My First Place Is Looking For First Time Buyers for their show – Right Here In Austin!

BUYING YOUR FIRST PLACE?
Then HGTV is looking for you!

I was contacted by the casting producer of this great show to send a message out to Austinontherocks.com friends and members – SO IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THIS SHOW, read the press release below, and request an application. Tell them Austinontherocks sent you!

MY FIRST PLACE, HGTV’s hit series, is coming back for a ninth season
and we’re looking for first-time homebuyers (and their agents!) in
the Austin area RIGHT NOW!

We are looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the
home-buying process for their first place and would like to share
their story with HGTV! Our goal is to capture all the trials and
tribulations of looking for, bidding on and buying your first place.

Taping takes place this summer. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic
buyers with a great story to tell and a desire to share their
experiences. Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply!

Candidates who complete taping will receive a surprise housewarming
gift as part of the show and also a DVD copy of their episode to
document their first home buying experience for all time!

Request an application by emailing:
cbaggish@highnoontv.com
(This e mail address is not a link. Please just cut and paste it into your e mail address field to send Cindy Baggish an e mail message.)

Dine at Fleming’s or Enjoy Their 5 for 6 Til 7 Happy Hour

Our awesome member, Jenny Larson, was the lucky winner of the $50 Fleming’s gift card giveaway. She let us know what a great time she had, and even sent pictures! Thank you Jenny!

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After having many friends rave about Flemings, I finally got to experience the steakhouse at 320 E. 2nd in Austin the other weekend.

The restaurant has a wonderful, quiet ambiance and our waitress, Sarah, was extremely friendly and helpful, along with several other staff members who checked in on us during our dining experience. The drink menu is wonderful and we started out with an Orange Romeo (Svedka Vanilla Vodka, Tuaca, freshly squeezed orange juice and cream) and a Margatini (Gran CentenarioAnejo Tequila, Grand Marnier Liqueur, orange juice and lime).

The drinks were gorgeous and just as tasty. For an appetizer, the chef prepared a special tenderloin over crostini with a reduction glaze. Now, I’ve heard people say that they’ve had steak melt in their mouth before, but I never really got it….until now. I’m a steakaholic, and this was, by far, the most incredible cut of beef I’ve ever tasted. My friend, Desiree, ordered the Lite Filet Mignon and I ordered the Seared New Bedford Scallops with a puffed pastry and sautéed fresh vegetables in a lobster sauce. We decided to share the baked potato, which is loaded with butter, sour cream, chives, cheddar cheese and bacon.

The steak was fantastically seasoned and Des had no complaints. My scallops were excellent and the lobster sauce was out of this world, as were the veggies. By the time dessert rolled around, we were so stuffed but HAD to order dessert! The chocolate lava cake is extremely decadent and the vanilla ice cream on the side was definitely needed to cut the richness of the chocolates in the cake.

Flemings was an incredible experience. Being a cheap, cheap, cheapskate, I was a little concerned about the prices going in, but it is reasonable and definitely worth every penny. With drinks, an appetizer, 2 entrees, 1 shared side and 1 dessert, it was a little over $100, which isn’t bad for an evening of fine dining!

Flemings has a great happy hour special with 5 cocktails, 5 wines by the glass, and 5 appetizers for $6 each until 7pm. They are also offering several meal specials throughout the summer – a 3 course Maine Lobster and Seafood boil for two for $99 (through August 15), a summer Prix Fixe 3-course meal for $39.95 (through September 27), and brace yourself, a 3 course Prime Rib dinner for only $29.95 every Sunday for the month of July. Check out Austinontherocks.com for complete details or to make your reservations for either location in Austin this month.

Jenny plans to become a regular contributor to Austinontherocks.com!

Pet Friendly Snack Bar has a Healthy Twist AND Happy Hour

Last night, I decided to check out Snack Bar on South Congress and asked my friend Kristi to join me. It sits nicely on South Congress next to the Austin Motel and bears traces of a 50s era diner but with an Austin feel. Perfect for SoCo’s funky Austin vibe. Sitting on the patio, I mentally noted that this would be a perfect location for brunch or people watching on First Thursdays!

