Edwin Ochoa, Author at The Austinot - Page 2 of 2

5 Ways to Run in Austin During 2015

January 14, 2015 by Edwin Ochoa 2 Comments

Austin is known for its breakfast tacos, music scene and runners. Whether on the Hike and Bike Trail, through the streets of downtown or around your neighborhood, you’re bound to see at least one runner throughout your day.

If you’re the runner, I wouldn’t be surprised if your 2015 resolution is to put more miles on your shoes than you did last year. Austin is home to excellent running clubs, some of the most fun running events in the country and local shops to outfit you.

Here are a 5 ways to step up your running game in Austin during 2015.

Austin Runners Club

Austin Runner's Club at O Henry Middle School in Austin

The view of O. Henry Middle School where Austin Runners Club meets for group runs (Credit: Chris Prairie)

If 2015 is your year to take on a half or full marathon, you should check out Austin Runners Club. This non-profit organization welcomes runners and walkers of all fitness levels and their coaches are some of the best [Read more…]

5 Stops for Year Round Tamales in Austin

December 29, 2014 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

Tamales are a staple in many households during the holidays in Central Texas, but why let the calendar limit what time of year you can enjoy them? This article rounds up 5 Austin tamales spots that sell delicious bundles of comfort and joy year round.

Tamale House East: Tried and True

Tamale House East Tamales in Austin

L-R: bean and cheese, chicken and pork tamales from Tamale House East

As the name informs, you’ll find this tamale favorite on Austin’s east side. The chicken tamale is delicious, but Tamale House East’s bean and cheese is the winner. [Read more…]

A Christmas Carol at Zach Theatre: 3 Reasons to See It Now

December 16, 2014 by Edwin Ochoa Leave a Comment

The Ghost of Christmas Past and Mr. Scrooge from A Christmas Carol at Zach Theatre

Jacqui Cross as The Ghost of Christmas Present and Harvey Guion as Mr. Scrooge
(Credit: Kirk Tuck via Zach Theatre)

I was first introduced to A Christmas Carol in 6th grade. I wish I could say I enjoyed reading the book, but the exact opposite was true. I was more concerned with the response to my “Will You Go Out With Me?” note than with Ebeneezer Scrooge’s epiphany.

Fast forward 15 years to A Christmas Carol at Zach Theatre. I left the show wishing it had been my first introduction to Dickens. The musical adaptation, playing until December 28, 2014, was captivating and full of energy.

This holiday season, I urge everyone in Austin to personally experience A Christmas Carol – A Rockin’ New Musical. The music, cast and adaptation of the story are the reasons you and everyone you know should see the show. [Read more…]

New Incarnation of 70’s Icon Taco Flats Is Worth a Visit

November 25, 2014 by Edwin Ochoa 1 Comment

Taco Flats Bar

One of the best seats in the house is Taco Flats’ bar

Taco Flats is remembered as a place where hippies, bankers, and just about anybody would gather to enjoy a beer, their famous hobo plate and maybe catch some live music. Sadly, the North Lamar establishment closed in the early 80’s.

That is, until fall 2014, when a local entrepreneur decided to present his own version of Taco Flats to our city. Today, the taco joint and bar is the latest addition to Burnet Rd. What resulted from my recent visit was a pleasant taco experience in one of my favorite parts of town. For a good taco and drink in a friendly environment, Taco Flats is a great bet. [Read more…]

15 Over 15: Which Austin Eateries Have Survived the Years?

October 28, 2014 by Edwin Ochoa 16 Comments

It’s no secret that running a restaurant or bar is difficult, especially in Austin. With so many opening every month, only the truly exceptional have what it takes to compete long term. So how admirable is it when an establishment can keep the doors open for 15, 20 or even 50 years?

The purpose of this article is to celebrate 15 restaurants and bars in Austin that have served hungry and thirsty Austinites for 15 years or more. My list comes from Austinites who have lived here long enough to remember when quarter beer night was a thing.

This isn’t a ranking by any means. My goal is to focus on what led to the success of each establishment. To do so, I sat down with someone at each business to get the real story. I’ve included their explanations for the lasting success of their local businesses (spoiler: customers come first). Without further adieu, here are Austin’s 15 over 15.

Ross’ Old Austin Cafe

Ross' Old Austin Cafe

Don’t miss the live music on Tuesdays and Fridays

10 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend of August 19, 2022 Include 2022 Austin Pride Parade, The 2nd Annual Shuckfest, The Lumineers Concert, and More!

Stay up to date on the events, activities and entertainment in the Austin area through our weekly updates to Things to do in Austin this Week, Things to do in Austin this Weekend and Things to do in Austin with Kids this Weekend! And to get these updates delivered directly to your feed, give us […]

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of August 15, 2022 include Outdoor Austin Escape experience, Pupsquad dog party and more!

Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Keeping up with the growth, luckily, there’s plenty going on in Austin all days of the week. There are things to do on Monday in Austin, of course, things to do in Austin on Saturday night, and everything in between! Some of you may be […]

Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of August 12, 2022 include Friday Twilight Hot Laps, Austin Home & Garden Show, and more!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of August 12, 2022, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Friday Twilight Hot Laps, Live Music on Central Plaza Lawn, Movies in the […]

Horseback Riding in Austin: Horse Riding Lessons For Adults and Kids Near You

If you’ve always been captivated by cowboy movies about the Wild West and are looking for adult horse riding lessons near me, Austin is the place to be! There are a ton of places that offer horseback riding in Austin with a range of adult horseback riding lessons, including picking your own horse, learning different […]

Classic Game Fest 2022 in Austin: A Can’t Miss Celebration of Retro Videogames

Remember the good old days of videogames? You and your friends huddled around a tiny CRT TV kicking each other in Street Fighter, battling Bowser in Super Mario Bros, or blasting demons in Doom. Modern videogames offer best in class visuals and expansive experiences. But there’s nothing quite like blowing into a cartridge, slamming it […]