Home > Like a Local > Archives > 2011 > October > 23 > Entry
Julie Wernersbach, BookPeople
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How will you start your Friday night?
Friday night starts at G’Raj Mahal for some seriously good Indian food Austin-style, which means from a food trailer. It’s in the Rainey Street District — the perfect location —so afterward you can stroll down the street for a drink in one of the old houses that’s been converted into a bar.
If you go to a happy hour, which bar will you go to? What will you order?
Tiniest. (The Tiniest Bar in Texas, on Fifth Street just off Lamar.) This is BookPeople’s go-to bar for happy hour (or any hour, really.) The margaritas are good, and if you’re with a big group, the pitchers are a good way to go. We love Tiniest because it’s close to the store, the deals are good (phenomenal during Happy Hour), and you can sit outdoors and occasionally see people practice fire throwing.
What band will you see this weekend?
Saint Vincent (technically, Monday, so we’ll call it a long weekend.) They’re playing ACL Live at the Moody Theater. She’s originally from Houston and one of my coworkers actually went to high school with her. If you haven’t heard hew new album yet, “Strange Mercy,” get ye to Waterloo already and check it out.
What’s your favorite Austin band aside from who you will see this weekend?
This recommendation comes from my boyfriend, who is admittedly more into the music scene than I am. He goes for either TV Torso or Sunset. They’re both bands formed by former members of Soundteam. Local and good.
What is your favorite venue to watch a show?
The Parish. It’s intimate, really easy to see the performers on stage, and the sound system is awesome.
Where will you go for late-night eats after your night out?
Magnolia. Tons of variety, friendliest waitstaff (in a city full of friendly wait staff) and they’re open all night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, you can’t go wrong there.
Where can we find you when you are craving BBQ?
I’m vegetarian, so I can’t help you. For an awesome veggie burger while your friends get their meat fill, you should definitely hit up Phil’s Icehouse. Best. Fries. Ever.
Where can we find you when you are craving Tex-Mex?
Z Tejas. It’s close enough to the store to grab lunch there and everything is to die for.
Where can we find you grabbing a margarita?
Tiniest. We really don’t deviate….
What is your favorite place to get brunch?
Kerbey Lane. For me, really, brunch is all about eating breakfast when I should be eating lunch, so it’s all about the Gingerbread Pancakes at Kerbey Lane.
What is your favorite outdoor spot to enjoy a sunny Saturday?
I love riding my bike around this town, so on Saturday, I want to ride down Shoal Creek Trail and either hit up Zilker Park or Barton Springs.
What trails will you hit this weekend?
Shoal Creek Trail, on my bike.
What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Austin (this weekend or in general)?
Barton Springs. There’s nothing like feeling the chill of that water! And nothing like having a natural spring run right through your city. It’s also great for people-watching.
Where will you be seen shopping?
BookPeople! And South Congress. I love the funky shops — and there’s a great place to get a good deal on shoes called Goodie Two Shoes. And when those dogs are tired from all the shopping, you’ve got Home Slice right there, Amy’s Ice Cream, and one of my favorite places to grab a drink in this town (when I’m not hitting Tiniest) — South Congress Cafe. They have great weekday deals on mojitos and margaritas.
If you’re having a date night, what romantic spot will you go to and what will you order?
Chez Nous. My boyfriend and I just went there to celebrate my six-month anniversary. It’s a quaint French bistro right off Sixth Street. Their Prixe Fix menu is perfect. It was absolutely the best meal I’ve ever eaten. Every bite was delectable. I actually slowed down just to savor it. Get the salad with the poached egg and the chocolate mousse — do not walk out of that building without tasting the chocolate mousse.
What’s Austin’s best-kept secret?
Blue Dahlia. It’s my other favorite romantic spot. Good, locally grown, all natural food made expertly. Everything comes with fresh baked bread. The mushroom crepes are out of this world. There’s plenty for vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike. It’s on the east side.
What is your favorite place to go with a good book?
Zilker Park. I love lying on the grass and reading under that big, blue Texas sky.
What coffee shop has the best couches for curling up with a book?
The Hideout on Congress is one of my favorite coffeeshops in this town. I go there to read and write a lot. They have a great selection of snacks and aren’t generally as crowded as a lot of other coffeeshops. I can pretty much always find a seat.
What is the best kept secret to exploring Book People?
The Bargain Books section. We have bargain books on displays throughout the store, but also have a big section right by the registers and also up on our second floor. You can find a lot of awesome books for cheap.
How will you end your Austin weekend? Where will you go and what will you do?
Catching a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse. Beer, hummus platter and whatever they’ve got playing is the perfect way to prepare for Monday.
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