Cris Mueller - The Austinot

Squeeze the Most Out of a Juice Cleanse at Daily Juice

July 3, 2013 by Cris Mueller 2 Comments

Daily Juice’s Warehouse District location in downtown Austin

What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say these two words…juice cleanse! Be honest, because I know firsthand that a small dictionary of words and very graphic images came to my mind when I was asked if I’d like to try out the 3-day Sunshine Cleanse from Daily Juice.

I learned a tremendous lesson while researching for this story: juice cleanses are not a fit for everyone. However, I did give the cleanse my all. A provider of cold-pressed juices and catering options, Daily Juice bars keep the green in Austin’s weird, and in your diet. Since 2003, Daily Juice has set up multiple operations in downtown Austin and Westlake. Today Phillip Doucette, Robert Larkin and John Martin have turned a juice craze into a sustainable business with spin-offs like JuiceLand and franchises. [Read more…]

Find Your Spotlight at The Hideout Theatre in Downtown Austin

June 27, 2013 by Cris Mueller 2 Comments

Theatresports Show at The Hideout Theatre

Kissing the trophy at The Hideout Theatre’s Theatresports show (Credit: Dave Alley)

Remember that feeling you had on the first day of school, every year from the age of five to fifteen? When I walked into The Hideout Theatre, I had that same feeling of sneaking into some kind of secret society for the first time.

Tucked away amongst its varied neighbors, which include those of political, artistic and hotelier fame, The Hideout opens up beyond a narrow doorway at 617 Congress Avenue. Filling two theaters (one 50-seat and one 90-seat), with a coffee house that offers breakfast, lunch, drinks and desserts, The Hideout is much more than first meets the eye. [Read more…]

Benji’s Cantina Opens With Rooftop Dining on West Sixth Street

June 11, 2013 by Cris Mueller 3 Comments

Indoor bar at the new Benji’s Cantina

Editor’s Note: Benji’s closed in August 2016.

I often have the opportunity to write about beautiful venues and new local concepts. With my latest discovery, the food truly won me over. The proof: I waddled away after my amazing meal. So sit back and join me in my journey through the collaborative kitchen that is Benji’s Cantina.

Nestled comfortably into a corner lot in Austin’s West Sixth District, Benji’s will quickly become one of the city’s largest and most swanky Tex-Mex hot spots. But don’t let their modern approach to an old Texas favorite fool you. Their vast menu full of Mexican dishes and a wide range of beer, wine and liquor make this a great spot to feast and party during the upcoming Texas summer. [Read more…]

Moontower Saloon Does It Better With Music, Food & Events

May 22, 2013 by Cris Mueller 1 Comment

Creative, handmade seating adds unique Austin feel to the spacious patio

I set out on my Sunday adventure to discover a house-turned-watering-hole in way south Austin, Moontower Saloon.

The founding duo behind the spry and still young concept is visionary Josh Bumb and Richard Veregge, hands-on building and bio planner and marketing wiz.

The idea for this neighborhood destination, located at 10212 Manchaca Road, stemmed from a conversation which began two and a half years ago. The friends were chatting at Weirdo’s, and Bumb voiced his interest in creating “something even better.” Far surpassing their initial expectations, the team’s first collaborative concept came to life with Moontower Saloon. [Read more…]

WeViva Fitness and Nutrition Classes Bring Hope to Communities in Need

May 8, 2013 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

Find your Zen-Yoga with WeViva at KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program)

Living in one of America’s fittest cities, an Austin woman identified a lack of healthy lifestyle options for adults in low income communities, particularly in the areas of fitness and wellness.

Carolyn Haney, Founder of WeViva, created an amazing mix of lifestyle and social trials that are changing the way families in low income communities think about and implement exercise and nutrition in their daily lives. [Read more…]

Have a Perfect Day in Driftwood: The Salt Lick & Duchman Family Winery

April 11, 2013 by Cris Mueller 8 Comments

Entrance to The Salt Lick in Driftwood, TX | Credit: Cris Mueller

This guest blog post is by Cris Mueller.

Just thirty minutes southwest of Austin is our coy, neighboring hill country town of Driftwood that offers a posh day-trip, worthy to share.

Don’t be fooled by its peaceful nature. Rather, open your palette to experience a day chock full of infamous Texas cuisine and wineries on the Texas Wine Trail.

It’s the greatest time of year to pack up the car, take out your camera and venture off to Driftwood for wide open Texas skies, colorful wildflowers and foodie pics to make mouths water. Although there are many ways to wander the beautiful outdoors of Driftwood, I recommend you include two stops: a lunch of traditional Texas BBQ and a picturesque family vineyard. [Read more…]

Home Sweet Hostel at Firehouse Hostel and Lounge

March 28, 2013 by Cris Mueller 6 Comments

Firehouse Hostel and Lounge in the West Sixth District of Austin

This guest post is by Cris Mueller.

Firehouse Hostel and Lounge is a morsel of Austin history sitting quietly amongst the hustle of our fondly regarded West Sixth district and the bustle of our downtown office high-rises.

Business partners Kent Roth and Collin Ballard have tastefully occupied the legendary Washington Fire Engine Co. No. 1 with a boutique style hostel that offers seasoned backpackers and first time hostel goers a unique Austin experience.

Already have a place to sleep tonight? Even locals love Firehouse Lounge

[Read more…]

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