Monthly Archives: May 2012

Cool Spot: Gourdough’s Donuts & Izzoz Tacos

Izzoz & Gordoughs

Austin is undoubtedly known for its food trailers and, of late, there’s been an ever-increasing array of them popping up in “parks” downtown, down south and on the Eastside; one trailer in particular, though, simply can’t be imitated, and it’s recently relocated to become neighbors with an instant classic.  Gourdough’s is essentially a bastion of caloric excess, with its two dozen donuts slathered in everything from maple syrpu and bacon to berries and chocolate.  Nestled next door to Izzoz Tacos on South First at the intersection of Monroe Street, this duo offers a one-two punch of salty and sweet, with Gourdough’s staying open late into the night to feed the concert-going masses in need of sugary sustenance on their way back home. Pro tip: during the day, start with a migas taco at Izzos and move on to the Dirty Berry next door; bonus points if you can get through the whole thing. Bon appetit!

 

South First Street at Monroe Street
See Izzoz and Gourdough’s websites for menus and hours

Leave a Comment

Filed under Cool Spots, Dog Friendly, Eatery, Family Fun, Outdoors, Weekend Activity Ideas

Weekends in May: Shakespeare in the Park

Austin Shakespeare

The theater troupe known as Austin Shakespeare celebrates its 28th year bringing the Bard to the Texan masses with its Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park series. This year, the troupe is giving Twelfth Night a Bollywood-inspired treatment with new music from local singer/songwriter Naga Valli and choreography by Prakash Mohandas. The series runs every Thursday through Sunday evening in May, and performances begin at 8 pm each night; it’s the perfect venue for a picnic on the lawn with free theater at your fingertips. Admission is free.

 

Zilker Park, every Thursday-Sunday in May at 8 pm
See official website for details

Leave a Comment

Filed under Annual Events, Family Fun, Outdoors, Weekend Activity Ideas

This Weekend: Joel McHale at The Long Center

Joel McHale Photo by Time Out NY

We all know him as the long-running host of E!’s “The Soup” and the leading man on NBC’s “Community.”  But Joel McHale’s taking the show on the road, and he’s stopping this weekend at the Long Center. The pop culture know-it-all graces the stage at 8 pm this Saturday; those of us in need of a night full of snarky good fun can buy tickets ($39-$69, depending on section) via the Long Center’s website.

 

Sunday, May 18, 8 pm
Long Center, 701 West Riverside Drive (see website for full details)

Leave a Comment

Filed under Events, Weekend Activity Ideas

Cool Spot: Lupe Tortilla at Arbor Walk

Lupe Tortilla Austin

It’s safe to say we’re spoiled for choice around here when it comes to good food, and particularly so when it comes to good Tex-Mex.  As if we weren’t already overwhelmed with options, we now have one more: the Houston-based Tex-Mex bastion known as Lupe Tortilla has opened its 14th location here in Austin, squarely placed in the parking lot of the Arbor Walk Shopping Center on North Mo-Pac, just before the Domain.  Known for its fajitas and fresh margaritas, we just might have to test its mettle.

 

Sun-Thurs 11 am-10 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am-11 pm (HH: Mon-Fri 3-6 pm)
Arbor Walk Shopping Center, 10515 N. Mopac Expressway
See website for menu and details

Leave a Comment

Filed under Cool Spots, Eatery, Family Fun, Happy Hour

A Breath of Fresh Air: Gardens on Tour ~ Saturday, May 12

LBJ Center Gardens on Tour 2012

Just in time for Mother’s Day, The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center hosts its annual springtime extravaganza, Gardens on Tour, this Saturday.  A $25 pass grants access to an exclusive look at five private gardens around Austin as well as the Wildflower Center itself during what’s arguably the most breathtaking season of the year. For discerning botany enthusiasts and/or those who only want to spend an hour or so instead of the whole day, individual garden tickets may be purchased separately for $6 apiece; alternatively, a full shuttle pass can be purchased in advance for $75 and the LBJ center will handle your transportation for you.  A special treat: local photographer Peter Tsai and writer Tiffany Hamburger will be on hand at the center from 1-4 pm signing copies of their book, Austin, Texas: A Photographic Portrait. Truly a breath of fresh air on a beautiful spring weekend.

 

Saturday, May 12, 9 am – 5 pm
See official website to learn more & buy a wristband or pass

Leave a Comment

Filed under Annual Events, Family Fun, Outdoors, Weekend Activity Ideas