Food: Nau's Is Serving Food Again

As a long-time Austin resident, it makes me happy to know that Nau's Enfield Drug is now serving food again.  If you haven't been there before, stop by for their burgers and shakes.  Actually, according to Eater, that's all you can get at this time; however, the expanded menu (including breakfast) will return soon. 

Pro tip: parking isn't easy.  It's likely you'll end up in parking in the neighborhood.  Also, grab any clothes which need extra help from a dry cleaner and throw them in the car.  Anthony's is next door, and in my experience they are great at getting out tough stains from shirts.     

Events: The Creative Fund's Karaoke Night Fundraiser

Do you want to support the arts whilst enjoying the lively art of karaoke?  If so, then join us for The Creative Fund's upcoming karaoke night fundraiser on 2/25 at Osyeo.  Proceeds go towards The Creative Fund's mission of helping performing artists afford venue rental fees here in Austin.  Tickets are currently on sale on Eventbrite.

If you come, you may see my rendition of Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" (I've done this many places, from The Highball on South Lamar to the Cat's Meow on Bourbon Street).  Also, the food at Oseyo is delicious.

Note:  I am a cofounder, board member, and former chair of The Creative Fund.

Austin Real Estate: Multifamily

Here's a non-food related post.  I was at the CREW Austin Summit on Wednesday morning, wherein I watched three different presentations related to commercial real estate.  Here's an interesting fact about apartments which stood out:

• 50% of Austin's apartment units have been built since 2000.
• Of those, 30% have been built in the past 10 years.  

On top of this, from 2010-2018 Austin was the fourth fastest growing city in the country for people ages 20-34 (people who happen to be in the prime age of apartment renting).  And, as of Wednesday there were about 16,000 units under construction in Austin.   From 2010-2019, about 64,000 units were built in Austin (6th most for a city in the US, with Dallas and Houston coming in at first and third respectively.*  

Interesting information to have along with what we know about the city's population growth, rental rates, and rental availability.  With more premium employers moving here, you can expect population to continue growing at historic rates.  Whether we can provide enough market-rate housing remains to be seen.  

*all of this data was provided by CoStar

Food: Easy Tiger Coming to South Lamar

Happy Valentines Day (for people in 78704 who love beer and/or bread):

At this point you may think I only crack open the laptop to write posts when I'm hungry.  Maybe that's true today.  I was already thinking about buying more bread when I saw the news that Easy Tiger is opening a new location on South Lamar (in the location of the former Red's Porch).  Previously, I had been buying their breads at Whole Foods (the whole wheat sourdough is my favorite).  I am happy to see that they will have a new store (and, of course, adjacent beer garden) more accessible to the 78704 area.  I do, however, suggest taking a rideshare, the 803 Metro Rapid, or carpooling to this new Easy Tiger at peak times.  The parking lot at Red's could be difficult.

By the way, I do suggest visiting their location on East 6th.  They have a delightful beer garden on a sublevel next to Waller Creek (it may in fact be the nicest thing on Waller Creek, with the UT Alumni Center coming in at #2).

Speaking of Red's Porch:  I did enjoy their Voodoo Pork Chop (it had some kind of soy sauce) and their Cajun burger (while it lasted on the menu).  I'm not sure where to replicate the former, but the latter can be approximated by the Hopdoddy Buffalo Bill burger.

[note: one day, photos will return]

Food on Barton Springs Road

Yesterday, when I turned on to Barton Springs Road, I noticed something new on the sight of the former Darcy's Donkey and Austin Java.  A Ski Shores Café is being built in the space.   As resident in the Zilker neighborhood, I'm glad to see another dining/bar option slated to open within walking distance.

Next door, in the space once occupied by Uncle Billy's, we have an Austin Eastciders tasting room going in.

Not on Barton Springs (but close enough) is Carpenter's Hall.  I've been there several times for drinks and I like it.  Once I sample the food (I always seem to be there at the wrong time to eat) I'll share more about it.

Food: Lil'Doddy

About a year ago I posted about the delicious Buffalo Bill burger one can find at Hopdoddy (and paused to mourn the loss of the Terlingua burger).  I like Hopdoddy, but the two locations most convenient to me are typically packed with long lines at lunch.   Thus, today when I headed out for lunch I left with two questions:

1. Will the line be ridiculous?
2. How different is this place from a regular Hopdoddy? 

And here are your answers:

1. No.  In fact, we were seated immediately and offered table service.  Score and score for a person who does not like lining up for food, let alone long lines. 
2. As Eater Austin described Lil'Doddy, it is a "streamlined" version of the regular restaurant.  Differences I noted were a lack of bison patties and the presence of a drive-through.  The former was not a big deal and the latter seemed cool for people in the area neighborhoods.  You still get a nice selection of burgers and other items (including an ahi tuna burger, which looked great).  Also, there is plenty of beer on tap.

