round rock - The Austinot

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…]

Warpath Puts Pizza on the Map in Round Rock

October 2, 2017 by Samantha Saenz Leave a Comment

You can get your own slice of the pie at Warpath Pints and Pizza

This past May, Warpath Pints and Pizza opened its doors to the residents of Round Rock, putting specialty pizza on the map in the area. Brothers and New Mexico natives, Joel and Jason Chenoweth, were involved in the music and food truck scenes in Austin for years, before seizing the opportunity to create a gourmet pizza joint just north of Austin. [Read more…]

PS35 Serves New York City Thin Crust Pizza in Round Rock

June 13, 2017 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Hot Honey pizza at PS35, with pepperoni, sausage, ricotta, and Mike’s Hot Honey (Credit: Sam Zavieh)

Editor’s Note: PS35’s final day of service was Nov. 4, 2017.

I spent a few years in New York City, and some days I find myself craving an NYC-style slice of pizza. The kind that has a perfectly hand-tossed crust so thin that you have no choice but to fold it in half before taking that first bite. If you live north, you now have a solid option that’s a bit closer than Brooklyn: Ps35 in Round Rock. [Read more…]

Reimagining Life With Rachel Ahern of Weird City Taxidermy

March 28, 2017 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

Nine-Tailed Fox Weird City Taxidermy in Austin

Nine-Tailed Fox (Credit: Weird City Taxidermy)

Rachel Ahern isn’t interested in hunting, but reimagining creatures back to life through the art of taxidermy fascinates her. From the traditional to the fantastical, Ahern uses animal pelts to make shoulder and full-body mounts at her unusual Austin business, Weird City Taxidermy. [Read more…]

Virtual Shooting and Archery Range Now in Round Rock

November 17, 2016 by Susan Meyer Leave a Comment

Archer taking aim at Safe Range Virtual Shooting

This archer is working on his hunting accuracy at Safe Range in Round Rock, TX (Credit: Safe Range)

Have you ever been to a gun range without any bullets? How about an archery range where you can practice your hunting and marksmanship skills within hundreds of different scenarios?

Whether you’re a trained shooter sharpening your skills or a gun newbie wanting to try a range for the first time, there’s something for you at Safe Range. Located in Round Rock, Safe Range uses real guns, modified to work without ammunition. These guns combine with laser technology to create a fun, safe and realistic shooting experience. [Read more…]

Round Rock Express: The Ball Club I Didn’t Know I Needed

August 21, 2015 by Andrew Chase Leave a Comment

Round Rock Express Baseball at Dell Diamond

View of the Round Rock Express from right field

Let’s talk sports. As a huge sports fan from Boston, I’ve had a rough go as of late. I mean, this is a tough time of year for sports in general, being that all we have right now is baseball and golf (no offense, tennis). It doesn’t help that my Red Sox are sitting pretty much in last place and every time I say “Boston,” someone throws a hissy fit about deflated footballs. That’s another story and I’m not allowed to swear here, so let’s move on.

Anyway, the bottom line is I’ve needed some sort of competitive sporting event to get me by during these hard times. Luckily, Austin is home to the Round Rock Express, a minor league baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers. I caught a game this past weekend and, beyond the game itself, the entire experience was incredibly enjoyable and just what I needed. [Read more…]

The Scarlet Rabbit’s Cuisine Drops You Down the Rabbit Hole

July 15, 2014 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

The Scarlet Rabbit in Round Rock, TX features Alice in Wonderland decor

Editor’s Note: Scarlet Rabbit closed May 14, 2017.

Chef Rob Snow breezes out from behind a curtain just as you might imagine the Cheshire Cat to appear, billowy in the night sky. And with that, I began my journey down the rabbit hole at The Scarlet Rabbit.

This fresh faced restaurant concept features cowboy cuisine using the flavors of Texas and the Gulf Coast, complimented by a Cajun flair.

Sound like a mouthful? Wait, there’s more. Rob and his business partner, Rich Taylor, methodically pair southern style comfort food with an Alice in Wonderland themed bistro. The result is sophisticated plates with whimsical finesse and imagination. [Read more…]

Round Rock Express Hit Off 15th Season of Baseball

April 16, 2014 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

America’s favorite pastime lends simple beauty to the Texas sky (Photo credit: Cris Mueller)

The flood of lights spotlight the pristine manicure of the outfield. The chatty man behind home plate calls out to each movement of the men standing before him, while they master their familiar navigation from one base to the next.

Among the stands, the night air is busy greeting the comforting conversations of fans as they’re welcomed back for another season. Although it looks and sounds very much the same each year, a true fan does not miss this, the opening day. Our very own Round Rock Express took the bases at the Dell Diamond, located at 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock, for their 15th season opener on April 4, 2014.

The 2014 Round Rock Express (Photo credit: Chuck Murphy – Chuck Murphy Photography)

[Read more…]

Escape City Bustle with Charming Krave Wine Bar in Round Rock

September 12, 2013 by Cris Mueller Leave a Comment

Historic exterior of Krave Wine Bar in Round Rock

Take a trip to see our northern neighbors, down the humble, brick lined Main Street of Round Rock’s up and coming town center. There you’ll find Krave Wine Bar & Bistro on a bustling block of inviting, dimly lit picture windows overflowing with the warmth and charm you would expect from one of America’s safest and fastest growing cities.

Sister act Susan Mendenhall and Kim Hiler began scouting for this perfectly placed gem in 2011 with visions of a pastry shop venture.

Instead, the two conjured up a different kind of sweet spot. Krave Wine Bar & Bistro offers quality cuisine and a thoughtful menu of wine and craft beers that challenge downtown Austin wine rooms and leave the commute and overzealous crowds behind. [Read more…]

Why All About Vapor Is Austin’s Best Vaporizer Shop

August 8, 2013 by Eric Highland 10 Comments

Sonic Screwdriver looks like a vaporizer

This would make a very cool vaporizer mod kit

You’ve seen these gadgets all over Austin. They almost look like Dr. Who’s Sonic Screwdriver, only people are puffing on them and releasing a cloud of scented vapor, right? Well they’re called vaporizers (poorly referred to as e-cigarettes). And though they can’t pick locks, perform medical scans or track alien life, they are most certainly all the rage.

Whether you’re just curious about vaping or you’re a seasoned vaper, you’ll be glad to know that Austin is now home to one of the premier vapor shops in the entire country: All About Vapor. [Read more…]