Austin Events

The holidays are quickly approaching and two staple Austin events are here to help in the holiday gift purchasing department. Things may look a little different this year, so be sure to check out their respective websites for instructions on how to attend.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

November 13, 2020 – December 24, 2020
Blue Genie Art Bazaar – 6100 Airport Blvd.
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a unique holiday art show held in Austin. Open again for more than 15 years, the free Bazaar features handmade artwork and gifts from more than 200 local and regional artists – with a portion of proceeds going to Make-A-Wish® Foundation.

Options:

• SHOP IN-STORE
• SHOP ONLINE + HAVE IT SHIPPED
• SHOP ONLINE + PICK IT UP
• PERSONAL SHOPPER
• PRIVATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

For more information, check out: www.bluegenieartbazaar.com

A Christmas Affair

November 17, 2020 – November 22, 2020
Virtual Event
The Junior League of Austin’s A Christmas Affair hosts approximately 200-vendors in a themed shopping extravaganza which includes parties, children’s events, a private shopping brunch, and the season’s biggest celebrity, Santa!

The A Christmas Affair 2020 team is proud to announce an exciting reinvention of the annual, iconic holiday event. After analysis of current directions from local and state authorities, and keeping the safety of our volunteers, merchants and guests in mind, A Christmas Affair: Felicidad will be a fully virtual event and marketplace. 

Now in its 45th year, the five-day holiday gift market kicks off the giving season each year and hosts more than 150 regional and national retail merchants. This year, The Junior League of Austin will use a platform that will allow the JLA to support small businesses from around the country and create interaction experiences for its virtual attendees.   

Find more information at: www.jlaustin.org

Filed under: Austin Events by Olga Gilmore

Fall time brings cooler temperatures and pumpkins on display all over town, beautifying homes, porches, and storefronts in shades of orange and gold. Before you pick out the perfect pumpkin to turn into a Halloween jack-o-lantern or delicious pie, head to one of the many different Austin pumpkin patches offered around town for a fun autumn outing and family-friendly experience! Note: Make sure to check out the individual locations COVID-19 restrictions.

Barton Hill Farms Pumpkin Patch – 1115 FM 969, Bastrop

Barton Hills Farms is the perfect place to enjoy an autumn day! Get your fall family photos under the cottonwood trees or take a stroll through rows of beautiful pumpkins ready to be picked. Check out their 3.5 acre Scooby-Doo corn maze then take a break and relax on a swing beneath a shady tree by the Colorado River.

Buda United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch – 767 Main St., Buda

Admission to this pumpkin patch is free, welcoming all to come by and visit, including furry, four legged friends. The decorated patch serves as a great backdrop for family photos.

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch – 120 Natures Way, Elgin

Don’t be confused by this farm’s name; it does have a pumpkin patch! During the month of October, they host man “Fall Fun” days as well as a Pumpkin Festival that is full of hayrides, pumpkin decorating, animals, and photo ops. Aside from activities, delicious food can also be enjoyed, including Texas BBQ and baked goods.

Evergreen Farms Christmas Tree Pumpkin Patch – 242 Monkey Rd., Elgin

Evergreen Farms is a family-friendly event where children of all ages can enjoy fall activities! Take a wagon ride into the Christmas tree fields where you will hung for mini pumpkins that are hidden in the trees. After the Hunt, enjoy pumpkin decorating on the pavilion along with great concessions and other activities and games!

Leander United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch – 107 SW Dr., Leander

Full of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, Leander United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch has the opportunity for plenty of photo ops as well as scavenger hunts, stickers, and activities for the whole family! Hear stories told by a professional storyteller while sitting around a campfire while you make your own s’more! The stories will be fun for children, teenagers, and adults alike. Be sure to get there before dusk!

Manchaca United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch – 1011 FM 1626, Manchaca

Fall is an exciting time of year at Machaca United Methodist Church in South Austin. Their annual Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat is back and better than ever! Come stroll through their pumpkin patch, decorate cookies, and take advantage of their many photo opportunities. Enjoy a Movie in the Patch with the family on October 18th, showing It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

South Texas Maize Pumpkin Patch – 911 US-90, Hondo

A family adventure with food and fun for all, in Hondo, Texas! Spend a scenic, fall day at the farm at South Texas Maize Pumpkin Patch. There are so many activities to participate in including finding your way through a 7-acre maze, going on a hayride, sliding down a MatterCorn slide mountain, riding a twin cow train, unlimited jumping on a two Corn Pop-Poppers, and so much more!

