Meagan Vitek - The Austinot

Austin Business Brings Extravagant Vegas-Style Entertainment to Austin

April 1, 2014 by Meagan Vitek 1 Comment

Texas Poker Supply Casino Tables in Austin

Texas Poker Supply offers casino tables and staff for Austin-area parties and events

Austin is no stranger to jaw-dropping events. From the ever-evolving South by Southwest parties – equipped with celebrity artists, out of this world design and unforgettable performances – to ACL’s two-weekend spread, to the never-ending list of Austin-based festivals. We all know Austin is home to great events, where, really, anything goes.

With the help of local business, Texas Poker Supply, Vegas too has found its way to Austin. Custom-built casino tables, casino-style games, trained dealers, showgirls, fire-eaters and a girl on stilts are only a slice of what Texas Poker Supply offers. Always Keepin’ Austin Weird, right? [Read more…]

Foodheads: Tempting Sandwich Secret in Central Austin

September 9, 2013 by Meagan Vitek 4 Comments

An old wooden house on West 34th Street is home to Foodheads, a hidden mecca of breakfast, lunch and dinner delicacies. Homemade sandwiches, soups, salads and more are served fresh daily. This Austin treasure has been my little secret, my go-to lunch spot, but I can’t help sharing it with you.

Early on a Saturday (see my insider tip below on when to dine here), my sister, my friend and I arrived outside the ornate house. A short line settled our roaring stomachs and awoke our zealous taste buds.

The Environment

Eclectic outdoor seating surrounds Foodheads. Long picnic tables line one side of the house. Individual tables are dispersed for a more intimate experience. And lounging areas can be found for those looking to relax. The wrap around porch is speckled with additional tables, offering more seating for outdoor dining. [Read more…]

Beets Cafe: Raw, Fresh Foods in an Upscale Environment

August 26, 2013 by Meagan Vitek Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: Beets closed in June 2014. Beets owner is currently working on a new concept called Sylvia’s Kitchen & Desserts.

Beets Living Foods Cafe, an Austin favorite among vegetarians and raw food fanatics, is quite different than any other restaurant in Austin. At Beets Cafe, none of the food is cooked. “Living” foods that are uncommonly good are served throughout the day (including breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert), drawing a wide assortment of diners to the upscale cafe.

Each dish at Beets Cafe is created from raw, uncooked ingredients. They’re united in a unique and creative way, transforming simple foods into intricate meals. By using raw ingredients, Beet’s Cafe recreates many classic dishes, allowing for even the beef and cheese lover to enjoy a healthy alternative.

Located in the strip of shops below the Gables Apartments on 5th Street near Mopac, Beets Living Foods Cafe focuses on providing foods that feed your body and mind with a wide array of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. [Read more…]

FINO Restaurant Patio and Bar: Modern Mediterranean Food

August 12, 2013 by Meagan Vitek 1 Comment

Editor’s Note: FINO closed at the end of March 2015 after 10 years in business.

Hidden in a second story nook, atop several Austin shops between West Campus and Lamar, lies FINO Restaurant Patio and Bar, a modern Mediterranean restaurant and sister to well-known Austin eatery, Asti Trattoria.

After cruising past the colorful FINO sign too many times to count, a trip to this familiar restaurant was a must.

The Environment

Once you reach the top of the stairwell, you step foot into a beautiful wrap around patio, craving attention in the long summer days. Half of the patio is a lounging and socializing area, with welcoming couches, brightly colored pillows and tables perfectly heightened for your cocktail of choice. The other half of the patio is set up for outdoor dining, equipped with heaters for the cooler evenings.

The warm colors and décor extends inside, giving the restaurant a very laid back feel in an upscale environment. Throw in the friendly staff, and a great experience is made. [Read more…]

Conscious Cravings: Food Trailer Offers Healthy and Satisfying Options

July 22, 2013 by Meagan Vitek Leave a Comment

Local food trailer, Conscious Cravings, has Austin written ALL over it. The name alone screams “healthy,” and their dedication to preparing foods with minimal impact on the environment makes them a perfect match for Austin’s earth friendly vibe. Serving a health forward vegetarian menu, Conscious Cravings offers a wide array of nutritious meals, all of which are prepared with local and organic ingredients. Everything on the menu is very reasonably priced, with nothing wearing a price tag higher than $5.

Yearning for something healthy after a spurt of unhealthy eating, I decided to check out this wholesome trailer for a late lunch. [Read more…]

Eleven Plates & Wine: Extraordinary Food Amid Elegant Style

July 9, 2013 by Meagan Vitek 4 Comments

This guest blog post is by Meagan Vitek.

Editor’s Note: Eleven Plates closed in 2016.

Eleven small plates, eleven dinner plates and eleven wines line the menu at Eleven Plates & Wine in Austin. My curiosity about the concept and food resulted in a delicious dining experience last weekend.

Nestled among a cluster of shops along the scenic Capital of Texas Highway, Eleven Plates & Wine is just a hop away from the well-known Austin 360 bridge (the Pennybacker Bridge) overlook. [Read more…]

Mettle: Rainey Street Queen’s Eastside Restaurant With Signature Flair

June 20, 2013 by Meagan Vitek 2 Comments

Bridget Dunlap, creator of Mettle

Editor’s Note: Mettle closed permanently in January 2016.

This guest post is by Meagan Vitek.

Bridget Dunlap, the brain behind Rainey Street bars Lustre Pearl, Bar 96, Clive Bar and Bar Illegal, has wowed Austin again, this time with her first restaurant, Mettle.

Located at the east end of 6th street, Mettle is nestled next to one of Austin’s favorite breweries, Hops and Grain.

Upon my first visit, Mettle successfully tickled my taste buds and left me craving more. [Read more…]