Hi! My name is Linda and I love me a themed party. When I saw that Rebecca was partnering up with the great people of Eat Out In (a restaurant delivery service) hosting a contest for party ideas and the prize being a generous gift certificate to Eat Out In, I was already salivating at the possibilities. As I trolled the many restaurants that Eat Out In services, I saw that Get Sum Dim Sum was an option. Immediately, I was reminded of a handful of my friends who have never had dim sum and knew I wanted to host a “Never Have We Ever” party.

Upon receiving the exciting news that my party idea actually won me the gift certificate, I instantly recruited one of my best friends, Brandi, who had never had dim sum and always says yes to an adventure, as a co-host. We invited a group of girls who had never had dim sum either and started scheming. A few days before the party we were informed that Get Sum Dim Sum was relocating and therefore could not serve the party. We decided to go with the next best thing and chose Bombay Bistro. Though most of our guests had had Indian food, Bombay Bistro is one of my favorite Indian restaurants and was a delicious complement to our party!

We put together a spread of exotic snacks that included mochi desserts, dry squid, shrimp chips, and meal worm cookies!

I’m proud to say that 6 of the 8 attendees were brave and ate the meal worms.

We also had some unique beverages available. Aloe Vera Juice (a favorite!), grass jelly drink, chocolate wine and Rooh Afza (rose flavoring).

We fashioned a photo booth for our guests. (Comment from Rebecca: How cute is this?!)

We had a confessional booth where one could go and make a postcard to send to Post Secret.

We even had a bucket list making station.

We spent the evening trying new snacks and activities. Even with all that fun, we all agreed that the real star of the party was the yummy food!

Thank you to Linda for documenting their Eat Out In ‘Never Have I Ever’ party and for the guest post! A mega THANK YOU to Eat Out In for sponsoring this contest! Take a look at their delivery menus/restaurants here for a fun night in!

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2. Lions, Easy Tiger, & Beers, oh my!
3. Happily Singin' the Blues

Pretzels Scream Out to Me at Easy Tiger

Lions don’t actually fit in with this post, but for purposes of the play-on-words title, it’s a package deal. Or, maybe they do fit in. Easy Tiger, Austin’s newest beerkery (beer + bakery) just opened up after much anticipation and it’s delicately situated amidst the ‘dirty sixth’ jungle. But, it seeks to provide a tasty and unwind-y haven – a place you might go to feel transported to a setting of slower pace. After all, baking bread and brewing beer takes time and craft, both of which this speakeasy-ish spot make you appreciate upon trickling downstairs where you’ll land below ground level. Savory meats, such as mixed sausage sandwiched between thick pretzel bread with creative mustards (think beer + whole grain mustard) are among the bites you might find on the menu. And, who doesn’t just enjoy a classic pretzel? I was fortunate enough to be invited to a pre-opening event, so I only got a glimpse of the full menu spread. But, I did get to talk to owners Chad and Chef Drew Curren (renowned from TV’s Top Chef), who were just beaming with pride and bursting with excitement over the opening. Look how smiley they are below!

Chef Andrew Curren (left) and Owner Chad (right) smile about the opening of their concept, Easy Tiger.

They told us of how they thought of the name, one that signifies a place where you hold your horses, slow down, and forget time for awhile. Of course, once a passing idea in a conversation over a beer, it began to take shape.  The concept lineup includes movers and shakers in the Austin food, beverage, and baking community. Just take a glimpse at the recent CultureMap article for a taste.

Perhaps I’m most excited about the likely late night snacks/dessert to be had here, (those cravings always creep up in the later hours of the evening), unique lunch possibilities, and the grab-n-go freshly baked treats (think baguette/chocolate croissants) available just inside the front door for an early morning downtown breakfast meeting. The location could be a challenge when it comes to parking, but it’s seems worth the walk, whether for breakfast, lunch, or evening bite/beer. Several local beers were available, in addition to wines and cocktails. I’ll report back after a repeat visit.

Don’t forget to stop by to lay low in the beer garten out back. You’ll probably forget you’re only a hop, skip, and a jump from I-35 traffic. We might have to rename the place “crouching tiger, hidden garden”. Sneak away for a treat and retreat at Easy Tiger. You might just see me there! Or maybe not, I may be incognito to truly escape reality.