Sweet Berry Farms Pumpkin Patch – 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls

One of the Hill Country’s favorite farms is back with their annual Harvest of Fall Fun! Come out with family and friends and enjoy hayrides, mazes for all ages, pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, face painting, horse rides, flower picking, sand art, a barrel train, and berry bounce! There is no entry or parking fee! All you need to do is pay for your pumpkins and any activities that you want to do.

Texas Pumpkin Fest – 10930 E. Crystal Falls Pkwy, Leander

Pumpkins, gourds, pony rides, and more! This Leander, Texas festival attracts visitors near and far every fall. Dress up the kiddos for a photo op on the hay pyramid. Get creative and join in on pumpkin painting while you enjoy one of their many food vendors.

The Jersey Barnyard – 3117 TX-159, LaGrange

The Jersey Barnyard is back again for its annual pumpkin patch. Make new family memories full of fun farm experiences. Enjoy a farm tour on the tractor and give your pumpkin a smile at the pumpkin painting station. The Jersey Barnyard also has a variety of fall décor to take home including Jack o’ lanterns, specialty pumpkins, squash, gourds, decorative corn, corn stalks, ceramic pumpkins, mums, and fall bedding plants.

The Robinson Family Patch – 3780 White Owl Ln, Temple

Come and spend the day at the Robinson Family Farm with your family and friends! There is never a dull moment at the Robinson Farm. With over 20+ attractions, you will find yourself enjoying the fall farm life for hours. Search through their corn maze, take a hayride, and pick out that perfect fall pumpkin for your and your family.

Austin Local, October 2, 2020

Filed under: Austin Events by Olga Gilmore

Looking for something to do in Austin while maintaining social distance – how about going to the movies while floating on the water?  Austin’s idea of a drive up movie theater.

Floating Cinema is coming to Austin for one week starting September 23rd.  This unique cinema is made up of 12 to 24 mini-boats that hold up to 8 people.  Movies are going to be a mix of golden oldies and new releases and there will be free popcorn for all!

You can get more information here:  htps://zip-tickets.com/event/show/floating-boat-cinema-austin-1547164

Filed under: Austin Events by Olga Gilmore

On March 22, the U.S. Census Bureau released the results of its July 2017 yearly population estimates, and what they reveal shows that while Texas continues to be a red-hot destination for newcomers, the Austin-Round Rock area is adding fewer people than in years past.

The bureau analyzed population growth beginning July 1, 2016 through July 1, 2017 throughout the U.S., and then broke the figures down by metro region. In 2017, Austin-Round Rock area dropped in rank among the 10 fastest growing regions in the U.S., going from No. 8 in 2016 to No. 9 this year.

In their report, the bureau notes this drop is due to a drop in “net migration,” which translates “to less people moved here last year than the year before.” In 2017, the Austin area welcomed 55,269 newcomers, a drop from the 58,301 that moved here the year before.

Though it’s a drop of more than 3,000, the population gain was enough to keep Austin-Round Rock at the No. 9 spot among the top 10 largest gaining metro areas. Our Texas neighbors Dallas-Fort-Worth-Arlington and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land took the Nos. 1 and 2 spots in this category, respectively.

Also falling in ranking is nearby Hays County. In 2016, the county took the top spot among fastest growing counties in the U.S. This year, it fell to fourth place.

Despite Austin’s slight decline, the state of Texas is still in demand. Among most populous counties, both Harris (Houston) and Dallas counties rank among the top 10 in the nation and among the largest gaining. And when it comes to fastest growing counties, Comal, Hays, and Kendall make up three of the 10 spots, coming in at Nos. 2, 4, and 5, respectively.

Houston and Dallas also appear among the most popular metropolitan areas in the country, too. With a population of 7,399,662 (an increase of almost 145,000 people from 2016), Dallas-Fort-Worth-Arlington comes in at No.4. Not to be outdone, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land comes in right behind in the No, 5 spot, with a population of 6,892,427. The New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago metro areas took the top three spots, respectively.

Info courtesy of: Katie Friel and the U.S. Census Bureau

Filed under: Austin Events, Real Estate News by Olga Gilmore

Did you make a resolution to try to new foods and restaurants in 2018? 