I also found the staff to be accommodating.   The menu offered a version of the Buffalo Bill with a chicken breast.  Normally I would have wanted this, but I have been eating a lot of chicken and turkey products this week.  Also, I woke up thinking about beef burgers.   It turns out, getting me a Buffalo Bill with beef (all natural Angus) was not a problem.  In fact, having a second patty added for good measure was not a problem either (I'm hitting the weights today, so of course I need more protein).  

The upshot is that lunch at Lil'Doddy was delicious and the time provided no problems for us vis a vis crowds.   

Now that I've shared about burgers, at some point I plan to discuss my last couple of trips to Hank's Austin.  That point is probably sometime next week.  Plus, there are a few trivia updates I've been meaning to write.  Stay tuned.

Food: Closed on Mondays

I go out to lunch often.  Every once and awhile I'm caught of guard by an Austin restaurant being closed on a Monday.   So, as a PSA, here are a couple in my rotation which are closed on Monday:

• El Dorado Cafe
• Stiles Switch BBQ 

Not in my rotation (yet, but I almost scheduled a Monday happy hour there):

• Better Half

I'm sure there are more; however, the above are restaurants which have resulted in changed plans for me.   

More food observations to come.  This has been an unusually (in a great way) busy month for our real estate brokerage and our law firm.



[3/6/20 update:]

• Hestia

Jeopardy Archive

It should surprise none of you that I enjoy the TV game show Jeopardy.  Well, it turns out that there is an online archive of Jeopardy games.  Visit the site and play along.  The answers are hidden until you scroll over the dollar amounts (and, sometimes there is commentary from the show).

Also, from my end as a trivia host/quiz master:  we had a great trivia fundraiser last Wednesday at Lavaca Street Bar, and I have more in the works.  Stay tuned for more details.

December 2019 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit https://www.abor.com/statsdec19/ for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

BoJack Horseman | Season 6 Final Trailer | Netflix

Austin Tourism Promo Video from 1987 - Classic ATX Access TV

November 2019 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit https://www.abor.com/statsnov19/ for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Basketball to Hockey Conversion | American Airlines Center

Red-Crowned Parrots in Texas - Texas Parks & Wildlife [Official]

September 2019 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit https://www.abor.com/statssep19-2/ for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Why Are Wild Parrots Disappearing in Miami? | Short Film Showcase

TV: The Expanse Season 4

As you may be aware, I am a fan of The Expanse series.  I've seen all of the TV episodes and am halfway through Babylon's Ashes (book 6).  Thus, it is delightful to be able to share that season 4 will be coming to Amazon Prime on December 13th.  

Also, if you haven't seen any of the TV series yet then I do recommend reading Leviathan Wakes and Caliban's War first.  People I've talked to who watched the show first- and then read the first couple of novels- said the show was more enjoyable once they had the additional background information from the books.  Seasons 1-3 cover the events in books 1-3. 

Here's the teaser trailer for season 4:

June 2019 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Last month Austin's median home prices were at an all-time high at $407,400.  In just a month we're up to $420,000 in the city.

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsjune19 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Trivia: The Creative Fund's July Trivia Fundraiser

Join us on July 17th at Austin's Scoot Inn for a live team trivia fundraiser benefitting The Creative Fund.  As always, form teams of 4-6 to participate in 5 rounds of questioning and 1 round of picture puzzles.  Come with a team, or come alone and find a team to join.  

Tickets are $20 per person and they are available now.  Proceeds go to The Creative Fund and its efforts to help Austin's performing artists afford rental fees at local venues.  

Remember:  outside is hot, but trivia happens in air-conditioned comfort.

Food: Buffalo Lamb Chop Appetizer

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Recently, Sara and I celebrated our 10 year date-iversary.  We went to ALC Steaks, as we are wont to do for such occasions, wherein we could indulge in our favorite cuts (filet for her, the dry aged/grass fed strip for me).   And indulge we did, which leads me to the raison d'être of this post:  ALC's buffalo sauce slathered lamb chop appetizer is delicious and I wanted to let you know.  

I typically order the shrimp cocktail or the crab cakes when I eat at ALC.  Those are good options as well (though, ALC has never taken up my suggestion of offering bacon wrapped shrimp with remoulade); however, if you (1) find yourself at ALC Steaks and (2) at all like lamb then I recommend ordering the chops before diving into a delicious steak.

ALC's dry aged/grass fed strip steak, served Oscar style.

 

May 2019 Austin Housing Market Statistics

The big news here is that Austin's median home price is at an all-time high amid declining inventory.

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsmay19 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

March 2019 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsmarch19 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Trivia News

Dave Floyd, Hosting Trivia

A lot has happened on the trivia front this year.  First of all, Creative Fund trivia night in January was quite the success.   In March, Sara and I started our "Floyd Real Estate Presents: Trivia" series of fundraisers.  The first one was in March (at the Tavern), with the Fusebox Festival as the beneficiary.

