzel bread egg sandwich and French toast?? :) Mimosas are on me.
Haddington’s
601 W 6th St
Austin, TX 78701
Sat & Sun brunch 11 – 4 pm
Bar/Dinner, Sun – Wed 4 – 1 am, Thurs – Sat 4 – 2 am
When I was visiting Austin last year, I checked out some apartments in the Domain. Although the apartments were too small for me, I had daydreams of living in the Domain. Why yes…I would like to walk across the street to the lovely, upscale, outdoor mall.
Trips up to the Domain will have to suffice for now. One of these trips lead me to have lunch at NoRTH. NoRTH is an Italian restaurant with inviting and modern decor. I enjoyed restaurants where you can fit in whether it’s a business lunch, a taking a shopping break lunch, meet up with your family lunch, or a drink with your girlfriend lunch. I was in the latter camp.
We were seated outside on the patio with ample shade. Our waitress was on top of things the whole meal and very friendly. She did tend to overly example the menu though. She felt the need to example that paninis were pretty much just a sandwich. Ummm thanks for the lightbulb moment.
For lunch, my friend, Carrie, and I split a salad and a pizza.
Calamari, arugula, and grilled lemon salad
We dug into the salad for awhile before I remembered to snap a picture! That’s a sign of good food from a food blogger when you took the picture! The salad was a great way to not feel guilty about really just wanting the fried goodness of calamari. I would advise this salad again to share. I don’t think I’d want it to be my sole entree though.
Eggplant, mushrooms, onions, and smoked mozzarella pizza
The thin pizza dough had the ideal light and crunchy crust. The middle of the thin dough was too weak to stand up to the topping though. I had to resort to eating my pizza with a knife and fork. Good flavor though.
My favorite part of the meal…..
We split a pitcher of sangria. I’m in lust with this sangria.
If anyone wants to sip sangria and daydream that they can freely shop a Neiman Marcus, I’m game.
NoRTH
11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste 124
Austin, TX 78758
Daily 11 am – 10 pm (11 pm Fri – Sat)
