Category: ATX

Unique Finds Within The Streets Of Austin

I always seem to plan my life a certain way and then end up taking a wrong turn ending up in a completely different place than I originally thought I would be at. I’m not going to say it’s ‘destiny’ since that sounds cheesy to me, however, I always wonder if those wrong turns end up taking me somewhere that is far greater than where I was originally going.

This happens to me quite often, particularly occurring about two weeks ago. I was supposed to go to The Counter Café to write a review but was too hungry to wait in line for 40 minutes in order to finally get something in my stomach, especially after the long night I had.

My friends and I decided to walk north on Lamar in search of food and came across a quaint walk up called Fresa’s. Once we ordered our food we kept trekking until we came to the cross streets of Baylor and 12th only to come upon massive, abandon, broken down condos.

Officially known as the Local to Global Outdoor Gallery Project, Austin’s Castle Hill graffiti (named after the castle-looking building that used to be the Texas Military Institute) originally showcased 6 brown and beige square panels in the 1980’s representing the HOPE campaign’s mission to connect artists to global issues. With the support from the property’s owners, Dick Clark Architecture and Castle Hill Partners, Shephard Fairey’s professional and highly commercialized posters covered the center level of Castle Hill.

From Shephard Fairey to the anonymous street artists who have tagged these crumbling walls and pipes with their colorful hues, graphics and bold colors, Castle Hill is a haven for artists and dreamers, a place that is filled with inspiration, and a place where self-expression is painted within the weeds and concrete ruins of this abandon lot. Castle Hill never intended on being a habitat for graffiti artists to paint/tag highly complex pictures, which as of July 2012 had over 100 pieces and over 300 tags, but then again that is the nature of street art.

This Ketchup To Fry Ratio Is A Serious Problem

Fast food is like crack-once you put that first fry into your mouth all hell breaks loose. There is no stopping that food baby that is about to grow from one week to 9 months in, lets be honest here, a span of minutes. Whether you enjoy that creepy dude Jack in the Box’s curly fries or Mickey D’s hot and crunchy fries that are really only good for one second, there comes a moment in everyone’s life when they must try P. Terry’s.

If I could eat P. Terry’s everyday, I would; however, loading my body with several tons of shoe string fries is not in my best interest. Now, normally I speed through a fast food restaurant-if I can I even call it that-as fast as I can, while covering my surroundings with my peripherals, to make sure no one I possibly know sees me. However, when it comes to P. Terry’s I make sure to get the whole shabang for my buck.

We all know that one moment when we finish our sauce only to realize we still have ¾ of our fries left. I mean it almost ruins the whole point of consuming the 10:1 oil to actual food ratio. It worries me so much that I make sure to ask for EXTRA fist fulls of sauce just to be safe, because you never know how many times you will want to double dip. I have perfected this art, since P. Terry’s is always stingy with their sauce, to the point where my kitchen drawer is now a black hole for unopened ketchup packets because I can never actually offer them to the public. As for me, opening that drawer at 2 am after a long night is like waking up on Christmas morning… only to ketchup…

The Blue Hawaiian

As my friends and I were having, what I thought was, a normal and relaxing lunch at the abandon and graffiti filled Castle Hill, a car that was bizarre on a level that cannot be explained in simple terms pulls up.

Have you ever woken up one morning and decided you would glue objects to your car in an effort to make it ‘fancy’? Holly and daughter Gena Klemm have done just this.

In 1997, Holly and Gena were instantly inspired with the idea of art cars after, “seeing the mayor decked in a red tux, with his red hair, in his red car,” at the Mayor’s Parade in Hampden.

They decorated their first car for Baltimore’s Art Scape Festival in 1997; however, Holly said, “they never qualified because they had to have it towed since it wouldn’t run.”

Although their neighbor had no interest in art cars, he gave them two cars, one of which is the exact car they pulled up in today, “The Blue Hawaiian”. For the past 11 years, Holly and Gena have turned heads as they stroll around in their 1988 Chevy. Originally created in Baltimore, it now permanently resides in Austin where it’s sand castles, murals of the sea and it’s interior filled with tropical colors, instantly make you feel as if you are at the beaches on the islands of Hawaii.

