Adventures in Austin

On our journey from Paris to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, we chose to make a pit stop in Austin, TX to be present at the wedding of our lovely friends Jamie and Brien Silver. I’ve always heard amazing things about Austin—live music, great food, giant bats— and was excited to see what all the hype was about. We only had three days, and bats were not in season. So here are a mere handful of Leslie and Steve’s Austin Adventures.

Day one and we discovered Torchy’s Tacos. As I’ve written about myriad times, when I’m abroad I seriously hanker for Mexican food. Torchy’s did not disappoint, although it was definitely of the Tex Mex variety and not authentic Mexican. Their queso (a cheesy, spicy dip) is an Austin institution, and the fried avocado taco was one of the most amazing things that has ever crossed my palate.

Day two and an old friend of mine showed us the trendy neighborhood of SoCo (South Congress Ave.), famous for its hip boutiques and restaurants and of course the food trucks, which have become somewhat of an Austin institution. (Thanks, Angelica!) This truck was just so cute we couldn’t pass it by without sampling the goods. She had red velvet, I chose carrot cake, and we both chose to add a shot of calories by way of a blast of whipped cream injected into the cupcake’s center. May I just add, these cupcakes are substantial enough to be a meal, so go on an empty stomach!

It wouldn’t’ be a visit to Texas without exploring a giant emporium of cowboy boots! At Allen’s Boots, we perused aisles tumbling with styles from turquoise to fringe to American flags. I swore to buy a pair should I ever move to Texas—it just wouldn’t be right to live there bootless.

And of course we had to document a taxidermy armadillo drinking a Lone Star beer—as you do!

The evening’s entertainment of which I have no photos led us to various musical enclaves such as the famous Continental Club for a spot of blues, followed by bar hopping on 6th Street where live music of every variety and hurricane glasses about from every door. For a classier beverage, we alighted on the Driskill, Austin’s swanky old hotel that has graced presidents and dignitaries from all over the world. Cow hide clad sofas, bronze statues and larger than life personalities in ten gallon hats gave the Driskill the distinct vibe of old oil money. Another great night spot is Rainey Street, a once residential street where all the houses have been turned into lively pubs.

Day three: The whole reason we came was for the wedding. Tucked amidst the rolling Texas hill country, our friends said I do in a gorgeous, low key outdoor ceremony. As the bride walked down the aisle in blue suede shoes, the clouds parted and a beam of sunlight emerged. We spent the evening dancing to a live country band, and dining on Texas barbecue.

Thanks to Jamie and Brien, and Angelica, Dave and Santiago for making our stay in Austin a fabulous adventure!