Home > Like a Local > Archives > 2012 > February > 10 > Entry
Ashley Beall, Tribeza
How will you start your Friday night?
Fridays tend to be low-key in my world so I’d head over to the Violet Crown Cinema, my new favorite movie theater. They have a bar and restaurant where I’d order one of their gourmet hot dogs with a side of queso. I try to arrive early so we can lounge and enjoy our meal before heading in to watch the latest indie film release.
If you go to a happy hour, which bar will you go to? What will you order?
My favorite happy hours bites would be Eddie V’s Broiled Oysters with Spinach and Artichoke Fondue, paired with some wine, or the Shrimp & Guacamole Tostada Bites at Z Tejas. As for a bar, I’d likely be found grabbing a beer at Kung Fu Saloon.
What is your favorite venue to watch a show?
ACL Live at The Moody Theatre is definitely my favorite venue, especially if you can get into a taping for “Austin City Limits.” The best concert of my life was being front row for Miranda Lambert’s taping last fall.
Where can we find you when you are craving barbecue?
Growing up, my dad used to take me to Green Mesquite BBQ on Barton Springs to get sausage wraps and a “pot chop” (not listed on the menu, but it’s the cook’s name for their baked potato covered with brisket). And, if you’ve never been, make sure you head out to the back patio for some live music at night.
Where can we find you when you are craving Tex-Mex?
Technically they call it “Mexican with a surfer twist,” but in my eyes it’s Tex-Mex. Hula Hut is by far my favorite restaurant in Austin, and it’s a “must do” for this city. It’s comfort food so I can’t go too often, but the outdoor patio on Lake Austin is perfect for a sunset dinner, and the Queso Compuesto (includes fajita beef, guacamole, pico, etc) is the best queso I’ve ever had! It’s the perfect place to take a visitor who wants to eat outdoors while enjoying a lake view. Plus, its close to downtown and you can arrive by car or boat!
If you go to the lake, what will you do and which lake will you go to?
Each lake has so much to offer! Sailing on Lake Travis is incredible, if it only had water (hopefully this drought will end soon and the lake will fill up)! For a quick mid-week boat ride, Lake Austin is the closest, easiest option. For a fun weekend activity, I’ll go canoeing or paddle boarding on Town Lake.
What is your favorite place to get brunch?
Since there wasn’t a question about breakfast tacos, I’ll have to put that here. Rosie’s Tamale House out by Hwy 71 and 620 has the best breakfast tacos in town. It’s a bit of a trek, but it’s worth it! An old favorite of my family’s was Cisco’s on East Sixth for Huevos Rancheros. It might look like a whole in the wall, but it’s a classic! If you’re downtown, South Congress Cafe’s migas are delicious and it’s a great spot for a Sunday morning stroll. You just have to find a parking spot…..
What is your favorite outdoor spot to enjoy a sunny Saturday?
It’s cliche, but I’d have to pick Barton Springs in the spring or fall. It just gets too crowded in the summer.
What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Austin (this weekend or in general)?
The month of March is typically overshadowed by South by Southwest, but a “must-do” for anyone visiting next month is the Austin Rodeo (March 12- March 24). More than just bull riding, you can play fair games, ride a ferris wheel and other rides, dance, shop, and then enjoy a concert at the end of every night. I’ll be at opening night to see the Eli Young Band! Also in March is the Zilker Kite Festival! Other must-do’s are the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, the Broken Spoke for dancing, the Oasis, and my pick for best local hotel is Hotel St Cecilia.
If you’re in need of a little pampering, where will you go? What do you recommend having done?
I have so many favorite spas/salons in Austin! For hair cut/color, I love Propaganda Hair Group on Fifth Street. For a quick blow out, I love Blo Blow Dry Salon before a night out or a big event. Milk + Honey has the best massages, and for an overnight total spa experience, I love going to Travaasa out in the Hill Country.
Where will you be seen shopping?
I like to mix it up all the time. You could find me anywhere from the Hill Country Galleria to the 2ND Street District to the Domain or even Barton Creek Mall. South Congress is also fun, and you can’t go there without stopping in Allen’s Boots!
If you’re having a date night, what romantic spot will you go to and what will you order?
Soleil, out near the Oasis, is great for a sunset dinner overlooking Lake Travis. I also think the city of Gruene, just south of Austin, is a romantic mini-getaway for shopping, dinner, live music, and dancing. Jeffrey’s in Clarksville and Piranha Killer Sushi are also great date spots.
Best Kept secret in Austin?
La Condesa on Second Street is a very well known place, but I’m not sure how many people know that downstairs is a private dining room. It’s not your typical private area though. Apparently the underground room was used as secret liquor/beer storage during prohibition, when supposedly the building was a grocery store. The small room still has the original walls and brick ceiling. It’s tough to explain, but it’s intimate, authentic, and rustic. And it only fits about 15 people total. In all the time I’ve lived in Austin (20 years), this seems to be my most favorite “secret” location.
How will you end your Austin weekend?
If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a sucker for a good view and great food. I’d end my weekend either with a quick climb of Mount Bonnell or at the County Line on the Hill for barbecue and view.
Comments
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By Nicole Moulton or hersocialnetwork.com
February 13, 2012 9:52 AM | Link to this
I will second you on the Piranha Killer Sushi, I’ve got to put the Violet Crown Cinema on the list of to do’s! And Blo is a must for hair and make-up on a night out on the town. There’s no better way to kick start a fun evening with champagne and having getting ready made easy! Love your post!
By Vanessa
February 13, 2012 1:54 PM | Link to this
love this ash!