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Top to Bottom, Left to Right: (1) The Meatball Shop, The Meatball Shop, Comedy Cellar, Victory Garden (2) Levain, Aria Wine Bar, Levain, Zachary's Smile (3) David's Tea, David's Tea, David's Tea, Levain

Okay, okay, I’m wayyy overdue for a blog post. In my unacceptable defense, I was working on a 6 Month Recap video for LocalizeAustin before the end of the year, and then taking my first travel break since I started the company in June…to NYC! I was there to celebrate sister Allyson’s 25th birthday and catch up with some fabulous friends I wish I saw more often. The good news is, now I have more to blog about than time to blog about it! Here are the highlights – okay, just about everything we did moved to the top of my favorites list! I thought twice about blogging about the trip because let’s face it, we can all ask for recommendations from family and friends of what to do in NYC (or in my case, the Austin Food Blogger Alliance), but there are SO many things to do and see that it’s hard to get to them all. Plus, part of the beauty of the city is running into something fabulous while walking the streets while in an empire state of mind. But, these are all worthy of Rebeccammendations, so strongly consider visiting them on your next visit. You’ll thank me!

Meals

The Meatball Shop – Thanks to my friends Molly and Aviva, we received this recommendation at brunch. My response was, “I don’t really eat meatballs”. (Before you jump on me, I don’t eat a lot of red meat, so there’s the explanation). Their response to mine was, “Trust me, think about it.” So, on my last night, the night before Allyson’s birthday, Aviva and I decided to take her here for her official birthday dinner. It was fan-tast-ic, not to mention the obvious humor with their menu terminology. Not only do they have options (meatballs by themselves + sides, mini meatball sliders, sandwiches with either 2 or 3 meatballs, pick your sauce (tomato, pesto, mushroom, and more), they have fabulous fresh and roasted vegetable sides, and fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms.  And, the meatball slider I had was seriously delicious. Tasty, fresh, juicy (I suppose meat eaters use that word as a positive), and just the perfect size. And, of course, their dessert is served in the same format, a ball of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies (you can mix and match). We went to the new location in the West Village.

Aria Wine Bar- Aviva, Lauren, and I went here on my visit a year ago (when our dining neighbors so graciously and tipsily covered our meal), and the food was so fantastic, I insisted we return. This wine bar and Italian bistro in the West Village is just right up my alley. It’s quaint, has twinkle lights lining the outside pathway to the door, I love the long dining bench and the bar. The pasta and Italian dishes are so fresh and tasty. And, when we thought the waiter was pulling our leg when he said people say their Tiramisu is the best in the city, the joke was on us (this should probably go in the dessert section). We were the skeptics, and he was so right. It. was. incredible. The place is so simple and quality, I just have to Rebeccammend it for all that it is and hope you’ll visit or agree with me.Dessert

Levain- All you really need to know about this compact bakery tucked below ground level on the Upper West Side is that it’s chocolate chip cookie was voted the #1 in New York city, and based on Allyson and I’s visit, there’s no contest, no debate, it doesn’t get better than this cookie. Apparently each cookie is baked more than once. The crumb-y, crunchy outside perfectly houses the chewy, gooey, textured inside spotted with candied walnuts. The double chocolate cookie was more like a brownie but also so decadent, it induces speechlessness. It’s oh-so-worth the slightly longer train ride uptown.

Victory Garden- Goat milk softserve? It exists in NYC, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it makes its way to Austin in the next three years (just like fashion) (unless someone has seen it here – I want to hear about it!). There’s finally a way to differentiate the gobs of frozen yogurt shops that have sprung up. And, I sampled the salted caramel (also a trend that I’ve noticed even in ATX, for good reason), and it was delicious, taking on the characteristics, texture, and essence of goat cheese. I’m going to be tracking this hope-its-a-trend.

Entertainment/Shopping

David’s Tea – Allyson and I were walking in the West Village (notice a trend? My favorite NYborhood), and we noticed a tea shop steeping with people on a Saturday evening! We walked in (fun fact: I have a teapot collection and like to explore teas on my travels) and we had a fabulous experience! The white shop felt more like a salon or boutique than a retail store.  The wall behind the salespeople was lined with tin canisters labeled with colorful and creative tea flavors almost in a rainbow like arrangement. The parallel wall included specialty teas, singular packets, and mod teapots and steeping accessories/reusable tea thermoses. We ended up talking to employees Max and an ex-Austinite who still dreams of living here. They told us this Canadian-based tea-gerrific group of stores is often called “the Apple store of teas”. The clean lines, colorful tins, creative flavors scream design, innovation, and quality. I (lover of spice) fell in love with the Chocolate Chile Chai (but their eyebrow-raising flavors even included Lime Gelato!?), which apparently is in high demand and I was “that girl” who took most of the last of it (it’s seasonal). It’s worth a visit to this store. Even if you’re not a tea-lover, even you will want to smell, taste, or buy some.