The Klemms exhibit their cars at classic shows annually; especially the Annual Art Car Parade in Houston, where around 300 cars are displayed and over 300,000 people show up.

Some might think gluing ‘junk’ on a car is just part of the whole ‘Keep Austin Weird’ vibe. This kind of stuff is all over the South, and although it may be weird in Baltimore, Holly thinks, “its something people enjoy because it is an old car. It’s touchable and sits right on the street. Even if the cars are weird, people still relate to them.”

Despite originally being baffled by this unusual car, talking to Holly gave me insight on something I really didn’t know much about; and, turns out, she was right. Sitting in an art car, regardless of how strange it may be, enabled me to gain an appreciation for it on a deeper level that I normally wouldn’t have had.

SOCO FOOD TRAILERS KICKED OUT

We all love heading to South Congress during the weekend. Foodies, locals and tourists have come to this spot since 2009 to spend time shopping, while getting a quick bite to eat at the ever-famous food trailers. Four years ago after, the company who houses C3 Presents (the organizer for ACL), plans to build a hotel failed, trailers took over to rent space on the property; however, last week, the dreaded notification finally came that come March, the owners must pack up their trailers in order to make way for a new hotel.

With the rising number of people moving to Austin in the past few decades, will making way for these new hotels change the vibe of Austin from “weird locals” to a more business corporate crowd? While growth of hotels are needed in order for Austin to be more successful, the food trailers are a local iconic spot and have become a well known spot for tourists in Austin. They can only hope customers will follow wherever they move to… wherever that will be.

Take A Walk Down The PINK Carpet

A photographer welcomes you as you walk down the pink carpet. As you approach the giant glass doors, you are handed a grapefruit and champagne cocktail that added vibrancy to the already bubbly mood going on inside of Saks Fifth Avenue Austin, which was decked in pink.

Tonight, NSIDE Magazine hosted the “2012 Key To The Cure” launch party benefitting the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation. Complementary food from PBK Stem and Stein nourished the hungry and diverse crowd as they perused through the cosmetics, shoes, clothes and silent auction items. Making their way through the racks, they came upon a table hosting The Cupcake Bar that individually designed each cupcake by hand.

Anne Hudson and Wes Womack were found among the crowd as well as Bevo, a personal favorite. Overall the night was a great success, as they not only raised money but also awareness for Breast Cancer and their survivors.

 

Not Your Typical Eats

 

 

Now, I know the majority of us are going to ACL for the music… hence music festival; but, those wishing to not get trampled by sweaty bodies, in hopes of getting close enough to Florence that you can smell her; ACL’s food lineup is just as good, if not better, as the music lineup.

You know when you go to a festival or fair you normally find foods whose motto’s are “the greasier, the better”; well ACL Eats’ motto is clearly “the weirder, the better”. Since we are in Austin, expect everything to be out of the ordinary. You’ll still find traditional Austin favorites like Amy’s Ice Cream, Freebirds, P.Terry’s, SweetLeaf Iced Teas, The Best Wurst and The Mighty Cone; however, don’t be shocked if you come across someone eating rabbit and rattlesnake sausage or elk and beehive sausage, courtesy of Woodshed Smokehouse.If you prefer more traditional food, stop by Mandola’s for a sausage and pepper sandwich, Stubbs for a pulled pork sandwich or The Salt Lick for some sloppy nachos.

Looking for a Gluten Free or Vegetarian option? Not to worry, there are over 15 options to choose from.

Have a sweet tooth? Make sure to find your way to Tiff’s Treats for a Tiffblitz, or get your frozen pop fix in with GoodPop or Snowie. Finally wash it all down with some Fresh Squeezed Best Lemonade, Maine Root Handcrafted Beverages, or Daily Juice.

These are only some of the many food options that Austin EATS has to offer. Without a doubt, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your taste buds, after working up an appetite from wandering around the 46-acre park.

