Now is the time of the year, when downtown Austin is overrun with tech lovers, film stars, musicians and the infamous hipsters! If you aren’t partaking in the festivities, you best steer clear of the downtown area. But don’t feel like you have to lock yourself away for two weeks, now is the time to explore different areas of the city – and familiarize yourself with some other Austin ‘hoods.

First neighborhood to explore: Allandale. The Allandale area is Mopac to Burnet and 45^th street to Anderson Lane.  This is a very fast-growing area, and you will find a lot of thirty/forty somethings in this eclectic hood.

Allandale eats:

Jorge’s Restaurant, 2203 Hancock

• Authentic Tex-Mex with margaritas that pack a PUNCH! Sit on the patio and enjoy the view…of the neighborhood fire house

Apothecary Café, 4800 Burnet Road

• It is no secret that the CLINKers heart Apothecary! Great wine selection, fabulous fare and great atmosphere make this place a no-brainer. They just launched a new menu, so go check it out!

Cover 3, 2700 W Anderson Lane

• Great eats in a non-over-the-top-sports bar environment. Great for  the men and their ladies! Menu is awesome!

Allandale fun:

Alamo Drafthouse Village, 2700 W Anderson Lane

• Food, booze and a flick – enough said.

Go Dance, 2525 W Anderson Lane

• Practice your moves with a professional instructor…just in case Dancing With the Stars calls!

Terra Toys, 2438 W Anderson Lane

• This toy store is like walking into Santa’s workshop. Not just for the young, but also for the young at heart!

Allandale drinks:

Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon, 5434 Burnet Road

• Dive bar mecca for Texas Country tunes. Don’t miss chicken shit bingo on Sunday, yes – it is exactly what it sounds like!

Lala’s, 2207 Justin Lane, 2207 Justin Lane

• Lala’s where it is Christmas all year! Great jukebox and cheap drinks!!!

Pour House Pub, 6701 Burnet Road

• Great local hangout, with a little bit of something for everyone!

Tomorrows neighborhood: Hyde Park!

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Was your mother not a “Dance Mom?” Didn’t grow up on the pageant circuit? Never were forced into Cotillion? So, you aren’t what one would call twinkle toes? No worries, you are in the majority, and we can help!

Your first dance as husband and wife can be overwhelming… hundreds of your nearest and dearest silently observing and judging you as you sway to “At Last.” We kid, it’s not that bad!!! It is a magical moment, but why not make it unforgettable by brushing up on your dancing skills?

If you are already a natural dancer, one way to score perfect 10s, is to join a dance group. There are many groups around Austin that specialize in all types of dancing from tango to two-stepping. Join one and burn some serious calories to help get into perfect wedding shape!

Are your dancing shoes covered in dust and only go with bell-bottoms? Or if you just want some one-on-one instruction, dance lessons are the way to go for you. Arthur Murray and Go Dance, both offer group classes and private classes for all levels. They can even choreograph a first dance for you and you can rehearse over and over, so when the emcee announces the new Mr. and Mrs., you are prepared and will wow everyone!

CLINK tip: if you are having fun out on the dance floor, your guests will take notice. So even your moves aren’t like Jagger’s, smile your way through it!

Here’s to the Details!

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If you haven’t been to Fabi + Rosi yet, I feel sorry for your mouth. This is one of the best restaurants in Austin, hands down! It is fine dining that is not only affordable, but inviting and comfortable as well.

Let’s start with the ambiance. Fabi + Rosi took up residence a couple of years ago in the building previously vacated by Zoot. It is an adorable “home” with great black and white décor throughout. White leather tufted banquettes line the walls and vintage framed mirrors in myriad shapes, styles and sizes hang above. There are black and white striped drapes that can be closed and used as a divider to make certain tables private dining areas

Even the bathrooms are adorable! No detail has gone untouched. The glassware, flatware and china are all classic yet perfectly in place. There is a great outdoor courtyard, that has modern furnishings and is perfect to sit in while waiting for a table. Or to dine al fresco on a gorgeous Austin day!

The menu! Holy greatness. The menu changes seasonally and is updated based on customer feedback – you gotta love that. All ingredients are fresh and many come straight from the garden. The nightly specials are inventive and always a hit! My current favorite is the escargot! A must try, even if you have never had escargot. We took a friend there that refused to try the beautiful snails but she sopped up the garlic butter with their great bread and was VERY pleased! The arugula salad with overnight tomatoes is beautiful, colorful and a great starter. If you are a beet fan, you can’t go wrong with the golden beets accompanied with pistachio goat cheese- YUM!!!

For main courses, the ich liebe tiere, which translates into “I love animals,” is amazing!!!! A mushroom strudel, whipped cauliflower and a carrot cardamom puree is the prefect dish. If I were a vegetarian, I would consume this DAILY! The lamb ragout with the savory ravioli is perfect on a cold night and the pan seared scallop with devils on horseback are some of the best scallops in Austin.

Dessert, two words: crack pie. Fabi + Rosi’s crack pie far outshines the crack pie of Momofuku fame. It is butter and sugar greatness in a crust!!! The other offerings are fabulous, but the crack pie is…addictive

Fabi + Rosi is open for dinner every night of the week. Reservations are available before 6:30 and then seating is available on a first come/first serve basis. Welcome to your new favorite place!

CLINKing to Fabi + Rosi!

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