Comedy Cellar- I’ve been on a comedy kick lately with the arrival of Comedy Radio in Austin (102.7 FM). I realized life is much better when you laugh out loud to yourself in your car and start repeating jokes you heard to people who don’t get it because the comedians are so much funnier. Allyson wanted to go to renowned comedy club: Comedy Cellar. Well-known comedians from late night talk shows and hot new acts frequent the stage. Allyson’s favorite and Mr. Comedypopular right now, Aziz Ansari, tested out some new material for us the night we went! He is pretty hilarious and when he starts singing, you’ll be laughing for sure. We were laughing pretty much from the beginning of the show when the host called Allyson and I “sweet little treats” to the audience. *If you plan to go to Comedy Cellar, reserve the time you want in advance online, the lineups are announced on their website on Thursdays for the weekend and week ahead, and arrive 30 minutes early to wait in line and claim your reservation. Also, note that there’s a 2 purchase minimum in addition to $25/person, but you can purchase 2 bottles of water (per person) – (or a half carafe of sangria like the Otis sisters).

Three Lives & Co. Bookstore- I’m into books lately. If you know me at all, this is a pretty big statement. I’m usually glued to online content when it comes to reading and my mind starts straying from the pages without focus typically, but lately I want a static release, a tangible page that doesn’t jump out at me or have links I have to act on. Even more than books, I’m into independent bookstores these days. We stumbled upon this a-dor-a-ble little bookshop in the … yes, West Village. It was so charming, it reminded me of The Travel Bookshop in the movie Notting Hill, which, as I just looked it up, am sad to learn it is closing even though volunteers are trying to keep it running. It’s so cute and independent and unassuming and I can’t figure out how the books are organized, but they are organized and the shop is just so put together, it just stuck in my  mind as one of those off-the-beaten path, under the radar, winner finds. To you, it may just look like a bookshop, but it caught my eye, and I wanted to turn the page to know more.

Zachary’s Smile- This adorable vintage shop in (ahem) the West Village is another spot Aviva introduced me to last year (where I bought my good luck scarf) and I had to return, bringing Allyson along this time. It’s just a spot-on store, with carefully selected items and fantastic accessories at reasonable prices. It belongs on South Congress – maybe one day they’ll open one in Austin, but then I’d have one less reason to visit New York!

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for a recap of my soon-to-be-had adventures on my first trip to New Orleans!

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Frosty's Cousin

When I received an invite for a Chrismukkah party recently, I first came to terms with the fact that it wouldn’t in fact be held on the beach in the O.C., and then decided to make gingerbread men (and gingersnowmen, and gingercandycanes)! This was a first. I hadn’t made this recipe before but have had a slew of gingerbread kitchen mishaps, like the time I tried to make a true gingerbread house (versus pasting graham crackers on a box with icing), and the recipe called for 9 cups of flour, which doesn’t exactly fit into a regular sized mixer when you add other ingredients. Flour all over the kitchen, recipe fail, and therefore, I resorted to another trip to the store to purchase slice-and-bake ready-made gingerbread dough. Let’s just say the foundation of that house wasn’t the strongest.

This time, the recipe I found turned out to be JUST perfect. Not sticky, not dry, firm, full of flavor, and as Goldilocks says, “juuuuust right” for cookie-cutter-ing. My friend Jess was the perfect co-baker, keeping us on track with measurements and ingredients.

I wish I could find the recipe that inspired me to decorate these gingerbread men and snowmen with gummi strip scarves to give them credit, but I lost it! Actually, that recipe used fruit leather for scarves, but we found sour gummi strips, and they were perfect! We could even fray the end of the scarves to make them more real. Other candies we used for decorations were: Sixlets, Mini M&M’s, sprinkles, and Red Hots. The Sixlets were the most popular and looked the cutest (in my opinion). The awesome $4.50 cookie-cutter set came from Michael’s. We also added black and yellow/red food coloring to the frosting to make the snowmen hats and orange carrot noses. Here’s the another photo and the recipe below! Get baking!

Recipe Modified from Joy of Baking:

Ingredients

• 3 cups (390 grams) all purposeflour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoonbaking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsaltedbutter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated whitesugar
• 1 largeegg
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) unsulphured molasses(To prevent molasses from sticking to the measuring cup, first spray the cup with a non stick vegetable spray.)

Confectioners Frosting:

• 2 cups (230 grams) confectioners sugar(icing or powdered sugar), sifted
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tablespoons milkor light cream

Instructions

Happy Holidays!