As we looked over the menu, I was pleased to find that they are incredibly thoughtful in considering dietary needs and had many vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options to choose from, from their snacks to their desserts. And they serve the brunch menu all day, every day!

With it being happy hour and all, we decided to start with a few cocktails mixed with organic juices – for me, the Pomgrenada and for Kristi, the Remonake.

Both were fabulous!

The Pomgrenada is ideal for those who have afondness for pomegranate juice and/or bubbly. Kristi’s Remonake was like a refreshing lemonade, perfect for a hot day.

Skipping the snacks, we headed straight for the entrées. I ordered the bleu burger with blue cheese, bacon and pickled onions. Cooked to perfection, it was juicy and greasy like a diner burger should be. I quickly devoured my burger enjoying all the elements in each bite.

Kristi ordered the veggie burger with brie, apple raisin chutney and caramelized onions. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Kristi’s order because the veggie burger was stuffed with avocado. How would that taste with brie and apple chutney? Delicious. How unexpected! We ended up splitting the snack size mac and cheese with our entrees and it was comforting like a mac and cheese should be. And usually I would finish off my meal with a dessert but the burger and mac and cheese did me in for the night. If I had any more room I would have probably ordered the peanut butter pie or the black and tan (dark chocolate brownie and peanut butter blonde with ice cream on top). I did end up finishing my time at Snack Bar with one of their reds, a Grenache blend, 2008 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec, biodynamic and very tasty.

I will definitely return to Snack Bar again, and again!

Happy Hours are M-F from 4-7pm – $1 off fancy drinks and beer, $2 off select plates and snacks and $3.50 organic house wine. And pet-friendly on the patio! Visit Snack Bar at www.snackbaraustin.com.

Follow MeFoodie on Twitter at @fooddrinklove

Sex and the City 2 – Austinontherocks Style!

Sex and the City 2 - and Austinontherocks!

Don’t miss your chance to get the STAR TREATMENT- just in time for Sex and the City 2! Become a member of Austinontherocks.com for your chance to win this fantastic night out with the girls!

Presented by Austinontherocks.com, Gibson Bar & The Trailer, Dirty Bill’s, and Tipsy Taxi.

Hair Styling and makeup by Rachal Robichau, Danny Villereal, Kellie Gonzales, and Willow Witten of Ritual Salon, formerly known as Salon Bloom.

Professional photography courtesy of Stephen DeMent Photography!

You and three of your best friends will enjoy “Sex and The City 2” in true fashionista style!

Tipsy Taxi will pick the four of you up and take you to a photo shoot and styling with Rachal, Danny, Kellie, and Willow. Stephen DeMent of Stephen DeMent Photography will photograph you – Sex and the CIty Style! You’ll get to keep a photograph to remember the fun!

And what’s a Sex And the City night without a Cosmo? Dirty Bill’s limo will bring you to the fabulous Gibson Bar for a cosmo and dinner at The Trailer, always offering Fine Cuisine out of an Airstream!

Then it’s time for another limo ride with Dirty Bill’s but it’s just a hop skip and jump to Alamo Draft House where you’ll have tickets for four and an Alamo Draft House gift certificate. Sit back and enjoy Sex and the City 2 like the true celebs that you are!
And of course, Tipsy Taxi will be there when the fabulous evening is done to drive you home!

ONLY MEMBERS OF AUSTINONTHEROCKS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS CONTEST!

And don’t worry GUYS, your turn is next – we have plans for a great night for you too, COMING SOON!
Join AUSTINONTHEROCKS.COM TODAY!!!! Don’t miss YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Prize Eligibility
Only persons who are at least 21 years of age can enter.
Sweepstakes Starts
June 01, 2010 @ 07:30 am (PDT)
Sweepstakes Ends
June 14, 2010 @ 10:00 am (PDT)

TnT Grill is Dynamite in a Tortilla!

