Verdigris loves Austin, and Austin loves Verdigris. Verdi is my four month old kitten. He’s been running away with me to Austin for the last three months. In that time we’ve learned more than a few things worth sharing.
The Red Roof Inn charges no pet deposits or fees. We get the best prices on Red Roof at Expedia. The Business King gives the best value for your money, with spacious rooms, free in-room wifi, microfridge combo, iron & ironing board, blow dryer, in-room safe, executive desk and table for two. With all the amenities in the room, you're ready for anything when you leave your door. Service is outstanding, always a smile.
Freddie’s Place is my little man's fave lunch spot. Verdi purrs at the friendly servers, bird-filled shade trees and creek in the outdoor dining area. It doesn’t ruffle his whiskers one whit to be the minority kitty amongst the predominantly canine clientele. On our first visit he bought a couple treats from the 25c vending jar for the German Shepherd at the next table. While the instructions on the white picket gate address dogs, they don't say “dogs only.” The servers knew Verdi by name in only a week or two. Now they’re his devoted groupies, despite Tshirts proclaiming “Doggies do it Freddie-style.” Freddie’s is famous for their bigger-than-both-hands burgers, generous sides and tall drinks. I swoon over the veggie burger with jack cheese and barbecue sauce on a whole grain, oat-trimmed bun! On our last visit, my friend talked me into sharing a brownie sundae before Verdi and I boarded 290 East for home.
For date night, you can’t go wrong with a flick at Alamo Draft House. Dinner and a movie in one stop. Arrive a half hour before show time to buy your tickets, find your seat, peruse the menu and receive your order before the lights go down. Eye-popping murals will excite you en route to your respective theater. Meals are served in genuine tableware, no paper or plastic here. Once you see a movie at Alamo, you’ll write off mainstream movie theaters. Basic courtesy rules regarding cell phones, conversation and behavior are played on the big screen and diligently enforced. It’s a gloriously different experience. Old black-and-white films tickle your fancy prior to previews and features. Seats and climate control are comfy, and the volume is just right. Their spaghetti squash with marinara and garlic bread will put you in the mood for love. The iced tea’s not bad, either.
Words cannot begin to describe the romantic sensations of watching the sunset behind the Texas Capitol while dining at the Brick Oven. But here goes. Spy the multihued horizon as you toy with the tomato basil vinaigrette on the house salad. As your heartbeat increases at the descension of the brightening orange orb into perfect position behind the rotunda, taunt your tongue with the artichoke hearts, zucchini and fresh herbs of Pasta Primavera. Splash your palpitating tastebuds with a half-liter of Pellegrino. At this point, the tiniest taste of tiramisu will induce whimpering. More will make you moan loudly and bang on the table. Don’t worry about the neighbors. They’re under the spell, too. The sudden vanishing of the sun amid a display of peach, aubergine and terracotta will leave you breathless and blissed out. TIP: As you walk to your table, check the wall-mounted chalkboard for soup du jour and specials. Gluten-free menu available.
Woo your paramour with the best potstickers in all of Austin at Mama Fu’s. Pork, green cabbage, scallions and ginger meld in your mouth with a citrus soy dipping sauce. Thai coconut soup is a must-try. Lose yourself in this creamy tradition of chicken breast, lemongrass, lime, mushrooms and tomatoes. Ready for the entrée? First, choose your main ingredient: chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu or veggies. Next, select a rice dish or noodle bowl by spice level (yum slow sizzle or whoa, mama!) and sauce contents. Vietnamese Crunchy Noodles offer a mild yet flavorful fantasy come true with garlic-seared sweet sauce atop pan-fried egg noodles, snap peas and sprouts. More Asian franchises should wok this way. Sleek Zen feel, prompt service and upscale movie theater nearby complete the magnetic attraction. NEW: Gluten-free menu.
NEW in Austin: Kerbey Lane Café Southwest. Kerbey Lane’s been around awhile, but this location is new. Servers freely dressed to express their Austin weirdness contrast with classic diner decor for a distinctive ambience. Scan the seven menus, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and seasonal, and create your own custom omelet. Try artichokes and pecan basil pesto with a side of fruit, whole grain toast and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. Tip: stow your recipe on your phone or in your pocketbook before you go. Once you get there, the endless options can be overwhelming.
9/29/10, 12:30-2:15p (tickets go on sale Mon., 9/20):
Former President Jimmy Carter will be signing his latest book, White House Diary (see below) at BookPeople on Lamar and Sixth. While you're there, snag a “Keep Austin Weird” tshirt up front by the registers. Jury a new journal to download your busy brain. Succinctly state your case with a bumper sticker. The ladies’ loo upstairs is a compendium of contemporary literature and notable quotes.
On the subject of loos worth a look, Jerry’s Artarama also merits mentioning. With their colorful illustrations and inscriptions, you know you’re on an Austin pot. Afterwards, partake of the best art supply specials in Austin and artist events. Don’t miss the info-decked lounge wall. It’ll get your brain pumping with activity ideas for hobbies back home. You just can’t go wrong at Jerry’s.
Last, but never least, stretch your legs at Lady Bird Johnson (formerly Town) Lake’s walk-run-bike trails. Dogs are welcome in some areas. Verdi’s contemplating that, and lording about as reigning cat at the dog park. As for myself, I’m eager to check out the yoga studios. On my list: longtime Austin fave NiaSpace in South Central (same mall as Alamo Drafthouse).
(c) 2010 Belinda Y. Hughes
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