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Source: www.eatoutin.com

Aren’t the holidays just full of cheer and smiley people and…crazy drivers?! Even though jolly-day tunes are supposed to be an instant pick-me-up, let’s add even a little more fun to the mix, shall we?

Let’s face it, we Austinites aren’t so fond of the cold weather. Okay, I’m making a generalization but we definitely continue to wear flipflops through the winter (I saw a guy in a sweatshirt and flip flops last weekend), and hey, I wore a tank top last weekend when the weather was actually pretty cold.

So, what is the natural solution? Stay IN! Party INside. Cozy up IN sweats. Make excuses for going OUT. Staying IN to avoid cold weather can still be fun. Like when during my senior year of college, my friends and I avoided the “freeze” by gathering at the house I lived in with two roommates and we played Taboo!, snacked, sipped, and had a big ol’ slumber party. Or, like the Jambalaya n’ Jammies party that we threw a year later as an excuse to eat the southern dish some of us had never had. There were some minor cooking complications but hey, PJ parties are fun, no matter how old you are!

Okay, I’ll stop giving you ideas for what is about to be the biggest and baddest prize I’ve ever given out on TheRebeccammendations. I’ve partnered with Eat Out In, a local food delivery service, to award one lucky winner and the guests of their party with a $250 gift certificate to use at the affiliated restaurant(s) of their choice!

Here’s how it works:

1. Create your own party idea ‘Rebeccammendation’ you want to throw between now and January 1st (can include New Years) designed for at least 3 guests, but the more the merrier!
2. Get creative, go with a theme or pick something unique to celebrate, and think outside the box. I’m looking for the most creative or inspiring party idea! Extra points will be given to entries that base their party idea on the theme of Eat Out In, the service it provides, and its restaurant partners.
3. Email your extravagant, wacky, unheard of, or even simple and elegant party plans to Rebeccammendations@gmail.com by Friday, December 16 at 6 p.m. Your submission must only be included in ONE email and include ALL of the following:
   1. Your First, Last Name, Phone #, City and Zip (+ Twitter handles, blog and website URLs if you have them)
   2. Subject Line: It’s Party Time with Eat Out In!
   3. Description of the party. (Photos, videos, and links of inspiration will be accepted too.) The more descriptive, the better. What will you order from Eat Out In? Who will you invite (not names, I meanfriends, coworkers, relatives, singles ready to mingle)? What will you serve in? What will the music and the decor be like?
   4. Date you will host your party and where. (If at your home or a place of residence, no address needed.)
   5. Up to five sentences explaining why you want to win the Eat Out In party.
4. The winner will be announced on Monday, December 19th via email and social media and you’ll be given instructions on how to redeem your prize.
5. Then, order Eat Out In and throw the party! Take pictures and write a brief overview of how it went and send them to Rebeccammendations@gmail.com. We’ll feature your winning party on ze blog!

*Winner must be an Austin resident to win.

Part II

Let’s give back to the community while we’re scheming party ideas! When I get 50 ReTweets of a Tweet posted by @Rbcammendations about @EatOutIn, AND 50 Likes on the related message on the TheRebeccammendations Facebook page, A $50 gift certificate from Eat Out In will be donated to the Austin Children’s Shelter. AND, I will match that value so their total donation will be worth $100 so they can order in for the kiddos to make their holidays brighter and tastier! Ready? Set, go!

Related posts:

1. Eat Out In Party Winner!
2. Holiday Recipe #3: Hot Chocolate Bar

The holidays are fast approaching (one already came and went), but despite this slow-for-some work season, my workload is steady and seems to be increasing! So, one of my dearest friends and I decided to take a low maintenance and simple vacation that would be low on travel time and cost last weekend. Fredericksburg, at 1 hour and 45 minutes from Austin, was the selected destination. We were inspired by the Rachael Ray Food Network show, $40 a Day, where she travels to new places and spends only $40 a day or less on dining, without skimping on quality or experience. I think I recall learning tips from her travel budgeting like ordering a half sandwich or a smaller version of a dish, ordering combos, or splitting a dish with a buddy. Although we had the show in mind, we weren’t obsessed with spending the least amount possible- instead, we focused on value and the experience we could have at the price we would be paying. Bottom line, our goal was to have fun, while remaining cost-conscious.

I think our original challenge to ourselves was to do Fredericksburg in $300 or less per person, and I’m proud to say we beat it by a lot, including lodging! I thought I’d share my Rebeccammendations with you for a future visit, including what each experience, activity, or meal cost.

*Disclaimer: Shopping/gift costs are not included, even though they only added up to about $100 more. These didn’t necessarily create our experience and would vary by person. I mention this though because their shopping is fun, and is a main attraction along Main Street, especially just before the holidays when window displays are looking their best!

