In no order whatsoever:
Favorite Public Art: That guy up pictured above. I bet you have never seen him. I don't know his story but he lives down on Ben White in the parking lot of Patsy's Cafe. He's been there for 5 or 10 years and I adore him. I only finally just got pictures of him as we were driving to the airport on that sad, rainy day. He was harder to photograph that I imagined, so drive down there and have a look.
Favorite Margarita: Lots of factors that go into restaurants that we all find ourselves in, time after time... Anyhoo, El Chile on Manor Road for Best Margarita. And I will add, excellent frozen-style which is not normally my first choice. They are served in those big nice glasses. They are only as strong as they should be and not too sweet. That, backed up by thin chips and unique salsa makes it a winner.
Favorite Salad: Damn I wish I never never discovered the thing. Who eats salad in the dark? Only a nerd like me. Over and over and over. The Once Upon a Time in Mexico Salad at the Alamo Drafthouse. The veggies are right (avocado and somethingerother), the dressing is jalapeno vinaigrette spicy goodness and that's what hooked me.
Favorite Coffee Shop.....that I didn't go to as often as I wanted: Spider House at night. It's a college hang-out. But it's magical. At night.
Favorite Tacos: That has to be split between breakfast and lunch. For breakfast. the migas taco at Jalapeno Joe's on Airport Blvd. For lunch, the Frontera's Fondida Sirloin (whatever that means) at Tacodeli. God bless both those places.
Favorite French Fries: No question. Black Star Co-op.
Favorite Sandwich: I'm gluten-free so my sandwich situation is compromised. But, the answer is, People's Pharmacy on North Lamar. You fill out a little slip of paper with what you want on there. They give you lots of fresh good meat (no slimy stuff), the bread is toasted real nice (if you want it that way) and they are always friendly. Grab a Nacogdoches Blueberry Green Texas Tea, park yourself outside on the bench, and you're happy.
Favorite Hot Weather Activity: It's Saturday afternoon in Austin. It's 103 outside and you're out of things to do. Now, pick out a matinee during the Paramount theater's summer movie series. Head downtown early and stop in The Roaring Fork, right next door. There's a nice cool dark bar there where you can order amazing chips and guacamole. Or, you can get a whatever and it will be tasty. Make sure to get a drink. And then, when it's showtime, just stroll on over to the show, sit back and enjoy.
Favorite Good Weather Activity: We discovered this years ago but no one seems to know about it. There's electric boats you can rent, drive yourself and cruise around town lake. They hold about 6 people. Bring a cooler of tasties, look at the sunset and you're the king of the river. I heard they only rent in 2-hour sets now, but that's still doable. It's a first-class set-up especially when you have guests from out of town. You can't beat the city lights from up close like that. And, if you're really serious about enjoying life.... call way ahead and reserve for July 4th.
Favorite Gift Shop: Take Heart. Great jewelry. Cute little shop dog. Miscellaneous from Japan. Heaven.
Favorite Event ..... that's not SXSW or ACL: AIA Homes Tour every fall. Love it. Don't miss it.
There's many many more, but those are the stand outs. I will miss them all!
