Adventures in Foodlympics

In general, I think video/photo posts featuring myself are a little self-indulgent, but I gotta say that I’m pretty proud of my stamina in my latest all-day eat-a-thon, so I’ll make an exception.

My old roommate, who graduated in December, came to visit Austin a couple weekends ago. She’s a major foodie, so on the top of her list of things to do in ATX was eating at local places, almost all of which have been written about  on this blog! I figure that have maybe 3-5 more years of uninhibited, gluttonous feasting before my metabolism  slows down and I’ll have to start eating healthy and exercising regularly. But until then…

Quick Fudge

So I know that studying stresses everyone out and I know that I always like something sweet so here is the recipe for some great fudge along with the video of how-to make it!

Sno Beach!

You know it’s summer when Sno-Beach, Austin’s favorite snow cone stand, opens up and huge lines gather to cool off with one of their Hawaiian inspired shaved-ice treats. Some friends and I visited the one at Guadelupe and 34th yesterday.

My friend Rach explains how it works…

Sno-Beach is an Austin icon, and opens up when temperatures hit the 70s. There’s also one on Barton Springs Road – perfect for a refreshing snack on the way back from a day at Barton Springs.

The video below really showcases my (lack of) technical skills…but if you don’t mind a lopsided look click to see what the sno-cones look like!

More photos after the break…

Plucker’s Wing Bar

Plucker’s Wing Bar, a delicious treat for anyone!!! Enjoy!

Austin Farmers’ Market

Chez Zee for Brunch…AND dinner.

Interior of Chez Zee

So Sunday rolls around when my mom is here one weekend and after a shopping spree and Big Lots for the essentials, we decide to try out a hip restaurant off of 2222 called Chez Zee!

It was hard to find a parking spot for the first 10 minutes, but once we found one we walked to the hostess desk to put our name down through a ivy vined tunnel laced with Christmas lights and dangling miniature disco balls. Very interesting first impression.

The hostess was rude to say the least. She was not happy to be working on a Sunday I suppose. The place reminded me of a collector’s haven from the 70′s. The piano player was playing 70′s music, there were mini disco balls hanging everywhere.

It took us about 20 minutes to get a table. Once we sat down we knew that mimosas were a must: two champagne glasses with fresh-squeezed Orange juice with a strawberry on the rim for garnish. It was wonderful, but a bit pricey for $5 a piece when there was only enough to barely quench your thirst.

Buca di Beppo

I love to go to this place either on a date or with a big group of people.  

 

Photo from: northmetro.blogspot.com

 

 

When you arrive, the wait staff will walk you through the kitchen on your way to the table. And if you are lucky enough and request it, you could sit in the kitchen!

Alex’s FAMOUS Tres Leches

My friend, Alex Pineda, makes the MOST delicious cake I’ve ever tasted in my whole life. Sound dramatic? It’s not, I’m for real. She makes a one of a kind, “secret” recipe for Tres Leches cake.

I filmed her and Stevi making it last night in the kitchen of “future house” where my friends live. It’s kind of a crazy video because there were about 10 people (and a dog!) running the kitchen/house at the time.. but I think that makes it interesting. 

caution: my voice is semi-annoying, I apoligize

 

click here for the whole recipe!

It tastes SO much better than it looks here! She wouldn't let me dig in because she had to use the cake for a project at school

Rudy’s BBQ

From autodesk.blogs.com

Sam’s last post had me thinking about my favorite place to go for BBQ: Rudy’s. I think that the deliciousness of their melt-in-your-mouth extra moist briskets (and the equally delicious jalapeno sausage links) is in the sauce, which is the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy. However, what I hear people talk about most when the name Rudy’s gets brought up is their cream corn. It’s pretty much a heart-attack in a styrofoam cup, but it’s definitely well worth an extra lap or 2 around the track. Check out the rest of their menu here.

The atmosphere is super chill; you get up to the cashier to order your food,  sit down on their picnic benches (indoors and outdoors), and bus your own table when your’e through. And this may sound silly, but try out their hand jacuzzi when washign your hands (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there). It’s super fun!

Note: First-timers can get a free sample of anything before deciding on what to get! Check where the nearest location is here.

ClayPit

“I’ll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure.”-Mae West

I take Mae West’s words to heart when it comes to food.. although I’m pretty sure she was talking about something else.

I’ll try any type of food once… I’ve eaten anything from oysters and raw fish to calf fries (sometimes called Rocky Mountain oysters.. yep cow testicles) and alligator. And if I like it, I’ll always go back for seconds and thirds! 

Recently I tried Indian food for the first time at ClayPit–Grill and Curry House. I’ve always passed by the big stone building while driving downtown on Guadalupe St, but I’ve never really fancied spicy rice foods until my friend recommended the restaurant as a must. Plus this food blog gives me the excuse to go eat at ANY new place!!

photo from austin.decider.com

“The original Clay Pit was started in Austin, Texas, in 1998, and has received local and national recognition as one of the best Indian restaurants in the country.” As well as reigning best Indian restaurant in Austin for the past four years.

ClayPit offers a varied menu of contemporary Indian and Pakistani cuisine. I started with the Curry Crab cakes and then moved on to the mild Tikka Masala curry w/ tomato-based butter cream sauce seasoned with herbs & spices and chicken. My date ate a Boti Kebob, a stick of tender morsels of lamb marinated in fresh herbs & yogurt, roasted in our clay oven and it was REALLY good.

 

ClayPit

I didn’t think I’d be a big fan of the curry, but it wasn’t so bad… Although, I don’t think I’ll be tasting it for thirds “to make sure.”

However, I will make my way  to ClayPit again bc the atmosphere was super cool and modern. I loved sitting on the ground and eating with my hands, something about it felt primitive yet sophisticated (if that makes any sense?)

Check out other reviews here