So, here was our trip in a nutshell:

Day 1

• Leave Austin by car at approx. 1 p.m., arrive at Fredericksburg at 2:30 p.m.
• First stop, Gastehaus Schmidt on Main Street (the central bed & breakfast booking office) to pick up keys for our pre-booked bed & breakfast room. (Total room cost: $53.68 per person)
• Next, drop off bags at B&B just off of Main Street and walk to the center of Main Street.
• Late lunch/early dinner at Auslander Biergarten & Grille (Smaller salad of 2 size options: $12.75)- this is one of the main and more traditional and authentic German restaurants in the town.

Small Greek Salad w/ Chicken @ Auslander

Day 1 Continues- After our late meal, we walked around Main Street. Stores like modern housewares purveyor Red (reminded me of a combination of West Elm and Anthropologie’s housewares department), the Fredericksburg General Store, Der Keuchen Laden (meaning ‘the little chef’, a kitchen shop where I 1) broke a potato scrubber when I dropped it on the floor and 2) purchased a gift for the upcoming Austin Food Blogger Alliance kitchen gadget white elephant winter social), and Eve Couture (I purchased a jacket I can’t wait to wear on New Years and was thrilled with the reasonable price), stand out among the many retail stores lining the central street of town.

After walking in and out of shops, it was time for a scoop of ice cream at Fredericksburg Ice Cream Parlor. (I believe the cost for each of us was $3 but my travel pard’ner took care of this one- I got her back with a drink later I’ll count). By this time, it’s about 8 o’clock p.m. and we’re ready for our evening activity- what would it be? We stopped at Hondo’s on Main, a restaurant/bar and Texas Hill Country live music venue resembling Guero’s/Jo’s on SoCo both inside and out. We had a recommendation from a friend who grew up in Fredericksburg to try their Long Island Ice Tea, so we shared one ($7.50). We sat outside just in time for a country band to start strummin’ and drawl-singin’.

After about 30-minutes, we were feeling antsy, so we walked around to explore the…err..nightlife? Turns out there’s not much action on a Saturday evening in Fredericksburg….except at one awesome find- the Crossroads Steakhouse & Saloon. We noticed a line forming to get in and realized a band called Two Tons of Steel (as in, steel guitars, get it?) were about to hit the stage in the saloon section of the establishment. When we discovered there was a $10 cover for entry, we debated. Would it be worth it or not? “We’re taking a chance on this band,” we thought. “There are a lot of people here though. Ha, well, it’s only 9 o’clock. Let’s go for it, we can stay for an hour and head back to the B & B.” So we went for it (Entry: $10, Beer: $4) after trying to tag along with a group led by a woman determined to get the cover waived, even after claiming it was our birthday- fail. Guess what? This was the best $10 we spent all weekend, I would say! The local Texas band was high energy, overly entertaining, and had the whole saloon moving, if not two-steppin’. Apparently this band has played at the Grand Ole Opry about eight times and is known throughout the Lone Star State. I think we got lucky, but if you’re in Fredericksburg, find out if a band is playing at the Saloon, it was a blast! Three! hours later, we walked back to the B&B.

The next day, we woke up to breakfast served at 9 a.m. sharp downstairs in the B&B owner’s home. We learned about his travels and a bit about his life over scrambled eggs, fruit, potatoes, and coffee. Then, it was off to Enchanted Rock about a 20 minute drive from Main Street for a morning hike ($6). The hike was refreshing and invigorating with a view of the Hill Country from the top of the natural stone dome.

Morning Hike @ Enchanted Rock!

Next up, lunch at Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille outside on their front patio (Cashew Chicken Salad: $15.59), a free sample of Heavenly Chocolate pie at Tootie Pie Co., and a little more shopping (I picked up a gift for my baby niece at Beulah’s – an adorable baby store, and fudge for my parents at Lone Star Candy Bar).

We had one more stop on our way home – we couldn’t go home without visiting one of the dozen wineries lining the road leading to Fredericksburg and back to Austin. At the saloon the night before, we met Matt, local bar manager at The Herb Farm (at the top of the list for the next visit, a restaurant, B&B, bar, and, of course, an herb farm). He recommended William Chris for our winery stop. Since it was a new name and we wanted to venture off the beaten path, we went for it. This winery focuses on sustainable winemaking and their tasting room was made almost entirely out of recycled woods and metals! The wine is made down the road from the tasting room, but it didn’t prevent us from learning a bit about the wines, tasting, and bringing a bottle home for a gift. (Tasting: $10).