Tuesday night, I ventured to TNT with my friend Emily. I passed it on 5th street a few weeks back, and recently discovered TNT stood for Tacos and Tequila. I needed to check this place out! Vision of mixed drinks and assorted tacos baited my stomach and lured my taste buds, and I was reeled in like a fish.

At first, I was overwhelmed with the scrumptious options of tequila drinks mixed with agave nectar and fresh fruit juices; there were so many I wanted to try! So I decided to start with the basic house margarita. Emily decided to stick with the house red. Drinks on the way, our server introduced us to the savory quesadilla bar with choices of Chile Glazed Steak and Southwest Veggie. Turns out, TNT offers free quesadillas until 6:30 during happy hour. We considered ourselves lucky for getting an early start! Another complementary treat at TNT, crispy sweet potato chips with a creamy chipotle mayo dipping sauce. These are not to be missed!
TNT Sweet Potato ChipTNT Quesadilla BarGuacamoleTNT Cucumber Margarita
For our entree, we split the Good Karma Guacamole and the TNT platter. The house margarita was good but typical for a house margarita; I stepped it up with their Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita. The Good Karma Guacamole was made fresh at our table and with roasted garlic, giving it a very smoky delicious flavor. It may seem pricey on the menu, but we found it to be worth it. Not to mention, a portion of proceeds of the guacamole goes to Urban Roots. Our platter arrived with three different tacos, Corn Crusted Chicken, Korean Beef and Rojo Shrimp and two sides, Chimayo Market Corn and Black Bean Adobe Pie. The Chimayo Market Corn was absolutely heavenly! I was hooked by its sweet, buttery kernels smeared with cotija cheese and sprinkled with red pepper. The adobe pie was a tamale shaped in a flan dish covered with a cream sauce and pico de gallo. I finished the meal with my refreshing margarita. Cucumber based drinks are perfect for the summer. I was surprised that it wasn’t too spicy even with the jalapeño. Overall, I found my food to be flavorful and the drinks worth a sip or three.

Happy Hour is Mon-Fri from 4-7pm. Drink specials includes $4 house drinks and $2 draft beer. Free retail parking at the Gables Pressler Apartments. Visit TNT at www.tntgrill.com.

Mariam Parker, Contributor
Follow MeFoodie on Twitter at @fooddrinklove

Sneak Peek! New Home page will launch soon!

Our new home page will feature a front window highlighting our picks of the week! We’re also adding sharing features that will help you share your favorite places with your friends with just a click. It’s the first of many fun new reasons to bookmark and visit Austinontherocks.com!

Coming next: upgraded listings for restaurants and bars so you can learn more about them before you go!

It’s Impossible to Be Crabby At Truluck’s

Aside from the fact that you can catch a great dinner of fresh seafood, steaks and legendary Stone Crab, you’ll definitely feel “happy go lucky” when you hit Truluck’s happy hour. On Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 7 and all night on Sunday, you can hit the jackpot with half priced appetizers and cocktails or share a 25% off bottle of wine.

These appetizers aren’t small change either; you can make it a meal. Let’s say you are one of the Three Stooges and you only have thirteen bucks between the three of you.

You might start with the
On Pure Ground” Goat Cheese Trio. It’s a plate of fresh and smooth Goat Cheese, one with walnuts and green apple slices, another flavored with roasted tomato, and the third featuring fig & honey. As you attempt to eye poke Curly because he ate your share when you were staring at the redhead – which he foils by sticking his palm in front of his face sideways – Moe can order the Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers. Like three plump, juicy soldiers all in a row, they arrive wearing jaunty green olive helmets atop. Both choices are $6.50 each, so there’s a nice dinner for three for Thirteen Bucks!

Ok, ok, so you’re the Three Stooges, not The Olsen Twins, so that’s just a good start. But you get the idea.

