So much sushi to Say Yes to

Stopped by Kenichi the other day for happy hour. I've been on the hunt for the perfect Philadelphia roll, and by God, I've found it.

We also tried the Salmon Goat Cheese, which blew my mind as well. It's exactly what it sounds like, but the sweet onion glaze makes this plate outta this world. It's definitely worth a try, and super cheap during happy hour.

I didn't partake in the Kobe Beef that you cook yourself on hot rocks, but apparently it's incredible. So incredible, my friend tried to convince me, the non-meat eater, to try it. And I almost did based on his reactions upon eating the tender little beef slices.

We tried a couple other rolls, and they were tasty, but I'm going to keep working my way through the menu and find a favorite.

The food came out quick, the sushi chefs were friendly and attentive, as was our server. While sitting at the sushi bar, we heard another server dropping angry f-bombs around his co-workers behind us, and it was a bit unsettling. We're not easily offended, but we do expect a certain level of professionalism. We paid the bill and then spoke to a manager about it. She was apologetic and offered us a free dessert and wanted to be sure we wanted to come back. We'll be stopping in again, for sure, and hoping that we don't run into the same situation.

Time to Slip N Slide!

I LOVE SUMMER.

Rrrrrrright now, Iggi's Texatarian, a new VEGAN trailer, is having a grand opening party. Live music, delicious vegan food (hot dogs, mac and cheese, cupcakes), a slip n slide, midnight movie, beer!

I'm hopping into my swim trunks now.

Fanny Packs and Free Kittens!

It's Friday! It's 90 degrees! There are a million things to do this weekend, so get ready.

Now, technically, you can attend all three of these events. Go for it!

Start out with a little Austin Growers Guild Mixer at Houndstooth Coffee, tonight from 5-8. Network with other growers and gardeners and learn how to grow your own veggies! One day I'll have a yard!

From 8-10pm tonight at Opal Divine's 6th St. location, there will be a Fanny Packin' Scavenger Hunt! Bring a team of 3 and your fanny packs!

If you're more in the mood for some interesting improv, and I know you are, stop in at Hyde Park Theatre for Alone Together, a first-ever solo improv showcase under the direction of my all-time favorite visiting improviser, Jill Bernard. Show is at 10:30, and ends with a special performance of Drum Machine. If you haven't seen Jill perform yet, this is your last chance. Tickets are only 5 dollars. $5 dollars to have your mind BLOWN? You gotta Say Yes. Circle Mirror Transformation is tonight at 8pm, before Alone Together, so just make a night of it!

I'm still on a theater kick, and there are still shows to see!

The Virgin w/ 10,000 Arrows and Melancholy Play both happen tonight at 8pm at Austin Playhouse. Tickets are $12-15. Annie at Zilker Park is still going strong, now in it's fourth week. The show is free ($3 to park), and starts at 8:30pm.

Start Saturday off with some free kittens! The Austin Human Society is holding its first ever free cat adoption event. Stop in between 12-7 and pick up a new kitten!

The Sol & Luna Art & Music Festival is also happening on Saturday. This will be an all-day happenin', with live music, art, and interaction. 11am-11:30pm at Cherrywood Coffee House.

Late, late, late Saturday night come dance and drink at a bridge party! Starting at 1am, Wolf Teeth, Steady Breaks, Hot Britches, will rock out on the South Lamar Pedestrian Bridge. I've heard about these happenings for a while, and look forward to seeing it in action!

On Sunday, partake in, or simply witness the Keep Austin Breastfeeding Flash Mob at Barton Springs. If you want to partake, the last rehearsal is Saturday! The mob will happen around 1pm. There's nothing like Austin randomness.

While you're in South Austin, come say "hi" to me at The 04 Lounge. They are turning two! Free food & beer while it lasts, live music at 10pm, and of course, a dance party till closing time.

I think I'll be pretty exhausted after this action-packed weekend, but I'll try to keep ya posted. Stay hydrated and don't get too excited!

The weekend! Already? Yes!

Choices, choices, choices. Whatcha gonna do tonight?

The Spectacle at the Hideout at 10? Pgraph and Confidence Men? I think so.

If you miss Confidence Men tonight, check them out after Circle Mirror Transformation at Hyde Park Theatre. A ticket to the play gets you into the CF Men show free! Circle Mirror at 8, Confidence Men at 10:30.

If you feel like bouncing, head over to Scoot Inn for Space Odyssey, tonight at 9. There will be a triple-headed DJ set, a light show, and more importantly, a MOONBOUNCE!

GREASE Sing-a-long at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar? Tonight at 7:15! I'll be attending next week, for sure.

If you're near campus, head over to the United States Art Authority for Viva Variety! Tons of awesomeness in the form of Burlesque, Comedy, Mime, and Live Music. Why not? $5 with a costume or creative offering, $8 without.

Just want to drink? You should stop by Jaime's for some margaritas before they close for good. Mi Casa Cantina also has drink specials till 11. $0.50 cent wells! I'll accept my thank you in the form of a drunk dial.

Have fun kiddos!

Local News, Hello/Goodbye City

If you haven't heard already, Katz's is closing. He is looking for a new location, perhaps outside of downtown.