The waiting is over. The three-day music festival austinites have been anticipating since last September is officially less than 24 hours away. We’ve figured out how to be at 2 stages at once… if we run fast enough… and have our outfits planned out for the ever-famous Zilker-runway. Just bring a poncho and rain-boots, since the weatherman clearly isn’t doing his job very well I’m forecasting a mud fest folks, and an empty stomach – ACL 2012 here we come!

 

Get ready to walk the ACL-runway

As most austenites know by now, this weekend is ACL. We’ve pretty much memorized all our favorite bands’ lyrics into our heads that we can by now; and, we’ve also planned out, to the minute, how we are going to try to be at two stages at once. ACL, here we come. We’re set.

There’s just one little detail we’ve missed… WHAT TO WEAR!

I can’t believe we forgot that one. How could we?

Not to worry. If Austin is good for one thing, it’s finding something to wear last minute. With all the boutiques up and down SOCO and 2nd street district, we’re sure to find something for the ever-famous ACL-runway.

Here is a list of some of my favorite boutiques, where you’re sure to create three looks that will make this weekend that much better.

Gallery D

Located at 436 W. 2nd Street

Here you can find Jacknboots vintage collection, cutoffs, tees, skirts, dresses and handbags that are sure to get you in the mood to see Florence and The Machine.

Stop by Solid Gold

Located at 1601 E 5th #102

In case it’s a little chilly this weekend, which it might be considering how the weather’s been the past few weeks, you can get your maxi skirt or dress fix in here. Or you can pair this dress and sweater with tights that you can easily put on or take off, just in case.

To top off your outfit and pull it together, don’t forget to go to Touch Of Sass

Located at 500 North Lamar #104

You will find any accessory you need here. Whether you want to pair that burnt orange sweater from Solid Gold with any of these UT color handbags or add a horn necklace to your crop top, your look will be sure to make anyone envious.

If you are the type who would rather do your shopping online, go to Electric Frenchie.

Austin-based, it is an online collection filled with boho chic/indie vintage looks. Be sure to stop by this site tonight to check out their DIY accessory that will fit perfectly with any ACL outfit. They are giving a step-by-step tutorial on how to make this celeb-inspired wrap cuff.

Now that you’ve got the clothing situation figured out, all you have to do now is figure out how to try all the different foods they have this year without stuffing yourself into a food coma…

 

Jewelry You’ll FALL For

Conveniently located in Central Austin, TOUCH OF SASS, recently featured in Austin Fashion Report, has Jewelry to FALL For. This fabulous boutique has anything one would ever want in their closet. Whether you’re looking for game-day gear, a new purse or a statement piece, Touch of Sass offers a variety of accessories that are sure to sass up any fall wardrobe. CC SKYE, Manic Trout, Urban Posh and Leighelena are only a few featured labels that are carried here. Be sure to stop by 500 North Lamar and grab these hand-picked fashion favorites while they last!

An evening filled with great food, drinks and Austin’s elite

NSIDE Austin strives to be highly creative, focused and sophisticated, while using their business resource to inspire, educate and grow throughout the Austin community. NSIDE Austin is a bi-monthly magazine publication that focuses not only on the medical and business industries, but also emphasizes fashion, beauty, music, dining and wellness throughout the Austin area. NSIDE Austin prides itself on hosting monthly mixers, which benefit and raise money for well-known non-profits in the community, recently focusing on the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium (HSC) and Komen Austin.

Friday, September 28, NSIDE Magazine hosted a medical mixer, at The W hotel, in honor of Dr. Moossy (on the cover of last month’s issue) that benefitted Komen Austin.

TRACE provided light appetizers, which consisted of antipasti plates that were loaded with anything from meats and cheeses to crostini’s with jam, figs and nuts. Bowls of popcorn, with what tasted like truffle butter, were also a crowd favorite. I never thought there would be a classy way to have popcorn at an event, but leave it to TRACE to pull it off.