The point is that Truluck’s has great food at great prices in just the right size to fit your budget and your waistband. Plates like Duck Tacos are just $5, Salt and Pepper Top Catch Calamari is $6.50 and Hot and Crunchy Shrimp goes for $7. Of course, you can skip the formalities and go straight to the Carrot Cake or Chocolate Malt Cupcakes for just $2 a piece  - or get down to business and opt for one of the many decadent sounding Martinis. With names like Chocolate Martini, Tiramisu Martini, and Key Lime Pie Martini, it’s downright tempting to enjoy one of these cocktails as dessert. The best part:  they are liquid, and since liquid calories don’t count,  at $5.50 each you can have two…or three.

During my visit to Truluck’s, I choose to try the drink named after my awesome and friendly bartender, Pedro’s Pomegranate Martini” (his name is Pedronot Pomegranate).

It’s
very cold, very red and very tasty, perfect for a Hot Texas Evening! Plus, you gotta respect someone that has a drink named after him. (Remind me to tell you about the drink I have named after ME….but that’s for another day… and another blog post….)

Find more Truluck’s specials including their FABULOUS DATE NIGHT, at Austinontherocks.com!


Mom Deserves a Brunch of Love on Mother’s Day

She picked up your dirty clothes, wiped your runny nose, and was always there with a hug and a kiss to soothe your teenage woes. You know who I’m talking about – so don’t let Mom down on Sunday May 9th.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t wait any longer to make your plans! If you want to treat mom extra special to thank her for all she does, you can’t beat delighting her with a fantastic brunch. Here are a few handy dandy recommendations that will definitely do the trick. To see a full Mother’s Day Brunch listing or to search our website for more information, including menus and reservations, just click the links!