The University of Texas has released H2Orange, a purified bottle of water shaped like the UT Tower. A large portion of proceeds will go towards scholarship funding. Environmental activists have shown concern about the bottle in regards to Austin’s Zero Waste goal and the campus’ sustainability policy.

Sayin' Yes to Sweet Seafood Deals

So, I've been hearing about Quality Seafood for quite some time, and I finally got to experience the hype on Tuesday. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it. Unbeknownst to us, it was $2 Taco and Beer night (6-9pm), so the line was long. Here's how it works:

-You wait in line to order your food
-You order a beer or two from the bar and enjoy it while waiting in line
-You order your delicious food, get a number, and find a table
-Your food is brought to you in under 5 minutes
-Three tables in the bar have waitstaff, so if one of those opens up, grab it and skip the line
There are a couple of options for the tacos, including your choice of sauce, which comes on the side. I chose grilled shrimp with guacamole, which was incredible, and the mango pico de gallo which was outstanding. Mixing them together was mouth-watering.
We also tried the oysters which were fresh-tasting and delectable.
So, yes, you should go!

Best of Austin Awards

Here are my recommendations for the Austin Chronicle's "Best of Austin" Awards!

This list has really made me realize all the things I still have to learn about Austin. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Voting ends tomorrow!

It'd be swell if you could vote for Say Yes Austin for "Local Blog" and Christian Ryan Criswell for "Photographer" and "Local Blogger".

You can vote here: http://www.austinchronicle.com/feedback/bestof/10/



ARCHITECTURE AND LODGING

New Building (Past Five Years):
Public Art: Cathedral of Junk
Historic Site: The Capitol
Bathroom: Texas Chili Parlor
Trailer: Jalopy
Sign: Austin Vistor Sign
Window Display: The building on 8th and Congress with the Shel Silverstein display
Holiday Display: Lala's
Downtown View : St. Edward's
Hotel: Driskill
Motel: Austin Motel
Bed and Breakfast: Hotel St. Cecilia
Hotel/Motel Pool: Lakeway Resort and Spa
Hotel/Motel Staff:
Affordable Motel: Holiday Inn Town Lake

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Scenester/Mover and Shaker: Leslie
Art Gallery: Women & Their Work
Museum: AMOA
Place to See Local Art:
Visual Artist: Kaci Beeler
Performance Space: The Hideout Theatre
Theatre Director: KT Shorv
Actor/Actress: KT Shorv
Composer:
Dancer or Dance Company:
Comedian or Comedy Troupe: Confidence Men
Movie Theatre: The Paramount
Emergent Local Filmmaker:
Video-Game Studio/Developer:
Clothing Designer:
New Club: Kiss and Fly
Place to Dance: Barcelona
Jukebox: Dog and Duck Pub
LGBTQ Hangout:
Drag Performer:
Live Club or Party DJ:
Party of the Year:

FOOD AND DRINK

Local Food Company:
Food Event:
Local Farm:
Lunch Delivery:
24-Hour/Late: Kerbey Lane
Place to Take a First Date: Romeo's
Cheap Date: Maria's Taco Xpress
Outdoor Dining: Iron Cactus
Intimate Dining: DK Sushi
Farmers' Market:
Neighborhood Grocery:
Sweets/Goodies: Gourdough's
Bar Staff:
Bar Ambience: Rio Rita
Neighborhood/Dive Bar: The 04 Lounge
Local Cocktail:
Cocktail Menu:
Wine Selection: (I was going to say Uncorked, but then had an experience that made me bitter...)
Beer Selection: The Flying Saucer
Beer/Wine Prices:
Best-Kept Secret: The Bakehouse
Local Food Blog: Say Yes Austin

KIDS

Bookstore:
Clothes:
Haircut:
Shoes:
Toys: Terra Toys
Restaurant: Freddie's
DVD Selection: Vulcan Video
Video-Game Rental/Purchase:
Teen Hangout: The Hideout
Club for Teen Performers:
Texas Amusement Park: Schlitterbahn
Afterschool Activity:
Summer Camp:
Sports/Rec Program:
Birthday Cakes:
Party Place:

MEDIA

Journalist:
Sportswriter:
Photographer: Christian Ryan Criswell
Local Author/Poet: Patrick Collins
Local Non-Chronicle Publication: The Onion
Music Station: KOOP
Radio Music Deejay:
Talk/News Station:
Radio Talk/News Host:
Locally Produced TV Show:
Public-Access TV Show:
Local TV News:
TV Anchor:
TV Reporter:
Sportscaster:
Weatherperson:
Local News Website: The Austin American-Statesman
Local Entertainment Website: The Onion's Decider
Local Blogger: Christian Ryan Criswell
Local Blog: Say Yes Austin

OUTDOOR AND RECREATION

Local Team:
Annual Event: Live on the Lake
Annual Festival: SXSW
Secret Romantic Hideaway:
Austin Holiday:
Scenic View: 360 Bridge
Gear/Sporting Goods:
Bike Ride:
Place to Skate:
Day Trip - Dry:
Day Trip - Wet:
Place to Tube:
Place to Camp:
Swimming Pool:
Swimming Hole:
Basketball Court:
Tennis Court:
Bowling Alley: The Highball
Pool/Billiards: Slick Willie's
Golf:
Fitness Classes: Yogagroove

