My father has had the same morning routine since I can remember. I don’t actually know what it looks like–his door was always (mostly) closed in the mornings–but I recognize the sounds and smells: the radio clicking on, the shower knob turning, the creaky medicine cabinet opening and shutting, the Old Spice aroma filling the… Continue reading Ritual
During a recent visit to a (very popular) Austin restaurant, my best friend, in town for the weekend, ordered a plate of pasta, enticed by promises of local-only ingredients and housemade pappardelle. The portion was ginormous, for one, a forgivable offense but still wince-worthy. The cheese situation was confusing; though it TASTED like goat cheese,… Continue reading The Pasta Snob
I love to get dressed up almost as much as I love to eat. Dates, therefore, are a favorite of mine, particularly when they are with interesting people who also love to eat. And while every single date with my boyfriend is even better than the last, there is something to be said for putting on… Continue reading The beauty of the friend date: dinner at NoRTH
I have been a gazpacho fan since freshman year of college. I was working at small cafe in Cincinnati over the summer and servers were allowed two things for free: soup and rolls. A sweet, tiny woman named Maria made the soup, and every time she’d bring out a new batch she’d smile at me knowingly.… Continue reading Great, now I’m a gazpacho snob
When we were kids, my sisters and I were obsessed with a movie called Practical Magic. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman were in their long-haired prime, playing two stunning sisters who happened to be witches. The soundtrack was filled (most appropriately) with Stevie Nicks songs like “Crystal.” The movie was just the right balance of heartwarming… Continue reading Austin Musts: Walton’s Fancy and Staple
Clive Bar is like that guy in a flannel shirt who buys the expensive bourbon and keeps it in a cabinet he made with his grandfather.
As I navigate Austin’s food scene, I’ve started compiling a list of essential Austin restaurants to better entertain any future visitors I may have. I’m starting this list with Elizabeth Street because, quite frankly, I fell in love with the place before I even tried the food. To me, its South First Street facade looked quintessetially Austin before… Continue reading Austin musts: Elizabeth Street Cafe
Daily Discussions of craft and the writing life
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