  • TAVERNAGrab a comfy spot at a sidewalk table and watch the world go by at Taverna, where $1 Bellinis and $1 Mimosas compliment brunch entrees such as Taverna Frittata, New Orleans Style Beignets, and Vanilla French Toast. The bellinis rock and what a great spot to people watch with Mom!
  • ROARING FORK - It’s no secret that we are huge fans of Roaring Fork Stonelake (read our blog!). Their Mother’s Day Brunch will not disappoint. Special Dishes include 16 oz. Prime Rib, Crab Cake Benedict, Roasted Alaskan Halibut and of course, the heavenly RF Strawberry Shortcake. These special offerings will be available from 10am, and offered all day – or until they run out, so get there early!
  • EDDIE V’s - Both Eddie V’s locations are honoring Mom by opening their doors on Sunday May 9th from 11am until 2pm. If Mom is a seafood lover, this is definitely the place that will make a big splash, because their special menu includes Wok Seared Pacific Ahi, Filet of Atlantic Salmon, Alsakan Halibut, and Gulf Snapper with fresh Jonah crab.
  • MANUEL’S - For a Jazzy afternoon, Manuel’s on Jollyville and Manuels Downtown feature Austin’s Finest Musicians. Brunch is from 10-3 (with music from 11:30-2:30) and you can have a Mexican Mimosa for $4 and lovely dishes such as Huevos Rancheros, Lorro Des Res (tenderloin steak and egg with Mexican Potatoes and black beans), Breakfast Tacos, and Migas.
  • FLEMING’S – Wine her and dine her at Fleming’s! Even better, if you brunch with Mom at Fleming’s, she gets a gift card for $25 dollars to enjoy on a future visit! Brunch is a 3 course Prix Fixe for $29.95 with delectable fare such as Beef Tenderloin and Vegetable Frittata, Eggs Benedict, Berry Stuffed French Toast and Walnut Turtle Pie.
  • III FORK’S - Did you misbehave and need to really kick it up a notch to get back on Mom’s good side? III Forks has the secret weapon. A Full Course menu with entree choices of Chateaubriand, Herbed Chicken with Crabcake, or Alaskan Halibut for $42.95 comes with a rose for mom! Kids can dine for $24.95.
  • CANTINA LAREDO - A buck buys a lot at Cantina Laredo! Crab Cakes Benedict, Spinach and Artichoke Omelettes, and more will be added to their regular brunch. $1 Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and Bloody Maria’s are available when you order their buffet! Get Beef and Chicken Fajitas and a lot of other items – well, let’s just say you get the Whole Enchilada for just $15.99. AND the first Bloody Mary or Mimosa is FREE!
  • MAX’S WINE DIVE - If Mom is a Champagne and OJ lover (like me) MAX’S Wine Dive has Biscuits and Gravy with Sausage and Home Fries, Open Faced Ham and Egg Sandwiches (aka Eggs MAX Muffin) and Strawberry Shortcake on the menu. Oh, did I forget to mention $1 Mimosas? ‘NUFF SAID!
  • FINO – Elegant outdoor dining is offered at FINO, and the patio is covered if that other Mother, aka Mother Nature, doesn’t grace us with sunshine. Choose the $24 pp Prixe Fixe Menu which offers choices including House Cured Salmon, FINO Benedict, Gulf Crab Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Made to Order Cinamon Sugar Donuts. If that doesn’t strike your fancy, Ala Carte brunch items are also available.
  • MOONSHINEMoonshine is nothing short of LEGENDARY in the brunch department. For $15.95 it’s a buffet fit for the gods, with selections such as Hash Brown Casserole, HOSS Migas, King Ranch Casserole, and Green Chile Cheese Grits. It doesn’t hurt when you can also get a Moonshine Mimosa for $3.50 – but why not get the whole darn carafe for just $18?
  • Z TEJAS – There are so many reasons to adore Z Tejas for brunch. Both locations, Arboretum and Downtown, have great patios and great Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Screwdrivers for $3.50. You get a Muffin and fresh fruit with entrees such as the Spinach and Wild Mushroom Omelette, Breakfast Enchiladas, Barbacoa Beef Brisket Enchiladas and THE ALWAYS FABULOUS (and my personal favorite), Chicken and Potato Hash.
  • STEINER RANCH STEAKHOUSE - For the crew that wants a view, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is perfect! Their brunch features a Texas take on classics such as Seafood Crepes, Eggs Benedict and good old fashioned Biscuits and Gravy. Add the Carving Station to your lunch for $5, and of course, don’t forget Mimosas are $3. Check out our blog!
  • AQUARELLE – Say Bonne Fetes des Meres, Maman! That’s French for Happy Mother’s Day, Mama! Keeping the theme, have a 3 course Prix Fixe Brunch at Aquarelle. $30 pp, options such as Melon Soup, Duck Confit Crepes, and Parfait of Passion Fruit.
  • CHEZ ZEE - Celebrating requires an entire weekend at Chez Zee! Two days of brunch buffets, clowns, magicians, live music guarantees a lot of fun for all, so get there early! They open 8 am on Sunday.

These are just a few great places to show Mom some love! To find more, and to peruse other food and drink specials, you know where to go: Austinontherocks.com!

$100 Gift Card Giveaway Vote!

Thanks to Austin Landry, Megan Marie, Dina Delacerda, Kathryn Courtney, Kim Kitchen, Phylanda Barnes, Rachel Robichau, and Emily O’Keefe, we have the 8 restaurant finalists for the $100 Gift Card Giveaway!

Now it’s YOUR turn to vote on the Finalists! The restaurant favorites are: Trudy’s, Truluck’s, House Wine, Fogo de Chao, III Forks, Jasper’s, Roaring Fork, and Fino. Voting Closes at 5pm on Wednesday, April 28th, and since it’s Taylore’s birthday, she will have the honor of choosing the gift card winner!

REMEMBER: We select the winners from our MEMBERS, not our Facebook fans. If you’re not a member, you won’t be on the list! Become a member of Austinontherocks.com to be eligible for these great giveaways! Sign up here – there is no obligation, just chances to win!