POLITICS AND PERSONALITIES

News Story:
Scandal:
Elected Official:
Gubernatorial Moment:
City Official:
Council Member:
Green Program:
Unsung Behind-the-Scenester:
501(c)(3): Greater Austin Creative Alliance
Activist Organization:
Grassroots Activists:
Activist:
Local Politics Blog:
Environmentalist:
Austin Icon: Leslie

SERVICES

Barbershop:
Hair Salon:
Tattoo Artist:
Spa:
Pedicure/Manicure:
Dry Cleaner: Capitol Cleaners
Laundromat:
Shoe Repair:
Tailor:
Florist:
Auto Service/Repair:
Car Wash:
Bicycle Repair:
Computer Repair:
Appliance/TV Repair:
Printer/Copies:
Veterinarian:
Pet Groomer:
Landscape Services:
Movers:

SHOPPING

New Local Business: Perla's
Clothing: Emerald's
Shoe Selection: Emerald's
Thrift Store: Saver's
Naughty Business: Cindie's
Antiques/Collectibles: Room Service
Vintage: Lovely
Furnishings/Home:
Local Hardware Store:
Gardening Store:
Pet Store:
Car Dealership:
Green Business:
Convenience Store: Whip-In
Drugstore/Pharmacy:
Liquor Store:
Local Bookstore: Domy Books
Comic-Book Store:
Computer Store:
Music Gear:
Record/CD Store: End Of an Ear
Small Record/CD Store: End Of an Ear
Video-Game Rent/Purchase:
DVD Rental/Purchase: I Luv Video

You can vote here: http://www.austinchronicle.com/feedback/bestof/10/

Say Yes - Rain or Shine!

Blues on the Green last night!

Tito-tasting tonight!

If you didn't RSVP or can't get in, I'd like to suggest some other awesome happenings that make me wish I had a clone to attend them. Our very own Austin Kleon will be at The Austin Museum of Art at 6:30pm tonight. Sure, he'll talk about his new book, but you'll also get to make some blackout poetry yourself. I've gotta tell you, it's addicting and fun.

While you're downtown, head over to The Hideout after the talk, and enjoy The Threefer. $3 for 3 acts. The show starts at 8pm.

If it decides to stop raining, and you'd rather drink margaritas and listen to live music while relaxing in a pool, then Live on the Lake is for you. Micky and the Motorcars are playing tonight, with The Orbans as an after party act. Admission is only $5, and doors are at 7pm. Be sure to get there early, because they deny entrance once they reach capacity. This is one of my favorite summer events in Austin, don't miss it!

Honky-tonk Tuesday

I'm heading over to Trophys tonight to see Armadillo Road. Show up around 7pm for some sweet ass honky-tonk and lonestar tallboys.

Say Yes to the City!

In my Say Yes Adventures, I've re-discovered how much I love the theater. I've been seeing plays left and right, and there is something so organic and refreshing about it. It's a breath of fresh air from eating out, bar-hopping, and seeing movies. I recently saw Bug, Becky's New Car , and Shakespeare in the Park. Now I'm looking forward to Annie, starting July 9th, and Slag, starting July 10th.

Meanwhile, to hold me over, I've been enjoying tons and tons of improv. Tonight, I had the option between Dusk (which I highly recommend, even if you don't read tween vampire erotica) at SVT, or Nightmare Video Project and Drum Machine. at the Hideout. Jill is visiting from Minneapolis, and after seeing her just once last week, I fell in love! She is a master, a genius, and a talented, beautiful woman! I promise that she will blow your mind with her one-woman improvised musical act, Drum Machine. Plus, one of my favorite improvisers in town, Jeff Britt, will be performing with Nightmare Video Project. Tickets are only $6. I'll be the one rolling on the floor laughing!

Tex-mex & Tito-Tasting? Yes, please.

I miss Minneapolis already, but all the upcoming activity in Austin has got me pumped!

If you haven't figured out what to do on the 4th yet, I've got a great link here for you. Do512 has everything covered, so I'll leave it up to you to choose your own adventure!

After a few days of recovery, jump back in it and head to one of my favorite tex-mex restaurants, Matt's(famous)El Rancho for their 58th anniversary party! The party runs from 6-8pm on July 7th. Enjoy drink specials, live music, and mingle on the newly expanded patio.

Please tell me you are already an official Tito's taster! Well, if you aren't, you will be soon. Tito is hosting a party at Gibson Showroom, 3601 South Congress Avenue Suite G400, on July 8th. Along with delicious cocktails, Matt King and 11 Bones will be performing an original show that you inspire. Submit a word or phrase into a hat, and they'll pick a few and go from there. Party starts at 6pm, a suggested donation of $10 and an RSVP gets you in: RSVP to rsvp@titosvodka.com and please be sure to include your full name, if you’re bringing a +1, and put ‘AUSTIN’ in the subject line.

I'll be back with more Austin-packed action!