OPI: Chihuahua Bites

One of my favorite nail polish colors for the seasonal transition of Summer to Fall is OPI's My Chihuahua Bites.  It's the perfect blend with a touch of pink to not completely lose the Summer, but also an orangey tint to help welcome the Fall.

Happy Fall!  

And, cheers to me for another year wiser...

Tennis Hall of Fame

When in Newport, you must visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame. 

The museum site dates back to 1880 and its historic grass courts are the world's oldest continuously used competition grass courts, which are also the only competition grass courts open to the public for play.

There is a restaurant attached to the museum where you can sit outside, grab a drink and/or a bite to eat, and enjoy the view of the grass courts. Be a true tennis connoisseur and order a Pimm's Cup!

When we were there, we were lucky enough to catch a Court Tennis match being played. Court Tennis, or Real Tennis, is the game from which all racquet sports evolved, dating back to the Renaissance era. The game is housed in a cavern-like 90' x 40' court with a red cement floor and is confined on the sides by towering gray slate walls.

 Enough verbal jargon, just check out the pics below:

Magnolia for Brunch

Magnolia Cafe declares its motto as "Everybody Knows, Everybody Goes" and it isn't at all presumptuous, it's just the truth.

Not only is the food wonderfully delicious and originally creative, but also the location is the perfect pit stop after a walk along Lady Bird Lake.

Be sure to sign in, and don't be shy! Our first visit, we made the mistake of waiting for a host to put our name on the list. After about 5 people had passed us, we realized it's a self-serve type of thing...

The cafe was originally named "Omelettry West" as it was the sister restaurant to Austin's original Omelettry, but within the first 10 years of operations, in the late 1980s, a change of ownership resulted in a change of name. Yet no worries, they still have a plethora of omelet options, all of which are delicious.

But the change in name meant the menu could become more expansive, and for brunch, the options are endless...

Oriental Rugs

In this month's September 2013 edition of Architectural Digest, the magazine features a look inside Ralph Lauren's Bedford, NY home. Of course, the look was nothing but tasteful and well done - I could move into the place in a heartbeat.

One thing that did particularly catch my eye was the layering of Oriental Rugs in the living room. Not only was there doubling up of Oriental Rugs, but his living room actually does a triple play of the decorative flooring.

You could tell the rugs had been well aged because they were so thin, which might attribute to why it is okay to have the multiple layering. I don't know if I could pull it off, but either way, I really like the move.

Above photo provided by Architectural Digest

Oriental rugs are a classic interior design that never seems to go out of style. Whether you are lucky enough to inherit one, or just splurge on one yourself, its an investment worthwhile and a gift that keeps on giving. Here are some that were fortunately passed along to us:

Whole Foods Mecca

Austin has been the beginning for many greats - music and food and you-name-it. When Whole Foods began, it started as a small concept market in this quaint space:

Now, more than 20 years later, look how far they've come?!

While the store may have outgrown its origins, the quality and concept have remained the same. The market stays true to a core focus on healthy, natural foods good for all to consume.

But when I think of Whole Foods Market, I am constantly reminded that it was actually Wheatsville Co-op that started the natural foods movement in Austin. Unfortunately, they didn't have the same business drive as the Whole Foods team. Despite opening its doors in 1976, four years before Whole Foods, it is only this year that Wheatsville has announced the opening of their second location, some 37 years later...

Granted, Whole Foods was off to a rough start. Within the first year of starting the market, a huge flood hit the Lamar location and caused crisis for many businesses along the road. But, you can't feel too bad considering nowadays they have over 240 stores! Not too shabby...

Above photos provided by Whole Foods Market, below photos taken by Slone Ranger:

The US Open "serving up bagels"

Nothing beats a New York bagel.  They say it's in the water, and it truly has to be. Really any New York bagel beats every other bagel, but my favorite in the Big Apple is Ess-A-Bagel.

Finagle a Bagel in Boston does run a close second, and in DC, I like to hit up Bagels, Etc in Dupont Circle, pretty legit.

But what cracks me up these days are the Announcers at the US Open calling out Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray, just to name a few, for "Serving up bagels" meaning a scoreless set for their opponent, 6-0.

Classic New York.

The Lobster Pot at Tackle Box

Hey Washingtonians - looking for an East Coast quality yet casual seafood shanty? Have you tried Tackle Box? The picnic tables and decor are quite fun, and the clam strips are pretty legit. Get your fish grilled or fried, simplicity at its finest.

