Review of Austin's Best Coffee Houses
Jo’s juxtaposes retro and modern with its clean, yet funky interior and reminiscent charm. Servers raved about the burgers, tuna melts, and accommodating service that delivers every drink from their Oregon Chai to Italian soda. Located in the 2nd street district, visitors can relax on the patio on a sunny day and or enjoy their meal and coffee in the restaurant-like interior. Jo’s leans on the café side with a full menu of migas, sandwiches, and salads for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Each meal is completed with a wide drink selection of coffees, teas, and out of the ordinary sodas.
Halcyon has a relaxed but hip feel. With a plethora of couches and lime green arm chairs, this is a great place to puff on a cigar from their well stocked supply, order a drink from the full bar, or enjoy “the best latte in town,” says barista Nola Parker. Halcyon is also well known for the s’mores platter complete with all the dessert’s ingredients and a personal flame to roast the marshmallows to a perfect golden brown. The front porch overlooks the action on 4th street as the glow from the votives nestled in coffee beans shines through the window panes. Cheese trays and appetizers are featured on a modest menu, so most visitors come for the gourmet coffee and tea.
There are few places where a Brazilian flag will show up in the froth of your latte. Café do Brasil takes ownership of their South American roots with a colorful menu of organic gourmet coffee, desserts, tapas, and sandwiches accented with a cultural flare. Guests sit comfortably at the café’s tables and chairs eating their Turkey, Bacon, Avacado or Tropical Chicken sandwiches- the lucky ones snag the couch to sip on ancho chile mochas. Natural sunlight floods the space- highlighting the Artist of the Month’s display on the burgundy walls. Café Do Brasil is ideal for a light lunch, afternoon sweet, or flavorful caffeine jolt.
The Hideout: part coffee shop and café, part comedy club. This unique combination generates a lively environment for people either passing through to see a show in the back theater or to plop on a couch and sip on a Hideout Hazelnut Latte. The art hanging on the richly colored walls, dark wood accents, and mismatched furniture create a cozy, eclectic feel. The Hideout’s kaleidoscope of drink choices with raspberry, vanilla, and almond flavored coffees are accented by their varied menu, boasting their very popular veggie chile and grilled cheese combo for a flat $5. This hubbub of entertainment is a fun destination for a meal or late night visit.
Little City delivers a menu complete with salads, entrées, sandwiches, and soups. The rich, dark décor resembles an elegant bistro- with deep plum chairs, wrought iron sconces, and saffron walls adorned with modern art. The “Poet’s Plate” is a favorite with fruits, cheeses, and breads but for a complete meal- Little City offers plates from the wasabi tuna sandwich to eggplant parmesan. The shop roasts coffee beans from all over the world- and even supplies them to other coffee shops around town. Located on South Congress in the Capitol’s shadow, their menu caters to the meal-seeking crowd but their well known beans attract coffee connoisseurs as well.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Travel Show: Austin, Texas
This is a (very) rough cut to show you what I am working on to pursue my dream of being a travel show host.
The premise for this travel show is "Your Perfect Day." In the first edition, I show you all the things you can do in a perfect day in Austin. There are so many activities, restaurants, and things to see in a perfect day wherever you are!
Interlaken, Switzerland
Extreme Adventure - check
Superb hostel - check
Natural Beauty - check
What does Interlaken, Switzerland not offer?
Extreme Adventure:
From the many daring feats you can choose from in Interlaken (sky diving, white water rafting, hiking), we opted for canyoning. Starting at the top of a huge waterfall, we were lead by guides to cliff jump, slide, and shimmy through canyons through the rushing fall.
This is not for the faint hearted. 40 foot jumps, cold temperatures, and steep crevices all make this adventure a thrill for any adrenaline junkie. Two guides ensure the safety of the group and clearly communicate (with some a witty sense of humor for us) how to make it down the canyon.
What a thrill this was! I wouldn't leave Europe without an outdoor adventure in Switzerland. Canyoning was a new concept to me - from the picture you can probably get a taste of the fun we had.
Superb Hostel:
Balmers Hostel proved to be one of the best hostels I stayed in all summer. The clean and comfortable hostel offered free breakfast, a restaurant that cooked a great burger, and the Metro night club. Between 6pm and 7pm, they offer 2 for 1 on drinks in the quaint beer garten.
We were also able to book our canyoning directly from Balmers which made the process quick and convenient. Great rates, good food, comfortable beds, and the "famous" Metro Bar made this an ideal hostel for us.
