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Chef Xose Velasco (left) and co-chef Alejandro Macias (right), outside the Discada taco truck
What do farming machinery and tacos have in common? If you ask the chefs at Discada, they’ll tell you it’s the modified plow disc from a tractor, a cooking method traditional to northern Mexico.
With one of the shortest menus you’ve ever seen, this Austin taco truck brings a cherished childhood recipe to life, using a preparation technique that’s one of a kind.
When Austin’s summer temps surpass a punishing 100 degrees, it’s time to cool off in a swimming hole. Lake Travis, roughly 30 minutes from central Austin, has been a watery, refreshing respite from Austin’s heat, traffic, and citified stress since 1942. This is your detailed guide to spending a flawless day in and around Lake Travis.
Lake Travis, one of a series of manmade lakes around Texas, is a branch of the Colorado River. The Lower Colorado River Authority created Lake Travis when it built Mansfield Dam (part of the Highland Lakes project to create lakes throughout central Texas).
The lake measures approximately 63.5 miles, snaking up and around west Travis County nearly to Marble Falls. It’s our largest body of water in the area and has spawned a lifestyle centered around boating, water sports, yacht rock, and easy living.
I spent a few days out at Lake Travis in order to share these adventures with The Austinot’s readers. These tips are a good start to getting to know the area and its activities. Enjoy! [Read more…]
Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar’s veal schnitzel is one of a dozen reasons to visit this fun and friendly culinary destination
When my wife and I moved to northwest Austin in search of cheaper rent and closer proximity to family, our downtown friends sighed and asked, “Where are you going to eat?” Upon first glance, the stretch of FM 620 between Steiner Ranch and Lakeline Mall offers little in terms of tasty grub not sourced from a freezer. Our culinary outlook seemed grim.
Fortunately for us, Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar lies minutes from our garage and steps from my son’s daycare. An oasis of upscale yet accessible culinary delight, this neighborhood gastropub has become my family’s go-to for bar bites, date nights, and everything in between.
Via 313’s Detroit-style pizza packs maximum flavor, from the cheese caramelized crust to the gooey center
Whether you’ve tried Detroit-style or not, Austin has the place for you to chow down on these delicious pizzas. Via 313 will have you dreaming of cheesy crusts and pizza toppings for weeks once you’ve gotten a taste.
What started as a food truck on East Sixth Street quickly became an Austin favorite, growing into a local empire. Since 2011, Via 313 has expanded from one trailer to five different locations throughout our area.
Welcome to The Thicket in south Austin (Credit: @dollarsaenz)
Adam Diaz opened the Thicket in 2015 with a community of passionate food truck owners. He added a stage, some adorable art monsters, strings of white lights, and misters. Neighborhood events, such as live music, puppet shows, gospel brunches, and a community garden came next. This space has evolved into a truly fun, inviting, family-friendly hot spot. [Read more…]
Why choose one barbecue sandwich when you can have three? (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)
Texans will argue that brisket reigns supreme when it comes to barbecue. If you’re open to being convinced otherwise, visit Slab BBQ & Beer, where the pulled pork isn’t too shabby, either.
Between the slow-cooked meats and hip hop over the speakers, Slab is smoking what it calls “dope” barbecue. This team is extremely passionate about what they do. It not only shows in the delicious food, but also in the hospitality. [Read more…]
The Carillon dining room faces the exhibition-style kitchen, so you can witness all of the action
It’s rare to describe a fine dining restaurant as “uncomplicated,” but The Carillon achieves this feat with ease. The restaurant is located on The University of Texas at Austin campus in the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, where standards are high.
So what makes The Carillon so special? For a fine dining restaurant, it’s surprisingly fitting for any occasion, such as Sunday brunch, quick lunch, or date night. You name it, and The Carillon is ready for the occasion.
Confit brisket tacos and sotol cocktail at Suerte
Since opening on East Sixth Street in March 2018, Suerte has generated critical acclaim with its interior Mexican menu by Executive Chef Fermín Nuñez. I visited recently to sample the cuisine and cocktails. Here are a few of the highlights.
Happy hour burger and malt vinegar fries at Hillside Farmacy
Hungry Austinites know burgers are omnipresent. So what better time to get a taste of it all than during happy hour? Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or whatever your diet may be, you’re in for a treat! We did our research and put together a list of 8 local Austin restaurants that feature unforgettable happy hour burgers. [Read more…]
All your favorite cocktails are now served at Radio Coffee & Beer in south Austin
Radio Coffee & Beer has been serving the Austin community since 2014 by providing a hip, yet homey neighborhood hangout. Located in the heart of south Austin, you’ll not only find java and brew here, but also live music and several food trucks. And now, cocktails!
It’s easy to understand why this beloved Austin establishment was voted “Best Coffee Shop” by The Austin Chronicle in both 2016 and 2017.