The winner of the vote will be posted here and on Facebook by Wednesday no later than 8pm. The winner of the gift card will be announced Thursday, April 29th, via video here on this blog at 4pm. At any rate, vote for your favorite place – good luck and thank you for voting!

Brunch at Roaring Fork is a Wood Fire Grill’s Best Friend.


Stepping through the doors of Roaring Fork is an indulgence for one’s senses. If you don’t believe me, close your eyes when you enter and let your nose lead the way. It will be obvious very quickly that Roaring Fork is definitely Cooking With Fire. A smoky aroma that permeates the entire restaurant is mouth watering and brings forth the illusion of cooking over a desert campfire – but when you open your eyes, you will delightfully see that the rustic ambiance stops there.

Feast your eyes on an urban, yet comfortable restaurant that is beautiful, functional and energetic. An exhibition kitchen features under counter lighting, creating a visual marquee for the bustling chefs at the grill. Through the broad expanse of windows, the image of the fire in the kitchen is cooled by the sight of a rippling lake situated just beyond the outdoor patio. Your ears will hear the unmistakable sizzle of meats being seared over an open flame, and your body will feel happily relaxed when it slides into a comfortable red leather booth.

Now comes the best for last: taste. Specializing in open fire, rotisserie, and wood oven cooking, Roaring Fork offers entrees featuring beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and fresh fish. Flavors such as Green chiles, poblano, rosemary and cilantro unite to create True American Comfort Food.

We visited Roaring Fork for brunch last Easter Sunday. Although they were offering fabulous sounding specials such as rosemary and garlic encrusted leg of lamb, prime rib with creamy horseradish, and roasted gulf snapper, we opted for the regular Sunday Brunch favorites. Our feast included Roasted Chicken Enchiladas with Eggs, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with corn cakes, a Big Ass burger (because, well, sometimes you just gotta have a big ass burger),
“just spicy enough” Green Chile Mac and heavenly Cheesy Grits with fresh jalapeno, cheddar and smoky bacon.

Our meal began with freshly made, amazing, scrumptious cinnamon rolls. Like the picture? It doesn’t come close to the real thing.

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict was my entree choice, partly because I have had the smoked salmon at the bar during happy hour and it’s the best I have ever had, and partly because I am a bona fide Eggs Benedict Fiend. The fresh and smoky salmon arrived sitting atop a crunchy corn cake, a delicious twist on the usual English Muffin. Perfectly Poached Eggs came next and were complimented by cilantro bearnaise and satisfyingly crunchy breakfast potatoes. (It disappeared from my plate very quickly, I’m embarrassed to say, and if anyone tells my trainer Willie Stark that I ate all of this, I will vehemently deny it.)

And Chicken Enchiladas with eggs? What an awesome combination! The chile and tortilla flavors were understated enough to allow the smokiness of the roasted chicken to shine through, and the over easy eggs perched on top were also cooked to perfection. Cilantro lime rice and black beans completed this Southwestern breakfast original. The Big Ass burger definitely earns its name. Huge, thick and juicy, it’s served with a cast iron kettle filled with fries, crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, just like they should be. Too stuffed to try the strawberry shortcake, we were regretting that when we saw someone else’s dessert waiting to be taken to their table. Brief but suppressed impulse: grab it and run!

Roaring Fork is NOW OFFERING HALF PRICED BOTTLES OF WINE on Sunday at both locations. Reserve wines are featured on this special, so wine snobs, make your way to Roaring Fork next Sunday!

We visited Roaring Fork’s north location this time, it’s located 10850 Stonelake Blvd, near Braker, but there is another Roaring Fork on Congress downtown. For more information about both location’s happy hours and special food events please visit Austinontherocks.com. A final note: If you visit the bar with a friend, try the smoked salmon with toast points and then split the rotisserie chicken with black beans and tortillas. It’s the perfect amount of food, and they are both personal AOTR favorites.


Happy Brunching from Taylore, Blake, Gary and myself!

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