Annie’s Cafe & Bar invited food bloggers in for drinks and appetizers at the Zinc Bar.  As for the drinks, don’t expect ‘well’ drinks or a soda gun pouring juice or soda.  All liquors are of top quality such as Flor de Cana rum and 100% agave house tequila, mixers are natural, and the juices are squeezed daily.  Happy hour runs 4-7 daily with drinks $7 and appetizers $5.  Check out their Cocktails of New Orleans Monday, June 6th, featuring a 15-shaker salute to the Ramos Gin Fizz from 6-8PM.  I plan on returning to Annie’s Cafe very shortly, as the Tuna Burger is calling my name!

Pommes Frites w/ smoked paprika aioli

To see pictures of Annie’s Cafe & Bar happy hour: (more…)

Frank is Austin’s newest Artisan Sausage shop in downtown Austin.  I’m not sure if gourmet is the word but at least you can trust what is in these hot dogs.  Frank is having a soft opening right now, as you can see from the ongoing constuction inside, so the changing hours are listed on their website.  Most importantly, the kitchen is ready and the food is delicious.  Although we had a group of 13, our order took much longer to come out than I thought hot dogs should take.  Heck, its only been open 4 days.  I will definitely be back for the chili cheese dog, probably the best item on the menu.  I miss Starlite, but I can’t complain when a cheaper option comes along.  A casual setting of brick walls and wooden tables have replaced the fancy mirrors, white tablecloths, and chandeliers of Starlite.  The bar menu is a force to be reckoned with, order anything from a PBR tallboy to a Daytripper (fresh watermelon juice, St. Germain, Tito’s Vodka, mint).  I apologize for the poor picture quality, these are from my iphone.

Chili Cheese Dog, I could of eaten 2 of these, they need a foot long on the menu.

To see pictures of Frank: (more…)

The best and most popular firework show in Austin on Saturday is free!  Don’t miss the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks at Auditorium Shoes, The Long Center.  Fireworks start at 9:30 pm and will be shot above Lady Bird Lake.  Food and drink will be sold on site.  And most importantly, please donate chew treats to Town Lake Animal Center because the fireworks frighten and stress the dogs.  Help keep the dogs calm by bringing rawhide to the Town Lake Animal Center before July 4th.

http://www.austinsymphony.org/tickets/events/h-e-b-austin-symphony/

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/health/animal_services.htm

Today’s song of the day is ‘A Woolgathering Exodus’ by Benoit Pioulard, the pseudonym of Thomas Meluch, an American singer/songwriter/photographer living in Portland.

To watch ‘A Woolgathering Exodus’: (more…)

Pics by Josh

Kenichi is one of downtown Austin’s most established sushi joints, as I have been going here for almost a decade.  On Monday, Kenichi invited food bloggers for a tasting.  I don’t blame them for wanting to remind people about Kenichi, with old timer Keyoto in addition to the opening of Imperia, Yu Sushi Izagaya, Finn & Porter, Maiko, Silhouette, soon to be Pirahana Killer Sushi and Sushi Zushi, all in the downtown area, competition is fiercer than ever.  Yes, the restaurant is trendy, but the food is top-notch and should not be ignored.  Any foodies who hate ’see and be seen’ places, trust me on this one, the menu is first rate.  Sushi has a funny thing about it, I walked in there with zero appetite and after 9 half bites, I walked out starving.  No wonder sushi meals are so $$$!  FYI: go for happy hour when 40 menu items are $5 and under.  HH is Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday all night and 4-7 Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.  Mention MaggiesAustin and get a free appetizer.  Reservations highly recommended on weekends.

Grilled Shishito Peppers

To see pictures of Kenichi: (more…)

Today’s drink of the day is a Watermelon Martini* and House Margarita from Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant.  Sure you would rather be in bed during this gloomy weather but when tomorrow is sunny and 100 degrees, do yourself a favor and grab a refreshing cocktail.  Start the long holiday weekend on the right foot!  *I asked for it without the simple syrup (I hate sweet drinks), so it was basically fresh watermelon juice and vodka, strong just how I like it.

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant 301 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701 www.riograndemexican.com 512-476-8300

Guest Contributer: Joanna Lea

Tuesday, June 30
Bill Baird’s new project, {{{Sunset}}} (pictured), records electronic and folk music and has been described as “ancient forests under majestic mountaint”. The ensemble plays tonight at Emo’s with Houston’s Wild Moccasins. The Sour notes will open up.

www.myspace.com/lobosunset

To see the rest of this week’s picks: (more…)

Today’s song of the day is ‘Young Hearts Spark Fire’ by Japandroids, a Vancouver garage/dance duo. They were just in Austin June 3rd for a show at Emo’s, and I missed it dangit!

To watch ‘Young Hearts Spark Fire’: (more…)

Today only, Tuesday June 30th, all Pok-e-Jo’s menu items will cost what they did in 1979, the year this BBQ favorite was founded.  Beer= .$.70.  I think you can get 2 beef sandwiches and 4 beers for $6.  Sweet!

www.pokejos.com w/ 5 locations around town

Today’s song of the day is ‘Black Suit’ by Grand Duchy, an American rock band.  This is no ordinary band, the duo consists of Frank Black of Pixies fame and his wife Violet Clark.  The Pixies created alternative rock music as we know it today. 

To watch ‘Black Suit’: (more…)