Having an event during happy hour is always a crowd pleaser, especially with The W’s pricy drink menu. However, if you had a chance to arrive at the mixer early, complementary drinks were provided by Z Tequila, which took you out of The Record Room’s dark ambiance all the way to Mexico, even if it were only for a few seconds.

With a room filled with couches and pillows, it’s hard to not cozy up to the fire and network while perusing through NSIDE’s latest issue. All in all, the event had a great turnout and seemed to be a hit within Austin’s elite, who came dressed in their best cocktail attire.

Gangnam Style v. UT Style

Unless you have no idea how this whole social media thing works, but chances are if you’re reading this you probably do, then you’ve seen, Korean pop sensation, PSY’s highly eccentric and entertaining “Gangnam Style” video… you’ve also probably stood in front of a mirror while trying to master his fast-paced, highly sexual, horse riding dance…and if you haven’t… well… knock yourself out.

(watch me) Gangnam Style

Yes… the video is pretty much ridiculous… I mean come on, these people are riding around pretending to be horses… but again… unless you have no idea how to use this great thing called the internet, you wouldn’t know that “Gangnam Style” is a parody in and of itself.

With over 250 million views, and counting, PSY pushes the cultural boundaries of Seoul, Korea’s richest, most eccentric, district, Gangnam, in a massively entertaining way.

For years eastern music artists have had the most difficult time making it mainstream in our western society… I mean I don’t see how… all they really had to do was put on some flashy, neon, clothes and dance around pretending to ride a horse all while making hand motions in mid air as if you were spanking someone. PSY… being the genius as he is… realized that in the US… *ding ding*… you guessed it…sex sells…. shocker there. He clearly used this to his advantage while also knowing that chances were we wouldn’t understand Korean… I mean how rude… but hey, any guy that can outsmart an American is A-okay in my book.

Aside from PSY’s ostentatious appearance, I really just don’t think his life is all that. Honestly… why would you want to sit next to a sweaty guy in a sauna, get down with some elders in a tourist bus or swim in a pool?

As I mentioned before, “Gangnam Style” is a parody and as with any catchy song, you can always count on College students to make their own videos showing how our lives are clearly better than everyone else’s…

(watch me) UT “Gangnam Style” Parody

Now this is what I’m talking about… The “Burnt Orange Tailgating Crew” should be the ones making millions… not this guy PSY,  who is clearly trying to one up us on the amount we spend as consumers… but really… I know The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, New Jersey, New York and Orange County could trump his so-called “Gangnam” lifestyle any day.

PSY makes it seem as if he has this lavish lifestyle… but who walks past a group of girls doing yoga and doesn’t do anything… you’re going to have to do a little better than that if you’re going to compete with us…at least UT girls grind all up on those frat daddies…I think we can clearly see who won this dance off.

Some might think that these UT students have this whole parody wrong… but oh no… it is so right. Who wouldn’t want to consume an immense amount of beer… not to mention doing a keg stand before a football game?

All satire aside… maybe looking a little deeper into the meaning behind “Gangnam Style” will do us some good. Although both videos clearly represent different cultures, the depiction of how much each society consumes is one and the same.

Both videos are over-the-top, but maybe that’s what we need… a kick in the face…or some weird dance resembling horses…  in order to get a message across. Maybe we don’t need to have the most valuable things or drink until we puke in order to fit in. Some might say that PSY is a ridiculous moron… or UT students are giving themselves a bad reputation; however, if you take a little time, on this great thing called the Internet, you’ll realize that  you can still have a great time sitting alone on a beach, in PSY’s case, or resting your head on your buddy’s shoulder in front of a TV at a UT tailgate. We could all benefit from trying to control how much the media brainwashes us by consuming a little less and maybe go back to the days when you couldn’t wait to play outside with your dog as soon as you got home from school, instead of playing video games… but hey, what do I know… I’m just another broke college student trying to get by in life…

Either way, both videos are quiet entertaining… so if you’re looking for a way to procrastinate or just to have a great laugh, I would suggest watching these videos over and over again.. or maybe just make your own parody and see how viral it goes.