Austin ModHouse

Austin Restaurant Week starts Sunday, they invited us to a kick-off party. Free food, free drinks... you know we went.

it was held at swift's attic.

kat usually avoids standing close to strangers, but this guy was holding a tray of delicious appetizers and she moved in close real quick.  they were that good. 

that ONE free drink went down real fast and easy.  and, the free apps were so good, we decided to ask for a menu and next thing ya know, we were buying food.  bait and switch?  nah, the food was all delicious.  kat really appreciated the blistered shisito peppers.  the shisito has made its way onto menus all over austin, but these were among our favorites. 

bahn mini were delicious!  foie gras and pork belly on a toast with some jalapeno and something pickled (if memory serves correct)

other eats and happy hours near home:

Trace at the W hotel hosted a Boucherie (new orleans styled pig roast). 

live music by the vermilionaires. 

the meal was served buffet style.  kat loves a buffet as she can try some of everything. 

I'm not a fan of buffet.  I don't like big portions and the way to get your money's worth at a buffet is to eat a lot.  all you can eat pork belly.... the portion above was a bit more than I could easily eat.  I mean I like a bit of pork belly... but c'mon! 

#2 son approved of the sweet section of the buffet.  as soon as he swallowed that beignet, he asked, "can we go up and see our room now?".  he had assumed that since we were having dinner at the W hotel, we must be staying the night.  he was very disappointed to find we were going to sleep in our own beds at our own home, tough customer. 

the pic above is from a couple weeks back.  eleven plates and wine happy hour offers this tasty ceviche plate for $5. 

the best bargain in the neighborhood is still the blue dahlia happy hour.  we can have food, wine and a cake for around $30.  sort of discourages meals at home!

van section of the blog post:

picked up a polished gauge panel for the 1964 ford falcon DCW (deluxe club wagon (fancy econoline van)).