William Chris Winery

My total (minus gas & gifts/shopping items) came out to: $119.52! Overall, I would say most restaurants offer the same types of German-inspired food and you’ll find tourist pricing, although reasonable ($15 for a very generous-sized salad) (besides the one Asian restaurant called Panda, and a few Italian restaurants I’d give a shot next time). Also, arriving in the afternoon on a Saturday, eating a late afternoon meal (versus lunch and dinner in Fredericksburg that day), and only booking lodging for one night all helped us meet our goal and keep our travel costs down. We had a blast in a town that made us feel like we were living in the movie Hope Floats (p.s. this movie came out 13 years ago, how old are we??), reverting back to the simple life, where a dance, a drink, and spectacular live music was all we needed to be happy. I’m carrying this minimalistic inspiration with me this holiday season, I hope it inspires you a little too!

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Design by: Seth Brown

Music comes in many forms. Usually we think in genres when answering the common question: what kind of music do you like? Jazz, Hip-Hop, Rap, Pop, Classical, Indie, Electronica, Folk, Country… What about the people who make music happen? In this case, we usually think of singers or instrument players. But, what about the person who finds the delicate balance of sounds so precise that they can detect similarities between different songs and find a harmonious transition from one to another? Sometimes this person solves a musical puzzle and songs, instruments, sounds are played on top of each other to create an even more unique sound. I suppose a symphony conductor could do this. But, I am talking about the Disc Jockey, informally (or formally) known as the DJ. They’re musicians too and I think they may often go unrecognized in the music world unless they start spinning a song that we know.

Recently, I was connected through a friend to a full-time DJ from New York City, DJ Gatsby. Let’s pause for that a minute- full-time DJ in NYC. Pretty impressive, if you ask me. My friend had talked to Gatsby about the Austin musical scene with which he was interested in connecting and thought we might have a lot to talk about given my love for local music and the topic of entertainment in Austin. He was absolutely correct! Not to mention that I wish I WAS a DJ (Being an 80′s DJ for Halloween last year was the closest I got). So, DJ Gatsby and I set up a phone call and thus, our friendship began. We talked about the art of the DJ and the work that he does. He takes his musical mashup work very seriously, as any instrumental/vocal musician would, and is eager to share it with the world. He mentioned he would be visiting Austin in November, and I immediately responded, suggesting that to truly get a feel for Austin, he should spin a show here. The planning began. (Client disclosure) This is the first musical event I am planning as a client project for LocalizeAustin, but I am THRILLED about it! If you’re wondering how working with a DJ from NYC to coordinate an Austin show fits into the work that I do- it is quite simple. If I can help a quality company, organization, cause, or artist get connected with the Austin community, I’m all for it!

And, so, tonight is the night! I met DJ Gatsby earlier this week for the first time and the two of us are already dancing in preparation for this evening. You, dear reader, are invited to join us for a casual happy hour tonight at Malverde from 5-9 with some jazzy, funky, global beats and sounds to mix up your week. Bring a friend, a coworker, a dancing buddy. See you there!

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Decor by: Mamammendations

Mmm. Thanksgiving. Doesn’t the word and don’t the colors make you think of pumpkin spice and cozying up? For some, the Thanksgiving meal is extravagant, and so is the preparation process. Although there’s nothing like a home-made Thanksgiving linner (lunch + dinner), life gets hectic, it gets harder and more expensive to travel, and we’re almost 2 years into a new decade (“Welcome to the 2010′s, Mr. Bahnks”). So, what’s a new-age holiday celebrator to do?

I saw a sign this weekend at a restaurant in Houston that said “Your family will thank you for not cooking this Thanksgiving.” And, thanks to several Austin restaurants and their staff, we all have somewhere to go this Thanksgiving to celebrate without ending the evening doing dishes (there’s something to be thankful for!) Here’s the scoop on where you can feel at home outside the home on Turkey Day 2011! Don’t forget to check Austin on the Rocks for their picks for T-day!

24Diner- Turkey two ways, bacon braised greens, cranberry sauce, glaze house-cured ham, gravy, and two sides, including whipped potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, stuffing, roasted brussels sprouts, pumpkin pie- all for $24! (get it?) No reservations taken, but you’ve got a 24 hour opportunity to celebrate here. Details.