Here is a list of defining eateries that will help make your dining decision a little easier.  These restaurants are in order from North to South Austin, so take a look and see if something new catches your eye.

Apis Restaurant & Apiary

Chef Taylor Hall turned Spicewood into a fine dining destination with casual leanings with their New American restaurant, where the thoughtful dishes incorporate seasonal ingredients, including, of course, honey from the on-site hives. Take advantage of prix fixe or happy hour menus and pop into the casual next-door pizzeria, Pizzeria Sorellina, too.

Ramen Tatsu-ya

Patrons line up for both locations of the ramen shop — the far north’s tiny strip mall spot and the larger South Lamar restaurant — before opening hours, on hot or cold days, for good reason. The staff is friendly, the space is buzzing, and the ramen is phenomenal. Along with the killer broths, don’t forgo the katsu sliders, hush piggies, and satisfying desserts.

Din Ho Chinese BBQ

For the finest Beijing duck, roast pork, and marinated meats, Din Ho’s Chinese barbecue is the answer in far north Austin in an easy-going setting with reasonable prices. Elsewhere on the menu, dive into other dishes like sea cucumbers with duck web and deep-fried intestines.

Biderman’s Deli

Biderman’s Deli brings much-needed sandwiches and bagels to the Northwest Hill. The Jewish delicatessen serves up classic bagels loaded with cream cheese, lox, whitefish, and more. Then there are the classic sandwiches, from the standout Reuben to the pastrami/corned beef/chopped liver combination during daytime and early evening hours.

Epicerie

Sarah McIntosh’s charming and well-executed cafe and grocery showcases what neighborhood dining should look like, with a New Orleans/French touch, in Rosedale. From the in-house cured meats to the grits reminiscent of risotto, Epicerie’s attention to detail elevates every item on its menu. The table service spot is great for a leisurely brunch or casual date night.

Komé

Take and Kayo Asazu turned their popular but now-defunct sushi trailer Sushi A-Go-Go into a full-blown restaurant, offering their take on home-style Japanese fare in the Hyde Park spot. It recently relocated just down the street into a larger space. Lunch is served teishoku-style (fixed menu with a dish, rice, and sides), and later on, there are shared plates for dinner. Most rolls run under $10.

L’Oca d’Oro

Besides dishing out excellent and thoughtful Italian cuisine in Mueller (pasta to dry-aged meats to gelato), L’Oca d’Oro champions the rights and well-being of restaurant workers within its own restaurant, as well as throughout the industry. The restaurant pays fair wages (hospitality fees are included in all bills to help make this easier), offers paid sick days, and dubbed itself a sanctuary restaurant as a safe space for everyone.

Contigo

Contigo’s minimalist beer garden is the perfect setting for its ranch-inspired menu, which heavily features housemade charcuterie and other meaty delights. It’s the perfect example of Austin in restaurant form found right in MLK. Venture down to East 6th Street sibling Chicon for indoor takes on Austin fare.

Dai Due

So regionally-minded that even the beer and wine are exclusively from Texas, Cherrywood’s Dai Due is equally satisfying for a light breakfast or a major blow-out meat fest at dinner. The brick and mortar incarnation is everything Austin hoped for from what used to be a hyper-local farmers’ market stand and supper club from chef Jesse Griffiths. The Texas-forever menu includes everything from heavier dishes like giant ribeyes, fried chicken, and wild boar confit, to lighter fare, like empanadas.

Mi Madre’s Restaurant

Cherrywood’s Manor Road has become a culinary destination, and the classics found in the area are definitely worth exploring. Few restaurants do neighborhood Tex-Mex with more warmth than Mi Madre’s. Indulge in the massive spread of migas or some killer enchiladas.

Eastside Café

Chef/owner Elaine Martin’s longtime classic restaurant, which opened in 1988, was one of the first in Austin to take advantage of local farms (co-founder Dorsey Barger now runs Hausbar Urban Farm). This means Texas dishes made with fresh ingredients like smoked salmon ravioli, enchiladas, and pano-pecan chicken. The pies, especially the buttermilk one, aren’t to be missed, especially considering there’s an on-site pie shop, Elaine’s, too.