The clam chowder is not too thick, not too thin, but just the right consistency and flavor.

Really cool... you can get a Lobster Pot to go! They will put it all together for you - clams, mussels, chorizo, corn, potatoes, seaweed, spices, and of course, lobster - and then you take 'er home to get to cookin'. Just add a bottle of cheap white vino and presto - fresh lobster in the comfort of your own home.

Even cooler, the pot can then be turned into whatever planter your heart may desire. Nothing wrong with planting your Kale or Collard Greens to be available for the year round. Reduce, reuse, recycle...

Stubb's for Food and Fun

You may have seen the sauce in the store, but to truly get the taste for Stubb's, you have to have the experience.

So what exactly is the concept of Stubb's? Take a Texan who knows good food and music, and you have the perfect recipe to create a gathering worthy of a POTUS.

Musicians, known and unknown, come to Stubb's to work for their meals, and everyone else comes for that viewing pleasure. For top bands, Stubb's is a destination. For me, it is heaven in my mouth. Their chopped beef sandwich is where it's at.

Live music, good food, cold drinks, folks, and fun...

Bangers and a Biergarten

Whether rain or shine, sun or snow (although snow is not too common in Austin), Bangers is an all-season hot spot. Sit outside when the weather is nice, or alternatively, cozy up inside.

Start ya off with some Beer and Boiled peanuts. Classic.

Now with a name like Bangers, you guessed it... Sausage is their specialty.

There's the classic Brat, but watch for the punch in that spicy mustard!

The Boudin is off the charts. Heads up folks, you don't eat the casing on this one. Slice it open and eat as is, or on top of some good old Saltine crackers.

Top Secret Guacamole

In college when I first met my husband-to-be, I was your typical Midwestern gal when it came to food.  I didn't eat much outside of your basic meat and potatoes. Spice?  Forget about it. Nowadays my in-laws crack up because sometimes I want things spicier than they as Texans do! And, I try to eat just about anything and everything I can get my hands on. Needless to say, I've come a long way...

So back to those college days and courting into a family of Texas heritage, I shortly learned how to make Guacamole, and over the years I believe I have finally perfected my approach.

Mind you, there are really two ways to make Guacamole in my book.  One way, the tastier way, is to put some effort into it, but there is always the easy way, which is pretty tasty in and of itself without having to have any labor intensive chopping.

Whether you approach it the quick 'n easy, or the labor-loving way, there are a few star seasonings that should always show up to the table. These key ingredients make for a stellar Guac, every time. And with this, I divulge my secret ingredients...

Benji's Mexican Cantina

* UPDATE: As of August 7, 2016, Benji's is no longer open for business. *

Austinites, as you know, you've got your classic Tex-Mex down right - El Rancho, Guero's, Maudie's, Trudy's, Chuy's, etc. But then there is fine Mexican dining, where they tweak traditional dishes into contemporary upscale tastings. Recently opened Benji's is a quality Mexican Cantina.

Grab a cocktail on the rooftop before dinner. There's always a classic Margarita on the rocks, or try the Chupacabra - Tequila, jalapeño, blackberries and fresh lime - yum.

And, if you're lucky enough to get a table up there, quickly snatch up a seat. It's the perfect place for outdoor seating with large rooftop with views. 

The Guacamole is made and served tableside. Yes, it is a bit cliché, but it is still always a good bit of fun for everyone.

The Fajitas are overflowing - definitely fit for two.

Newport Mansions

When it comes to Newport, the first thought that comes to many minds is that of big houses.

The Newport mansions were all initially built as summerhouses to the wealthy (must have been nice, huh?). Among some of the more popular Gilded Age mansions open to the public for tours are The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff.

The Breakers was constructed in 1895 for a member of the prosperous Vanderbilt family and is known as the grandest of the Newport mansions. The mansion is five-stories with 70 rooms; suffice to say that the tour does take some time. 

Marble House was built in 1892 for another member of the Vanderbilt family and was a 39th birthday present to his wife. I wonder what she was expecting for her 40th - way to set the bar high!

Rosecliff was a summer home mansion for non-Vanderbilts. It was built by a silver heiress and her multi-million shipping business husband looking for a place to suitably entertain during the summer months. Its exterior was constructed with terra cotta tiles, which have given the mansion a pinkish hue.

Yes, it may be touristy, but if you haven't already, next time your in Newport, you have to at least just take a drive along Bellevue Avenue to marvel at these spectacular abodes.