Category Archives: Treat Yourself

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

by Hannah Thornby Posted on December 4, 2012

This riverside oasis is truly one of Austin’s great gems. It’s the type of place where you know you have stumbled upon something great before you even step inside. In Mozart’s case, this is especially true given their fantastically large, absolutely perfect deck/patio that wraps almost all the way around the entire establishment on two separate floors and offers up both shade, sun, and wifi. Oh, and did I mention the fantastic view of the lake?

If basking in the sun is not your thing or it’s too cold outside, don’t fear, Mozart’s is just as comfortable inside. With an inside made of wood, brick and window (for the view), the indoors of Mozart’s offers up a perfect near-rustic coffee shop environment. In terms of fixins’, they offer a range of bottomless coffees and all the regular syrups and coffee special orders. Their food menu is also quite large and features such treats as Amy’s ice cream, cookies and bagels, and a number of homemade cheesecakes and dessert cups. Personally, I wouldn’t mind some breakfast taco options, but the quiches normally suffice.

But really, there’s just nothing like a place that hands you a delicious mocha in a fancy coffee cup and then encourages you to spend the rest of your day in their establishment, just lounging about.

Oh but one note, Mozart’s is expensive. If you want a drink and at least a little grub , you’re going to be spending more than $5. Also, while there is substantial seating options, expect to find Mozart’s packed on especially nice weekends. Still beautiful, but packed…

In a perfect world, I would be sipping coffee at Mozart’s and pondering life at least once a week. In this perfect world, I also have a car.

It’s hard to not want to spend all day here
Posted in Coffee, Eating Through Austin, Podcast, Treat Yourself | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Perfection in Donut Form – Gourdough’s

by Hannah Thornby Posted on November 2, 2012

People may call it a donut truck, but really Gourdough’s is much much more. It’s a peek at what they serve in heaven.

In heaven and at Gourdough’s, donuts aren’t just donuts. They’re decadent, over-the-top dish creations where toppings ranging from fried chicken and pudding to oreos and fresh fruit are heaped up on top of a perfectly fried and fluffed chunk of bready donut and then covered in cream cheese, chocolate, peanut butter, or jam. In heaven, donuts require forks, knives, and one’s utmost respect.

Son of a Peach - Peach Stuff

I repeat, Gourdough’s is no ordinary donut place. To perhaps put it in better perspective, take my friend Max. Every time we visit the South 1st food truck pod in which Gourdough’s resides, he talks in length about how his younger brother has it better in life because he discovered Gourdough’s secrets earlier in life. Max is 19.

This holiest of places is my guiltiest pleasure. I’m not proud of it, but there have been numerous occasions when I’ve visited the Gourdough’s website when I’m down or deep in procrastination mode. Just glancing through the picture posts of over 20 of their inventions is sometimes necessary for me to continue with my day.

I would recommend a donut, but there is literally one for every type of person and they are literally all perfectly capable of being someones’s favorite. I think if I even tried to name my favorite, I would just keep changing my mind or making it a list. I won’t try.
Word on the street is that Gourdough’s is expanding and opening a real brick-and-mortar restaurant on South Lamar. I shall be there on opening day, come join me.

Posted in Eating Through Austin, Podcast, Treat Yourself | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Birthday Food

by Hannah Thornby Posted on October 5, 2012

It was my birthday this last week. As one of those people who considers their birthdays a holiday, I made sure to live it up and eat some really good meals.

No, it did not involve the local Austin food scene, but the tub of Birthday Cake Blue Bell Ice Cream I received as my first present on my birthday eve is not to be forgotten when talking about all the good things I devoured. It was just too good. The best marriage of two of the best things in the best way possible.

(Pasta not pictured)

Next was dinner. I was lucky enough to receive a gift card for dinner from my father to Vespaio, an Italian restaurant on South Congress. It’s one of those places I pass constantly in a car and stare at longingly every time, knowing that it is out of my budge 99% of the time. I was so very happy to learn that I was going there for dinner.

Ordering took forever because I literally wanted everything and knew that everything would be good. Finally, I decided I would also be in charge of what my companion ordered so that I would be able to choose two things. We got an eggplant pasta with red sauce and the steak-frites because you just can’t go wrong with steak and I have yet to see it offered in our cafeteria. It was definitely a dinner to be remembered- not just because it was my 19th birthday but also because the food was so very heart-warming and delicious. There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of pasta and a big ol’ steak to make you feel homey and happy.

Dessert, of course, included going back for that tub of Blue Bell. As soon as I finished my steak, it was all I could think about.

Posted in Eating Through Austin, Treat Yourself | Tagged , , | 1 Comment