Natural Beauty:
Snow capped peaks act as a breathtaking gate to the valley where Interlaken sits in between two lakes.
Superb hostel - check
Natural Beauty - check
What does Interlaken, Switzerland not offer?
Extreme Adventure:
From the many daring feats you can choose from in Interlaken (sky diving, white water rafting, hiking), we opted for canyoning. Starting at the top of a huge waterfall, we were lead by guides to cliff jump, slide, and shimmy through canyons through the rushing fall.
This is not for the faint hearted. 40 foot jumps, cold temperatures, and steep crevices all make this adventure a thrill for any adrenaline junkie. Two guides ensure the safety of the group and clearly communicate (with some a witty sense of humor for us) how to make it down the canyon.
What a thrill this was! I wouldn't leave Europe without an outdoor adventure in Switzerland. Canyoning was a new concept to me - from the picture you can probably get a taste of the fun we had.
Superb Hostel:
Balmers Hostel proved to be one of the best hostels I stayed in all summer. The clean and comfortable hostel offered free breakfast, a restaurant that cooked a great burger, and the Metro night club. Between 6pm and 7pm, they offer 2 for 1 on drinks in the quaint beer garten.
We were also able to book our canyoning directly from Balmers which made the process quick and convenient. Great rates, good food, comfortable beds, and the "famous" Metro Bar made this an ideal hostel for us.
Natural Beauty:
Snow capped peaks act as a breathtaking gate to the valley where Interlaken sits in between two lakes.
Bundoran, Ireland
Surf's Up!
Don't underestimate this tiny Irish town. Bonduran is home to some of the best waves in Ireland. We found a perfect bed and breakfast PLUS surf school called Bonduran Surf Co. Compared to the other hostels we experienced, this place was a dream. The rooms were spacious and the beds were very comfortable - reminded me of staying at a lake house. The bathrooms have just been re-done so amenities were prestine. The staff treated us kindly and saw to it all our needs were met. The common area had a computer, couch and television.
(Here I am VERY excited about a queen size bed!!)
We opted for a morning surfing lesson. Bright and early, we strapped on our wet suits and headed to the Irish coast. We started off on the sand and learned from our friendly teacher how to "pop" up at the perfect moment after a wave hits.
The waves were ideal for beginners like us! Each one of us caught a good wave and for my first surfing experience- the environement and help from the teacher created one of my favorite memories of Ireland.
Don't underestimate this tiny Irish town. Bonduran is home to some of the best waves in Ireland. We found a perfect bed and breakfast PLUS surf school called Bonduran Surf Co. Compared to the other hostels we experienced, this place was a dream. The rooms were spacious and the beds were very comfortable - reminded me of staying at a lake house. The bathrooms have just been re-done so amenities were prestine. The staff treated us kindly and saw to it all our needs were met. The common area had a computer, couch and television.
(Here I am VERY excited about a queen size bed!!)We opted for a morning surfing lesson. Bright and early, we strapped on our wet suits and headed to the Irish coast. We started off on the sand and learned from our friendly teacher how to "pop" up at the perfect moment after a wave hits.
The waves were ideal for beginners like us! Each one of us caught a good wave and for my first surfing experience- the environement and help from the teacher created one of my favorite memories of Ireland.
I would say you only need 1 night here. Give yourself an afternoon or morning to surf - but then move on to the next place! The bus stop is right by Bonduran Surf Co.
Picasso Museum, Barcelona
Despite my love for art and a few art history classes under my belt from college, I came into the Picasso museum without much knowledge of the artist or his life. I have gone twice now and each time come back with more knowledge and respect for him as an artist. The first time I went by myself, and meandered through each part of the gallery amazing at his prolific work and the wide spectrum of genres, mediums and subjects he used in his work. From his rough sketches on a loose leaf of paper to a grand painting canvas, his genius and skill are apparent. On the first visit, I loved being transported through each piece to a window overlooking Barcelona, a church during communion, and even a brothel in Paris. I walked away amazed at the breadth of his work and how abundant his body of work is.
On the second visit, I walked around with the Art History class of IES. This opened my eyes to the life of Picasso and the stories behind each piece. I discovered the first room of the gallery held paintings he did when he was just 12 years old. He painted his mother, father, aunt and whoever would pose for him. At a young age, Picasso’s steady hand with a brush and ability to capture emotions set him apart from any other art students at the time. As we walked through this timeline of Picasso’s life, documented by paintings, subjects and locations, I found it particularly interesting to see how his style, attitude and even color palette transformed. While the first years of his art career were under the close watch of his father and teachers, you can see that Picasso’s style is very much by-the-book and “artistically correct”. Knowing more about his life made me look at the paintings in a new way to see how his style became more and more free and creative. As his father’s input diminished, Picasso started experimenting with bright colors, unusual styles of portraiture, and development of cubism and expressionism.
