“Better Than Sex Tex-Mex”…while I’m not sure I’d go to that extreme, Vivo located on Manor St. has been voted “The Best of Austin” by The Austin Chronicle, and rightfully so. The restaurant is warm and inviting punctuated with bold colors and large scale art displays. They boast one of the most spectacular bi-level patios entangled by grenery with a fountain in the center. It’s definitely an enchanting spot to enjoy one of their delicious margaritas on a warm summer night. While they have an entire page of margaritas to try, their prickly pear margarita is a house favorite. Since I don’t drink tequilla, I can only share what my guest thought…he gave em 2 very big thumbs up! I’ve learned they also serve a tasty sangria, which I will have to try next time. The puffy taco is their signature dish, stuffed with spicy tofu, tomatoes and cheese. Enchiladas verdes come with moist shredded chicken, topped with tangy green tomatillo sauce. I ordered the vegetarian enchiladas with red sauce and enjoyed it very much. The food is filling, flavorful and sure to please, while the patio really drives the ball home. For a charming finishing touch, a long stem rose is offered to all ladies when you’re done your meal. Now what girl doesn’t enjoy a perfectly bloomed long stem rose, good food, in an exquisite setting? Give it a whirl! You won’t be disappointed!

Vivo Site: http://www.vivo-austin.com/index.html

Vivo Menu: http://www.vivo-austin.com/menu1.html

While I’m still enamored by the concept of combined dining and live music that the fine city of Austin offers, one really ought not miss Stubb’s Bar-B-Q while visiting! A Texas institution, known for its live music, rustic atmosphere and authentic slow-smoked, hand-trimmed barbecue Stubb’s is truly an authentic landmark. It’s hard to believe a location as well known as Stubb’s still remains small in size, because it’s definitely big in flavor and experience!  It’s ridiculously delicious!

Originally opened in the late 1960′s in Lubbock, Texas the restaurant was a hometown favorite until the mid-80′s when unfortunate financial circumstances forced CB Stubbfield to close his doors. “Let’s put it this way,” said Stubb, “I got run out of Lubbock ’cause I was broke, busted and disgusted. I can’t fight the IRS with barbeque and sauce.” He relocated to Austin, began selling his barbecue outside of the blues club Antone’s and rebuilt his empire. In 1986 he opened Stubb’s Bar-B-Q again in downtown Austin where it currently is still flourishing. Located at 8th and Red River, it’s easy to walk right past this place without noticing if you weren’t paying attention. Modest in appearance and atmosphere, the wood floors, wood tables and country feel adds to the overall affair. While the wait staff aren’t the greatest if you can get past that, you’ll fill your belly with some of the best Barbeque you’ve ever consumed.

I happen to stumble in on a Sunday just in time for their “Gospel Brunch”…a truly genuine Austin adventure combining a world-renowned buffet with live gospel tunes. Items on the buffet include, but are not limited to southern style grits, eggs, biscuits, gravy, fried catfish, brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, migas, and pretty much anything else that embodies southern barbecue. If that’s not enough, they’ve got a “make your own Bloody Mary bar” served up just the way YOU like it! The Gospel Brunch is every Sunday from 11am to 1pm. It’s not cheap, but it’s well worth it. You’ll leave stuffed and you’ll enjoy your time there.

For those of you unfamiliar, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q also houses the greatest backyard in the world! A 2,000ish capacity outdoor venue where some of the most famous musicians have taken stage. It’s a pretty magical location, and while I completely recommend you indulge at the restaurant, I demand you check out a show there too!

Stubb’s Site: http://www.stubbsaustin.com/index.php

Stubb’s Menu: http://www.stubbsaustin.com/rest_home.html

Where do you go when you’re looking for a casual spot near your proverbial new place to catch a Celtics game, partake in some traditional Texas grub all the while surrounded by a casual laid back atmosphere?? Search no more…Waterloo Ice House in Austin Texas is definitely a quick and easy destination.

This no frills down-home comfortable locale quickly won me over. The first Waterloo Ice House opened in 1976 on Congress Ave and is best described as a “casual neighborhood gathering spot serving hot handmade meals and ice cold beer for an eclectic mix of Austin business people, students, artists and musicians.” I happen to hit the 38th location, but there are 8 of them conveniently located to wet your palate and fill your belly. The menu is riddled with the usual bar food suspects with a Texas twist. My selection, while basic, was entirely tasty! The chicken tenderloin plate was a welcomed splurge served with mashed/gravy, green beans and Texas toast. Add a cold beer, my Celtics, a warm spring night on the patio and I was one happy camper.

Waterloo Ice House has also become a legendary live music venue offering not only good eats but great tunes as well. Be sure to check out Waterloo Ice House when passing through Austin, TX.

Site: www.waterlooicehouse.com

Menu: http://www.waterlooicehouse.com/menus/full_menu_small_loc.pdf

I have to let you in on a little secret! If you have not tried a boxed wine, I recommend you RUN, don’t walk to your nearest store de spirits and pick yourself up a Boho Vineyards Box. They are definitely one of my most favorite new finds! I wavered for a long time on buying wine in the box. I figured they can’t be good quality, and they seem a little “whiskey tango,” but I am however singing an entirely new tune now. I’ve definitely tried a few different boxed wine varieties, but I continue to come back to Boho. I’m a red drinker, and their Cabernet is great…NO JOKE! Now if you need further convincing, each box averages (depending on where you live) about $18 and there’s FOUR bottles of wine in each box. Now, whip out your handy dandy calculator, or tap into your inner 2nd grade math mind and come to the same conclusion I have. $4.50 a bottle. If you wanted to buy a bottle of Cab for that price, I’m fairly certain you’re options would begin and end with Carlos Rosi. Blech! Honestly friends, I wouldn’t steer you in the wrong direction. By no means am I saying these little boxes of goodness replace the really FINE bottles of wine you can indulge in from time to time, but for your everyday, post work dose of relaxation they rule.

Boho Vineyards select Central Coast grapes that are night harvested to help ensure peak flavors. They are available in 3 popular varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. The Cabernet (my fav) is full-bodied with rich tannins. Deep ruby red in color, displaying flavors of cherry, cassis, chocolate and blackberry and finished with hints of cedar and subtle creamy notes from gently oak aging.  The Merlot is also deep red in color and displays flavors of bright cherry, cassis, and raspberry combined with subtle oak aromas that lend the palate to spicy smoke and dark chocolate characters, resulting in a lively finish. The Chardonnay is medium bodied displaying flavors of Granny Smith apples, ripe peach and tropical aromas. A toasty vanilla oak balances for a soft and creamy finish. I’m not a fan of white wine, but if you are…give it a whirl. Consider yourself warned however…I firmly believe nothing good comes from drinking white wine!

Also, Boho Vineyards winemaker Adam Richardson created the most environmentally-friendly responsible 3-liter package possible using only soy-based inks and the outer shell is printed on 95% Kraft* recycled paper. The resulting new light-weight colorful box flaunts a table-worthy design with paisley swirls that pay homage to vintage Bohemian chic that we so love. But more than just a pretty face the 3-liter cask keeps harmful air out so that the premium Central Coast wines stay fresh for at least SIX weeks after opening, reducing spoilage and waste. You also don’t have to worry about cork tainting or having to pour unfinished wine down the drain because you didn’t finish the bottle before the air ruined the flavor of your favorite wine. (Not a problem I have all that often, but for some this can be).

Cheers!