Edwin Ochoa - The Austinot

36 Hours in Austin, Texas

May 28, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 6 Comments

Migas breakfast taco at Veracruz All Natural in Austin

The migas breakfast taco at Veracruz All-Natural is scrambled eggs, pico, avocado, cheese and tortilla chips on a handmade corn tortilla = breakfast taco bliss

If you only had 36 hours to spend in Austin, what would you do?

By the time you read this article, I will be several hundred miles north of Austin on I-35 towards Minneapolis. For four years, my wife and I have called Austin home, but now it’s time to say goodbye to this wonderful place.

So I asked myself, “What will I do during my last 36 hours in Austin?” What resulted was an itinerary of sorts that I hope Austinities and visitors find useful for planning a spare weekend. More importantly, I hope this gets you thinking about what you would do if you had 36 hours left in Austin. Just don’t put off your exploration until it’s too late.

[Read more…]

Top 6 Boutique Hotels in Austin

May 14, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 2 Comments

Hotel Saint Cecilia’s “SOUL” Pool (Credit: Nick Simonite courtesy of Hotel Saint Cecilia)

Something all Austinites can be proud of: our city is a premiere vacation destination with 30,000 hotel rooms accommodating 19.7 million visitors each year.

So why settle for a big box hotel when you can stay at some of the city’s coolest boutique hotels in Austin? These hotels are located in prime locations around town and offer guests a unique opportunity to experience Austin. And you don’t have to be visiting from out of town to enjoy them. Staycation, anyone?

[Read more…]

5 Things You Never Knew About Ballet Austin

April 30, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

Ballet Austin Butler Dance and Fitness Center is located at 501 W 3rd St (Credit: Andrew Yates via Ballet Austin)

42,000 people attend Ballet Austin performances each year. Who knew that some of the most exciting works of ballet are being performed in our backyard?

You don’t have to be a diehard ballet geek to appreciate the cultural value Ballet Austin adds to our city. You don’t even have to be a current fan of ballet to enjoy what Ballet Austin has to offer.

Here are 5 things you never knew about Ballet Austin. [Read more…]

5 Favorite North Austin Lunch Spots

April 16, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 5 Comments

Veggie Spring Rolls at Tam Deli in North Austin

Choosing where to go for lunch can be a challenge given the amount of options (or lack thereof) in North Austin. Something fast? A place where you can sit outside? Maybe something you’ve never tried.

Some of the best lunch spots in town can be found north of 2222. If you’re looking for a place to visit for lunch today or sometime soon, give these 5 North Austin lunch spots a shot. [Read more…]

4 Reasons to Visit Twisted X Brewing in Dripping Springs

April 3, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

View from the outside of Twisted X Brewing and tasting room
(Credit: Peary Photography courtesy of Twisted X Brewing)

The Austin area is home to about 20 craft breweries and counting. One of them is located in Dripping Springs, an area where you will find some of the best craft breweries in Texas.

Twisted X Brewing Co. sets itself apart by making great Tex-Mex beers and housing an impressive tasting room. Their beers are approachable, unique and straight up delicious.

Here are 4 reasons why you should pay them a visit soon. [Read more…]

Top 3 Local Radio Station Showcases During SXSW

March 17, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

Black Pistol Fire KUTX Live at The Four Seasons

Black Pistol Fire during 2014 KUTX Live at The Four Seasons (Credit: KUTX Austin KUTX 98.9 via Flickr CC)

Who says you need a fancy wristband or expensive badge to enjoy SXSW? During SXSW 2015, three Austin radio stations are showcasing some of the most popular artists in town.

Austin’s own public radio station KUTX is hosting KUTX Live at The Four Seasons, 93.3 KGSR will be presenting their showcase from The W Hotel and 101X will be broadcasting live from Buffalo Billiards.

All three radio stations offer Austinities and the public an opportunity to see great artists play live. Here’s what you need to know to make the most out of your SXSW experience with these local radio showcases. [Read more…]

Celebrating 45 Years of Austin Music Icon Asleep at the Wheel

March 4, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

Asleep at the Wheel, the Quebe Sisters, Amos Lee, and Avett Brothers at ACL Taping

Asleep at the Wheel, the Quebe Sisters, Amos Lee and The Avett Brothers share the stage in an epic finale at ACL TV (Credit: Scott Newton courtesy of KLRU-TV)

What could possibly be more Austin iconic than breakfast tacos, bats and barbecue? Asleep at the Wheel is what.

Since 1974, the Grammy Award winning band has called Austin home and kept the sound of country western swing alive. Led by local legend Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel appeared on the first official episode of the first season of Austin City Limits TV in 1975.

2015 is poised to be another banner year for the band with an epic album release, induction to the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame and their 11th appearance on the Austin City Limits show 40 years after recording the first official episode. [Read more…]

The Ultimate Guide to North Austin Bars

February 26, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 2 Comments

You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that some of the best watering holes in town are in North Austin. Tucked away in strip malls and surrounded by business parks, these gems north of 183 are easy to overlook.

I’ve compiled my list of favorites for those who call North Austin home, and those who are unfamiliar with the area. So take a look at this guide to North Austin bars to see why up north is the place to be. [Read more…]

6 Half Price Happy Hours in Austin

February 16, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 2 Comments

It’s official. On February 2nd, Armadillo Bob predicted that spring is right around the corner! This means we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy happy hours out on the patio before the scorching summer arrives.

But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy drinks and appetizers after work. Here is a list of 6 half price happy hours in Austin.

Jack Allen’s Kitchen: This One’s for You, South Austin

Jack Allen's Kitchen Half Price Happy Hour

Half-priced Spinach Gorgonzola Ravioli (left) and Mango Habanero Rita (right) (Credit: Jack Allen’s Kitchen)

Does Spinach Gorgonzola Ravioli sound good to you? How about smoked beef rib quesadillas or BLT sliders? What if I told you these are all half price during happy hour at both Jack Allen’s Kitchen locations? You’ll also enjoy daily drink specials. [Read more…]

Casa Brasil: Austin Coffee Roaster Making Global Connections

January 30, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 1 Comment

Bags of Casa Brasil coffee are available at Wheatsville Co-Op and Central Market (Credit: Casa Brasil)

Uchi, Uchiko, Lenoir, and Torchy’s Tacos have something in common (other than being wildly successful eateries in Austin): they all source their coffee from Casa Brasil.

Austin coffee roaster Casa Brasil has evolved into an organization committed to finding, roasting and selling high quality coffees from Brazil. But with so many similar outfits in town, why should you pay attention to this particular one? Why should those who just want a regular cup of joe take interest in coffee that’s bought directly from growers? I sat down with Casa Brasil’s owner Joel Shuler to get some answers.

[Read more…]

Jack Allen’s Kitchen: This One’s for You, South Austin

Recent Posts

Welcome to The Austinot