Jeffrey’s

Restaurateur Larry McGuire’ and chef/partner Tom Moorman’s brought new life into the refined dining room of classic restaurant Jeffrey’s in 2011. Diners can expect to either spend half a paycheck or opt for an affordable meal of pork chops and souffles at the elegant bar (See also: Monday’s all-night happy hour). The valets will park a ’99 Corolla with as much panache as a Mercedes, so why not risk getting a little fancy? A visit to next-door effortlessly stylish sister restaurant, Josephine House, with bright brunch-inspired dishes and rejuvenating drinks, is worth a visit too.

Olamaie

Refined, welcoming, and inventive, Olamaie is back to form. Chef Michael Fojtasek may draw influences from across the American south, but he’s also remarkably committed to local sourcing, especially from Austin’s urban farms. Remember to order the off-menu biscuits, which pair well with Hoppin’ John. Don’t overlook the refreshing cocktail program from Erin Ashford. The finer dining setting works well for group dinners, dates, and special occasions.

Franklin Barbecue

Now back in business after a fire, Aaron Franklin’s smokey meats have risen from humble trailer origins to become one of the country’s most talked-about barbecue destinations. Yes, you will wait in line. Yes, it will be worth it. Weekend waits can stretch up to five to six hours these days, so consider ditching work for a weekday brisket fix instead. If brisket happens to run out, try the ribs and turkey.

Micklethwait Craft Meats

Pitmaster Tom Micklethwait is diligent about making everything himself, which means his Central East Austin trailer rounds out the holy trinity of Austin’s smoked meats spots. Besides brisket, there are creative sausages.

Easy Tiger

This bake shop and beer garden nails the winning Austin formula: in-house bread and pastries, craft beer, outdoor games (hello, ping pong), and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere in the most improbable of places: Dirty Sixth. Make use of the massive outdoor area with giant pretzels and sausages in hand. It’s so popular that it is quickly expanding throughout Austin. There is an outpost within Whole Foods’ 365 Market in Cedar Park, plus new locations forthcoming in the Linc and the city’s first food hall, Fareground.

Buenos Aires Cafe, Este

It’s all about Argentina at the fun and casual east side restaurant, where meat is the centerpiece, from grilled steaks, short ribs, chicken, to other South American specialities, like its take on Shepherd’s pie. Be sure to order some empanadas.

Salt & Time

The butcher shop with a focus on responsibly-raised meats also offers a mean brunch and lots of meaty sandwiches. The dinner service is one of Austin’s terrific deals for high-quality charcuterie and steak on the outskirts of Holly.

Tamale House East

Embrace the spirit of Austin institution Tamale House with the colorful east side restaurant, which is run by the fourth generation of the Vasquez family. The migas are plentiful, tamales galore, the patio is lush, and yes, there are cocktails and beer.

El Naranjo

El Naranjo delivers the best taste of Oaxaca in Austin, thanks to chef Iliana de la Vega, who helms from the region. The Rainey Street restaurant focuses on upscale Mexican fare, with moles, chile rellenos, and other interior dishes.

Bufalina

Bufalina’s perfectly executed Neapolitan pizzeria has won the hearts and minds of diners around town right on East Cesar Chavez. Wine nerds will dig the unique and affordable bottles on offer as well. Check out the expanded second location out on Burnet too.

Veracruz All Natural

Excellent tacos are served from these trucks, served on handmade tortillas with fresh salsas. It’s not a real order without the migas, and don’t forget to try the aguas frescas. In addition to the original location, there are late night tacos at Radio Coffee & Beer down in south Austin, and brick-and-mortars in North Burnet and Round Rock.

Via 313

Detroit-style pizza in a Texas-only craft beer bar? Hell yes. The brothers Hunt make some of the best pies in town. Craft Pride’s lovely patio is the right place to enjoy them because nothing is better than pizza and beer enjoyed outside. For other Via experiences, pair the pies with frozen Iron Whips from its second location at Violet Crown Social Club (which is set to relocate when its new East 6th Street brick-and-mortar opens), or head to the Oak Hill or north campusrestaurants.

Uchi

For those looking to spend half a paycheck, this new-school sushi institution on South Lamar is the restaurant. Trust the server and don’t skimp on the more traditional sushi. The sake social hour (read: happy hour) is one of Austin’s fine dining’s greatest deals too. For expanded dishes beyond sushi, hop up to sibling restaurant Uchiko up in Rosedale.

