Samantha Saenz - The Austinot

14 Crazy Stories From Locals That Prove SXSW Is the Best Festival Ever

March 8, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Bill Murray on Jimmy Kimmel Show at SXSW

Bill Murray on Jimmy Kimmel Live during SXSW 2015 (Credit: Getty)

Brace yourselves. SXSW is coming! The popular meme floating around the interwebs was inspired by the festival’s legendary reputation. And with good reason, considering everyone has an epic SXSW story. With approximately 400,000 participants, attendees, and celebrities descending on Austin from all over the world, it’s hard to not have a crazy tale about what I refer to as “adult Spring Break.”

To celebrate the return of the festival for another year, here are 14 quotes from Austin locals that perfectly explain the phenomenon that is SXSW.

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From Cocktails to Dessert, Salt Traders Coastal Cooking Makes Waves

March 2, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

The Salty Tom or Pepe’s Hibiscus Paloma—the choice is yours! (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

The name Salt Traders Coastal Cooking was inspired by the most crucial ingredient used in the kitchen. It’s also a reference to a precious commodity that brought work to the American (and specifically Texas) coastline, as far back as the 1800s.

And while the sister restaurant to Jack Allen’s Kitchen may not be selling salt or seashells by the seashore, its team members are cooking up seafood for the residents of Austin, inspired by some of the most memorable meals they’ve eaten by the sea.

I recently pulled up a chair at one of the tables in Round Rock to sample the fare. I was so impressed by what was served and how many of the ingredients were made in-house–from the sauces to the bread to the pickled veggies–that I just had to tell you about it.

Here are a few of the meal highlights. [Read more…]

10 Refreshing Citrus Cocktails to Try in Austin Right Now

February 16, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Garden Water Citrus Cocktail at Pitchfork Pretty

Pitchfork Pretty’s Garden Water cocktail is one of the many ways you can indulge in citrus season
(Credit: @dollarsaenz)

Citrus season is in full swing in the Lone Star State. In celebration, I tirelessly scoured the city to find citrus-inspired cocktails. And I’m not just talking palomas and margaritas! I discovered expertly mixed drinks to please gin, vodka, and whiskey drinkers alike. Without further ado, here’s my roundup of some of the best citrus cocktails in Austin. [Read more…]

Savor the Flavors of Spring at Kerbey Lane Cafe

February 2, 2018 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Kerbey Lane Cafe’s spring menu is available for a limited time (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

Spring has sprung! At least at Kerbey Lane Cafe, that is. If you’re over winter, you might try warming up with one of these earthy dishes.

I recently stopped by Austin’s beloved diner for the debut of its spring 2018 menu. Here are a few of the highlights. [Read more…]

Where Are the Best Bloody Marys in Austin?

January 19, 2018 by Samantha Saenz 1 Comment

Ghost of Mary at Cannon + Belle in Austin

Get haunted by the Ghost of Mary at Cannon + Belle (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

Whether you want to sip a socially acceptable cocktail with breakfast or nurse a brooding hangover, the Bloody Mary has become the standard go-to. The drink that has been around since approximately 1921 has incredible diversity, and it seems as though just about every restaurant has their own version–with our city being no exception. So whether you’re looking for the classic version, a peacock of garnishes, or something more exotic, here’s our guide to the best Bloody Marys in Austin. [Read more…]

6 Family-friendly Holiday Events at Texas State Parks

November 22, 2017 by Samantha Saenz 1 Comment

Temperatures may be mild outside, but holiday music is starting to play on local radio stations. And in just a few short days, Austin’s very own Trail of Lights will open for another glorious season. So, while it may not feel like it, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in ATX.

Unfortunately, along with this most wonderful time of the year comes added stress. Instead of letting crowded shopping malls and heavier traffic get you down, head outside for some holiday cheer.

Scattered across the great state of Texas are more than 90 state parks, 19 of which are relatively close to Austin. To help you steer clear of the crowds and spend more time with loved ones, we’ve rounded up six state parks near Austin that are featuring holiday festivities in 2017. [Read more…]

Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival at Horseshoe Bay Resort This Weekend

November 8, 2017 by Samantha Saenz 1 Comment

Fare from local restaurants and caterers pairs perfectly with wines from Texas Hill Country at Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival (Credit: Horseshoe Bay Resort Facebook)

Do you like wine, fine dining, and music? If so, you should be at the 13th annual Wine, Dine and Jazz Festival held at the luxurious Horseshoe Bay Resort.

The annual fall festival is shaping up to be an enchanting weekend of culinary and musical delight. Here’s what to expect this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10-11, 2017. [Read more…]

One More Chance to Savor the Flavors of Mexico at Alcomar

November 7, 2017 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Flavors of Mexico Dinner Series at Alcomar

Alcomar takes us beyond tacos and margaritas with dinner series, Flavors of Mexico (Credit: Alcomar Facebook)

Tacos, tamales, moles, and tequila— that’s just the beginning of what’s on the menu at Alcomar’s three-part dinner series, Flavors of Mexico. Chefs Jeff Martinez andAlma Alcocer’s elaborate dinners feature five courses made with local ingredients. Each course is paired with handcrafted cocktails and spirits, to complement the fare and transport you deep into the regions of Mexico.

I spent an enchanting evening at Alcomar on Halloween for the second part of the series, Mezcales & Moles. Here are the highlights to whet your appetite for the final installment on Dec. 5, 2017. [Read more…]

How to Road Trip to Round Top Any Time of Year

November 2, 2017 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Round Top City Limit Sign — “90 folks can’t be wrong” about this charming Texas town (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

Up until now, Round Top, Texas, has been synonymous with one thing—antiques. That’s because twice a year for many years, is has been the go-to destination for antique buyers and sellers. However, this quaint little town, founded in 1831 and currently home to 90 people, is bustling with new establishments as townspeople have aimed to make their home a year-round destination, with upscale shopping, dining, and lodging.

[Read more…]

Get Your Fall Flavor Fix at These 6 Austin Eateries and Sweet Shops

October 20, 2017 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

Kerbey Lane Pumpkin Pancakes and French Toast — Pumpkin pancakes and French toast are back at Kerbey Lane (Credit: @dollarsaenz)

You know what they say, “At the stroke of midnight on Sept. 1, everything turns into pumpkin spice.” Although temperatures in our capital city have only gone from hot to not so hot, pumpkin everything has spread like wildfire amongst the city’s eateries. In celebration of the season, here’s a roundup of fall treats that are far from basic. In fact, these mouthwatering flavors are sure to put you in the mood for fall. You may even find yourself pulling out those sweaters and scarves, even if it is to wear them in the air conditioning of your own home.

[Read more…]

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