The one aspect of Picasso that I particularly like is that he is consistent in painting portraits. From dancers and beggars to nobility and other painters, he focuses on the expression and mood of his model. Despite the broad brush strokes and expressionistic style, one painting in particular captured the discontented and dejected face of a woman. It was not until the tour that I was told this painting was called “The Wait” and was of a prostitute and morphine addict waiting for her next fix of drugs. Although Picasso captures the emotion of the people he paints, he also projects himself and his state of mind into his work as well. Following the suicide of a close friend, Picasso entered the “Blue Period” in which he uses a strictly blue color palette and uses beggars and the underbelly of society as his primary subjects. Once he falls in love, his colors suddenly turn bright and lighter.
I also particularly enjoyed that the museum was strictly Picasso. This allows visitors walk through his life via paintings. I was able to concentrate on each piece and pick out the similarities and differences between his styles and mediums. I left with newfound knowledge of Picasso and his work, but also curiosity to know more about his life. I am fascinated at the extent of his work as an artist and how he created a balance between the mood and attitude of his subjects and his own.
On the second visit, I walked around with the Art History class of IES. This opened my eyes to the life of Picasso and the stories behind each piece. I discovered the first room of the gallery held paintings he did when he was just 12 years old. He painted his mother, father, aunt and whoever would pose for him. At a young age, Picasso’s steady hand with a brush and ability to capture emotions set him apart from any other art students at the time. As we walked through this timeline of Picasso’s life, documented by paintings, subjects and locations, I found it particularly interesting to see how his style, attitude and even color palette transformed. While the first years of his art career were under the close watch of his father and teachers, you can see that Picasso’s style is very much by-the-book and “artistically correct”. Knowing more about his life made me look at the paintings in a new way to see how his style became more and more free and creative. As his father’s input diminished, Picasso started experimenting with bright colors, unusual styles of portraiture, and development of cubism and expressionism.
The one aspect of Picasso that I particularly like is that he is consistent in painting portraits. From dancers and beggars to nobility and other painters, he focuses on the expression and mood of his model. Despite the broad brush strokes and expressionistic style, one painting in particular captured the discontented and dejected face of a woman. It was not until the tour that I was told this painting was called “The Wait” and was of a prostitute and morphine addict waiting for her next fix of drugs. Although Picasso captures the emotion of the people he paints, he also projects himself and his state of mind into his work as well. Following the suicide of a close friend, Picasso entered the “Blue Period” in which he uses a strictly blue color palette and uses beggars and the underbelly of society as his primary subjects. Once he falls in love, his colors suddenly turn bright and lighter.
I also particularly enjoyed that the museum was strictly Picasso. This allows visitors walk through his life via paintings. I was able to concentrate on each piece and pick out the similarities and differences between his styles and mediums. I left with newfound knowledge of Picasso and his work, but also curiosity to know more about his life. I am fascinated at the extent of his work as an artist and how he created a balance between the mood and attitude of his subjects and his own.
Block of Discord, Barcelona
Block of Discord
Three of Barcelona’s most famous modernist architectures featured project on the same street of Plaseig de Gracia. Though all display the modernist style, the three buildings highlight the different styles of the architects.
Gaudi’s work, Caso Battlo looks as if it is under water. This mosaic, colorful façade, the wrought iron balconies, and the unique top make this a sight to see. I visited the house, and was enthralled at the inside and out. Inside, Gaudi used no straight lines and it felt as if I was in an castle in “Little Mermaid.” His curvaceous lines, blue tones, and flee from usual geometry created a soothing atmosphere unlike any other. Caso Battlo is a wonderful piece from Gaudi and, in my opinion, the most interesting on the block of discord.
In contrast with Gaudi’s house are the geometric, straight lines of Josep Puig I Cadafalch’s Amatller house. This interesting roof is starkly different from the other two and encapsulates the experimental nature of modernism. The mosaics on the façade of this house are also consistent with modernism. This was a repeated pattern of the style. Unfortunately, this house is under construction and I was not able to see it very clearly.
The next is by Enric Sagnier. This blends in more to the buildings of the Passeig de Gracia, and is harder to pick out as a modernist building. However, it is no less in importance on the Block of Discord. The windows allow the building a decorative flair, and the embellishment on the roof is a modernist touch.