Emmer & Rye

From the grain-obsessed mind of executive chef and owner Kevin Fink comes Emmer & Rye, serving all-things local on a higher-end level, right on the edge of Rainey Street’s bar-packed district. Order from the menu, and grab whatever catches your fancy from the roaming dim sum-style carts filled with special dishes. Make sure to get the handmade pasta and knock-out desserts from pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph.

Dee Dee

Chef Lakana Trubiana cooks up a small but mighty Thai menu at the Holly food truck. The flavorful Isaan-style dishes range from the comforting om gai to the very spicy larb moo. When in season, the mango sticky rice is worth it.

La Barbecue

The city boasts an embarrassment of world-class smokey meats, and La Barbecue gives Franklin a run for its money from its new brick and mortar home on East Cesar Chavez, within the Quickie Pickie. Predictably, the lines are running longer and longer — up to two hours on the weekends — but on weekdays, it’s still possible to have a casual lunch of world-class barbecue. Go for the brisket and sausages.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

Texas meets Japan with the Lone Star-influenced izakaya from the Ramen Tatsu-ya team in Holly. The focus is on small plates and bites. There are fun dishes like a take on Frito pie made with octopus and hot pockets with brisket. Then there are expected fare with yakitori, sashimi, smoked meats including barbecue eel and fish collars, and, of course, ramen. Explore the funky choices of the exotic and rarities menu.

Justine’s Brasserie

Justine’s menu of classic French fare with an east side twists makes for a neighborhood classic. Late night parties, secret musical performances, and art shows lend to the buzzy, magical atmosphere of the convivial space. Plus, the reasonably-priced wine list means this tucked-away gem is perfect for a long, lingering meal, which’ll have to include the steak frites.

Launderette

From the superstar team of chefs Rene Ortiz and Laura Sawicki is Launderette, the stylish Mediterranean-influenced neighborhood cafe in Holly with a focus on all-day dining. This means more upscale takes on on the usuals, like toasts topped with crab, grilled prawns, and burgers served on challah. Don’t miss out on the birthday cake ice cream sandwich at the end, or even beginning.

Lenoir

This tiny South Austin restaurant features global dishes from Texas-sourced ingredients, served on a three-course menu affordably priced at $45 (think fried quail, peach ceviche, grilled halloumi). Make reservations early — there are only about thirty seats available. The wine garden also features an a la carte trailer for a more casual evening on South Lamar.

Bouldin Creek Café

Beloved by denizens of the 78704 and beyond, Bouldin Creek offers a diverse menu of vegetarian fare, locally roasted coffee, and a taste of old-school Austin during the daytime and evenings. The vegetable sandwiches are legitimately delicious.

El Primo

The tiny taco cart on South First gets crowded quickly for good reason: the tacos are just that good. Fillings are simple, from breakfast tacos with eggs, cheese, sausages to barbacoa and carne asada during lunch. Remember, it’s cash-only

Jack Allen’s Kitchen

Great, reliable, locally sourced food in a mid-century building, Jack Allen’s is the casual suburban restaurant of your dreams out in Oak Hill. Hunker down with chicken-fried anything, from steak to beef ribs, and good ol’ pimento cheese. There are three other locations out on 360, West Anderson Lane, and Round Rock.

Sichuan River

Austin’s best bet for Sichuan food can be found in the no-frills South Austin restaurant off West Gate. Bypass the Chinese-American dishes for good, spicy dishes like the mapo tofu, spicy jumping fish, and excellent spicy stir-fried chicken.

Taste of Ethiopia

Pflugerville restaurant Taste of Ethiopia brought its array of African dishes to South Congress. Stews, spiced meats, and simmered vegetables are served on sharable injera, a round spongy bread. Go for the vegetarian sampler and wash it down with some honey wine.

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Pitmaster Miguel Vidal melds the best of what Austin has to offer — smoked meats and tacos — down in far South Austin. There is a new brick-and-mortar to look forward to, but until then, head to the trailer for barbecue, tacos, and sandwiches, along with rotating specials like burgers, pastrami, and more. Don’t neglect the excellent breakfast tacos, especially the Real Deal Holyfield.

Eater Austin, The 38 Essential Restaurants in Austin, Winter 2018 by Naudia Chaudhury, January 9, 2018

Filed under: Austin Events by Olga Gilmore