Hank’s Garage- Did they luck out or what? Renaming the holiday was just too easy….Celebrate Hanksgiving this year! As their social media marketer, I had something to do with that. But, I didn’t have anything to do with the fantastic holiday happenings! This downtown Belgian gastropub (known for their comfort food), will be hosting pre-Thanksgiving festivities like all-day happy hour and an appetizer buffet after 5 for nearby hotel guests who aren’t ready to face family just yet, and locals who are entertaining early arriver guests, in addition to a Hanksgiving Day menu all day for football fans, and day-after leftovers and drink specials. Free for kids under 5, $12 kids 6-12, $25 13 and up.TRACE at the W Hotel- Give thanks over a 3 course meal from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with options such as a curried squash soup, Texas Striped Bass, Vegetable Pot Pie, and even Tur Ducken! (turkey breast stuffed with duck confit and chicken liver) served with sweet potato puree, local green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. End with their sophisticated desserts, including Apple Pie with cheddar thyme biscuit crumble, bacon almond brittle, and creme fraiche ice cream or Pumpkin Pie with Dulce de Leche ice cream and cinnamon whipped cream. How toasty, spicy, and sweet! $49 adults, $19 kids. Here’s the full Menu. Call (512) 542-3660 to make reservations in advance.

Driskill Grill- Indulge in their Thanksgiving 5-course menu spotlighting Oven Roasted Root Vegetable Salad, Steamed Mussels, Local Petit Salad, Parsnip and Caramelized Pear Soup, Pan Seared Scallop, Cranberry-Orange Glazed Quail, Prawn, Gingerbread-Pecan Crusted Pork Belly, Truffled Risotto, Turkey, Lobster, Wagyu Beef, and mouth-watering sides like Chipotle Sweet Potato with Marshmallow Brulee. $75 per person, from 3-8 p.m. Call to make reservations. More details.

TRiO at the Four Seasons- This extravagant Thanksgiving Buffet from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. in the Ballroom Foyer, in TRiO ’til 8 p.m. will give you a holiday to remember! If you consider what you would spend on the meal at home, it may not be far off with $75 adults, $20 kids in TRiO, or $68 adult, $20 kids in the foyer. But, you’ll get your money’s worth! Made-to-order omelettes (you can even get one with Lobster!), cheese and charcuterie, fresh fruit, assorted sushi, ceviche, grouper, chicken, and short rib in addition to traditional turkey and ham, a plethora of veggies and sides, and assorted desserts, it will be hard to contain everything on one plate! See the full tasty lineup here.

Urban an American Grill- An Urban Thanksgiving features a three-course meal with offerings like Grilled Sweet Corn Bisque, Grilled Texas Quail, Sage and Guinness Roasted Turkey (yum!), Herb Roasted Beef Prime Rib, Pork Belly & Beans, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Banana Nut Tres Leches, Avocado Tres Leches (intriguing!), and Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Hearty, urban, and a treat for just $45! 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Make reservations at 512.490.1511. or on OpenTable.

In the News: Jack Allen’s Kitchen is teaming up with Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Music for the City to donate nearly 500 cooked-with-love Thanksgiving meals to those in need this Thanksgiving! (Still looking for a link to share with you!)

Hungry yet?? I’d love to hear about your Thanksgiving plans or if I’ve missed any hot spots to celebrate the day of gratitude!

Related posts:

1. Tales of the Turkey
2. Burn Baby Burn
3. A Meal Fit for a Queen

Half Earl Hot Sandwich with Italian marinated chicken breast, provolone, poblanos, black olives, sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, sprouts, pepperoncini relish and Roasted Tomato Soup in a bread bowl.

There’s something homey and inviting about neighborhood pubs. I haven’t had the pleasure of living within walking distance of many, but they make me think of Crowley’s on the recent sitcom My Boys, or Central Perk on the infamous Friends. It’s the kind of place you walk into and either you’re friends with people who work there, or you become friends with people who work there, and you know that if you’re missing one of your true friends, you can always find them there. It’s your go-to for a cup of coffee, a drink, or a bite. It’s comfy, unassuming, and maybe even part of your weekly routine.

Enter Gourmands, the new self-termed ‘neighborhood pub’ on E. 7th and Webberville. And, it fits the literal description perfectly. Can we stop for one second to appreciate their URL: www.lovethysandwich.com! Um, love it just as much as I love their extensive sandwich menu that makes it hard to even choose one. Although some take the word “gourmand” to describe one with an advanced tasting palate, my take on the name is the combination of the words ‘Gourmet’ and ‘Sandwich’. Their sandwiches are well thought-out, complex (fried avocado?!), stacked high, and even a bit fancy with the fun combinations of fillers packed between two slices. Hot or cold, simple, or sophisticated, there’s a sandwich for everyone.