Out of the three, Gaudi’s is my favorite .It is the most decorated and beautiful, and I have a better appreciation for it since I visited this masterpiece. How interesting that all three architects built homes side by side!
Palau de Musical, Barcelona
Spanish Guitar Concert at the Palau de Musica
What an incredible experience the Palau de Musica was! Upon entering, I was captivated by the ornate mosaics, bright color palette and endless embellishments on every surface and crevice. Lluís Domènech took great care in his Palau, which is evident with the intricacy of the décor. I was surprised at the size – it is quaint and holds only 2,000. But while other concert halls boast in capacity, the Palau de Musica’s splendor gives the audience a visual feast, as they enjoy the music.
I had the privilege of listening the world renown Spanish guitar player Manuel Gonzales. As his fingers picked at each string rapidly, I was taken to a different world. Because of our front row seats, I was able to see vividly the dexterity of his nimble hands picking and strumming. His skill and genius for the instrument mesmerized me as he played slow and fast tempos, traditional and contemporary songs, and made sounds to imitate other instruments like the drum or flute. Manuel played a full show of Spanish melodies, and graced us with two encores afterward. I now have a new appreciation and love for the Spanish guitar.
While Manuel’s melodies filled the air, I took the time to look around. Upwards was the glass mosaic ceiling that puts any chandelier or skylight to shame. A rainbow of color cascaded through the turquoise, amber and crimson glass. It was difficult to take my eyes off of this grandeur feature. I looked back to the stage. Watching Manuel from the behind were busts of the muses of music. While heads, shoulders, and arms holding flutes, harps and violins were delicately sculpted, Lluís Domènech completed their bodies with colorful mosaics. In what almost looked like the nave of a cathedral, the muses created an inspiring backdrop to the musician. To my right and left, stain glass windows, tile covered columns, and ornamented balconies added to the spectacular ambiance. Lluís Domènech’s flare for color and embellishment created a magical atmosphere to enjoy Manuel’s melodies.
The beauty of the inside is not to be outdone by the outside Lluís Domènech designed. The Palau’s richly decorated balcony, columns, and a mosaic mural stand out as a prism of color in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter’s otherwise dark alleys. As I stood outside to look up, I tried to pick out every detail: each piece of tile that covered the balcony’s columns, every flowered vine circling the building, and every facial expression on the corner sculptures.
My night at the Palau de Musical will forever be ingrained in my memory. I was surrounded by products of artistic genius. Lluís Domènech architecture and Manuel’s playing invited me to sit in my front row seat in awe of my incredible summer here in Barcelona.
What an incredible experience the Palau de Musica was! Upon entering, I was captivated by the ornate mosaics, bright color palette and endless embellishments on every surface and crevice. Lluís Domènech took great care in his Palau, which is evident with the intricacy of the décor. I was surprised at the size – it is quaint and holds only 2,000. But while other concert halls boast in capacity, the Palau de Musica’s splendor gives the audience a visual feast, as they enjoy the music.
I had the privilege of listening the world renown Spanish guitar player Manuel Gonzales. As his fingers picked at each string rapidly, I was taken to a different world. Because of our front row seats, I was able to see vividly the dexterity of his nimble hands picking and strumming. His skill and genius for the instrument mesmerized me as he played slow and fast tempos, traditional and contemporary songs, and made sounds to imitate other instruments like the drum or flute. Manuel played a full show of Spanish melodies, and graced us with two encores afterward. I now have a new appreciation and love for the Spanish guitar.
While Manuel’s melodies filled the air, I took the time to look around. Upwards was the glass mosaic ceiling that puts any chandelier or skylight to shame. A rainbow of color cascaded through the turquoise, amber and crimson glass. It was difficult to take my eyes off of this grandeur feature. I looked back to the stage. Watching Manuel from the behind were busts of the muses of music. While heads, shoulders, and arms holding flutes, harps and violins were delicately sculpted, Lluís Domènech completed their bodies with colorful mosaics. In what almost looked like the nave of a cathedral, the muses created an inspiring backdrop to the musician. To my right and left, stain glass windows, tile covered columns, and ornamented balconies added to the spectacular ambiance. Lluís Domènech’s flare for color and embellishment created a magical atmosphere to enjoy Manuel’s melodies.
The beauty of the inside is not to be outdone by the outside Lluís Domènech designed. The Palau’s richly decorated balcony, columns, and a mosaic mural stand out as a prism of color in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter’s otherwise dark alleys. As I stood outside to look up, I tried to pick out every detail: each piece of tile that covered the balcony’s columns, every flowered vine circling the building, and every facial expression on the corner sculptures.
My night at the Palau de Musical will forever be ingrained in my memory. I was surrounded by products of artistic genius. Lluís Domènech architecture and Manuel’s playing invited me to sit in my front row seat in awe of my incredible summer here in Barcelona.
Costa Brava, Spain
Dali’s Museum and HomeMy day visiting Dali’s museum and house along the coast of Costa Brava was fascinating! I started out in Figures and had a couple hours to roam around the museum’s many room, instillations, and features. It is literally covered in art. The architecture is conducive to meandering along the rounded hallways and getting lost in Dali’s strange world of art. I was amazed at how many mediums and materials Dali used: paints, photographs, furniture, mirrors, inks, cars – it was all in Dali’s cathedral of art. I did enjoy his more complex instillations and the unusual features of the museum, but I was particularly drawn to his more “traditional” works of oil and paint. My favorite was a section dedicated to his concentration on rocks. Using small dots, and a myriad of pastel colors, I loved his use of color and the way he created compositions with the stones. I also loved the works that lay flat on a surface, with a reflective bottle right behind the piece of paper. The bottle would reflect a shape, such as a skull or horse, that Dali had created with butterflies, birds, and abstract shapes. I would have enjoyed to know more about what was behind the art, and more about Dali’s life, and I will make the effort to do so. Each floor of the Dali museum brought a new artistic surprise. Dali did not seem to have any inhibitions or barriers in expressing himself, and his genius is apparent in the way that there is always more to see in a painting, a new way of looking at it, or symbolism behind everything he did.
I also visited Dali’s house in Cadeques. It is incredible how he collected what some would consider junk to decorate his house in a way that was very beautiful and aesthetic. The white walls brought out the detail in the flowers he hung from his windows, the mannequins, figurines, brightly colored furniture and accessories he decorate his home with. This avant guard home on the beautiful coast seems like a perfect studio and haven for Dali. With windows looking out on the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, we saw his studio for painting and putting together his unusual sculptures.
My day in Costa Brava was dedicated to seeing Dali’s work and home. I am so glad I got the opportunity to see this eclectic and sometimes a little strange body of work, and where Dali created his pieces.
Barcelona Basics
Magic Fountains: This is at the entrance of Mt. Juic a few blocks from the Espanya stop on the L1 Metro (red). Every Thursday-Sunday night in the summer, there are huge fountains that are coordinated with music and colorful lights- there are shows every 30min. starting at 9:30-11. This was one of my favorite things so far. At 9:30, they play Disney music too which kids might like!
If you want an excellent view of the city (we did this during the day, but I can only imagine how beautiful it would be at sunset) we went to Tibidabo - the amusement park at the top of the Tibidabo Mt. You don't have to buy a ticket to the whole park - but I would buy 2 euro tickets to the ferris wheel - and there are some popular restaurants in between the trolley and funicular. This would be a great family activity!There is a gondola that goes all the way to Montjuic and the Olympic Village. Take the Green L3 Metro to Par-alel and you will be right at the entrance of the gondola. This is also a great view of the city and there is a fort at the top with a militia museum, places to sit and eat a quick meal (I would suggest bringing a picnic) and the fort is neat to see!
Go to the Boqueria on Las Ramblas- not only is the market great, but there are good restaurants in the area. Namely, one named RA that is towards the back of the market on the left side, if you are entering from Las Ramblas. Turn right at RA, and I believe the name of the street is Princessa, but there are great restaurants on this street. Another one we liked was Attic on Las Ramblas.
If you like Pitas, Las Ramblas also has the best vegetarian place called Moaz where they give you a pita filled with fallafel and you fill it Greek foods from the bar.
The beach in Barceloneta is quick and convenient to go to, but very crowded. Go with an easy going attitude - ready to ward off the vendors selling cervesa or Asian women yelling "massahe? massahe?" A simple "da me pace" meaning "give me peace" is the best way to keep them from bothering you.
What I would absolutely recomend is to take the 45min. train to Sitges. This is a wonderful beach with great sand- it is less crowded and is a very quaint town. We found a creperie here that was sooo tasty! If you are headed away from the church on the road by the beach, turn right at Pan and Co and you should run into it on your left side.
I've loved the Gaudi attractions: Park Guel (picture above) and Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo.
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