On my first visit with Sandy from Marketing Uncorked (she’s a promotional product pro!), we both got the half sandwich and soup combo, which was perfect since even half a sandwich was filling enough! We were both excited and surprised to see the roasted tomato soup laid perfectly in the scooped out center of a round bread bowl, which is baked locally. I also loved the toasty touch to the hot sandwich I ordered. We also both commented on the tasty handful of homemade crispy potato chips that embellished our lunches. We even met owner Tiffany when she stopped by our table, which made the experience all the more personal.Today, I made a second stop there to pick up a salad to-go for lunch since my shared workspace is in the neighborhood. Much like the ‘neighborhood pubs’ I mentioned above, I met Jeremy, a server and bartender, and informed him that I would be a regular since I’m close by and needing casual and close lunch options. He even invited me to enjoy a mid-day refreshment (which I declined- work was waiting!), but ensured I’d take a raincheck on my next near visit.

Needless to say, I’m a big fan. I’m thrilled with my new find and to pay tribute to neighborhood pubs, whichever neighborhood they live in. Gourmand’s successfully transformed a former Tejano nightclub into a go-to spot with character, which, in my opinion, the East side can’t have enough of. There’s something about the black and white checkered flooring, the jukebox welcoming visitors to set the musical mood, and the friendliness of the staff and the menu that just makes me feel like I can be myself and that I’m a part of the neighborhood. Okay, I think if I say neighborhood one more time, I’m going to have to reference Mr. Rogers. Just pay a visit, you’ll leave with a smile. (Oh, and don’t forget to check out their happy hour and weekday specials!)

Related posts:

1. A Lucky Taste of Italy
2. The Up-and-Coming
3. aHead of the Food game

They say honesty is the best policy. I would venture to say transparency’s part of that rule. I’d like to admit to you loyal readers, if you haven’t noticed already, that I have been less than consistent recently about updating this blog that I love so much! The reason (and not excuse) for this is that I launched LocalizeAustin, a marketing and social media consultancy for small and local businesses, in June. Since Day 1, I hit the ground running to build a strong business foundation, including establishing my brand and new website, choosing a coworking space, recruiting a stellar-can’t-let-her-go intern, and meeting new clients and community partners to advise to sustain the business! On top of this, I started a business blog, and an e-newsletter. Between all of these things, I’ve flip-flopped from wearing the consultant hat, to the networking hat, to the local business observer hat, to the Austin entertainment hat (which is where this blog all started!).

I am excited to say that LocalizeAustin is growing, and my career shift is both a blessing, and a source of daily happiness! So, why do I share this? Well, one, to bring back the authenticity that makes blogs so impactful- the human element- and also to share with you that I haven’t lost the passion of writing on TheRebeccammendations, exploring Austin, or having fun! In fact, I think all of these things have escalated and contribute to where I am now! As this is my birthday week, I also vow in the coming year to share more fun and exciting finds, tips, ideas here.

I’d love your help! I am considering combining both of my blogs to share local business & entertaining tips, ideas, and news. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! I believe that in doing so, I can continue to share my take on what makes Austin so fabulous, whether it’s in the form of a new restaurant, a fun and easy recipe I came across, a new local band, or a business that’s taking a new approach to tapping into our community.

I ask that you please stick with me while I iron out my brand(s) and focus(es), and that you provide feedback and ideas along the way!

So, as promised, here are a few sightings I came across of up-and-coming hot spots, things to do and see, and places to go! Who’s coming with me?

1. New bar in progress at Snack Bar. The photo above was snapped at Snack Bar a few weeks ago. Owner Bethany mentioned that they’re in the process of building an outdoor bar, so they have it staged to practice with the space outside. Get ready to see your classy cocktail prepared and served to you whether indoor or out!
2. Spotted: Stack Burger Bar on W 4th. Looks like the old Saba Blue next to Cedar Street will be stackin’ ‘em high between two buns for a tasty and lighthearted downtown bite. It’s currently under construction, but helpful to know what’s on the way, especially when central Austin’s hoppin’ burger joint, HopDoddy, continues to draw a line out the door day after day. Here’s their Facebook page if you want to follow its progress.
3. Gourmand’s Sandwich Pub Opening This Week! I’m excited to see another East Side magnet, and this time in the form of a sandwiches-are-sacred believing pub! I’m always looking for a casual lunch spot and sometimes struggle to find just that. Really, with a URL that reads: lovethysandwich.com, who isn’t in love already? Menu here.

Thanks, Eater Austin, for filling in the gaps when I need the deets on spotted new spots!

Related posts:

1. The Veronicas are Coming!
2. Launching: LocalizeAustin Blog!
3. GOURMet + sANDwicheS = Gourmands