Here's the upcoming schedule:

• April 10: Trivia fundraiser for The Creative Fund.  This will be at The Scoot Inn.  Social hour starts at 6:30, with gameplay to begin at 7:30.
• April 24: Trivia fundraiser with the Texas Exes Young Alumni.  This one is raising money for scholarships and will be held at Little Woodrow's on Parmer.  You do not have to be a University of Texas alum to join in the fun.  
• May 15:  Second in the Floyd Real Estate sponsored series.  This one will be at the Tavern and benefitting Austin Habitat for Humanity.  

All of these trivia nights follow the same format: 5 rounds of live questions and one picture/puzzle round.  Teams of 4-6 are suggested... but, if you are solo or in a pair feel free to come on down as we'll help you find a group (and hey, that sounds like a fun way to meet new people).  

If you want to stay in the loop vis a vis future trivia nights, then follow this blog.   I may be starting a mailing list for trivia- and I may be launching a fancier blog soon - but any updates on new channels of information will be posted here.

February 2019 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsjfeb19 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Food: Venison Chili

Here's a checklist:

1. Do you like chili?
2. Do you like venison?

If so, head to The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen for this tasty meat dish.  I enjoyed said meat dish at The Grove on West 6th; however, you might enjoy any of the three other locations in the Austin area.  I thought that the venison chili deserved a spotlight (it's not the most common item on downtown menus), though everything else I've eaten at The Grove has been good.   Feel free to order other dishes as opposed to just demanding chili and a flight of reds.

If you aren't in the mood for wine, cocktails, and/or food at The Grove: the adjacent Lola Savannah makes a good latte and offers a nice area for afternoon coffee.  I hear the tea is good as well.

And, here is my post scriptum:  after enjoying food and drink at The Grove recently, we ended up at Whistler's on East 6th.  If you like a good Old Fashioned (I do), then you will enjoy the Old Fashioned at Whistler's. 

2019 Austin Area Population Growth Projections

Yes, everyone's moving to Austin – but they're not all coming from California

From the Statesman:

Yes, everyone's moving to Austin; but they're not all coming from California: According to the analysis, more than 50 percent of migration to Austin from 2012 to 2016 was from people leaving other large Texas cities, such as Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. But census data also shows that a net of thousands of people from states like California, Florida and New York came to Austin during those years.

Food: P. Terry's Expanding to Houston

Houston, you're in luck.  Apparently you're getting four new P. Terry's soon. 

I hit P. Terry's about twice per month.   The double cheeseburger (I get mine with onions, special sauce, and a wheat bun) is great, as is the chicken burger.  The latter is different from most fast-food chicken options as it is a patty of ground chicken (as opposed to a grilled/fried chicken breast).  Either option is delicious, as are the freshly cut fries  (salt and potatoes, no crazy seasonings) with a side of special sauce for dipping. 

I once described the P. Terry's burger as "what an In-and-Out burger should aspire to be."  Before you accuse me of anti-Californian burger bias:  I love Fatburger and wish someone would open a location in Austin.  And yes, I like to eat my Fatburger with chili. 

When driving around Texas, Whataburger is (of course) my preferred fast-food burger option.   I think they'd boot me out of the state if I didn't mention that. 

New downtown rail station to break ground early April - Austin Monitor

New downtown rail station to break ground early April - Austin Monitor: "After carving away the excess from Downtown Station plans in January, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority awarded a construction contract of $36,865,160 to Austin-based firm Jay-Reese Contractors Inc. at its Feb. 25 meeting.Jay-Reese was one of three firms to respond to…"

A good thing to note is that this project is being designed with potential Green Line (commuter rail to Elgin) and Blue Line (possible light rail to airport) capacity in mind.

Food: Top Notch

The #5 from Top Notch

I was at ABOR headquarters all morning for a meeting.  As I drove out of the garage I thought, hey, today is a great day for a Top Notch burger.   Thus a slight detour was made.

Everyone I know who likes Top Notch talks about the fried chicken and how amazing it is.  I wouldn't know, as I stick with the #5 chili-cheese burger.  First of all, I love a good chili-cheese burger.  Second, Top Notch's reminds me of the #4 Fiesta Burger from the former Austin institution that was Holiday House (I'm not making this up: they had a live gator at the Barton Springs location back in the 70's).  Unfortunately, the notorious "Meat Lady" non-renewed the lease for the Tarrytown location and the Holiday House chain died shortly thereafter.  Holiday House was not only only a place I frequented in high school, the #4 Fiesta Burger was the first thing I ate when I moved to Austin (30 years ago, as of next week).   I'm digressing a bit, but it was a delicious piece of flame-kissed goodness I still miss.  Accordingly, this illustrates why I enjoy any burger which approximates the Fiesta Burger.  That is what I get at Top Notch and why I have yet to advance to the fried chicken.

So yes, the detour was worthwhile.  The #5 was delicious as always.  Now,  if Top Notch would just consider getting a live gator...

Not only is the food at Top Notch great, but is it also a fun place for fans of the film Dazed and Confused to visit.  In addition to being at the location of several scenes from the film, one can enjoy an up-close viewing of two paddles from the movie.     

One final bit of Top Notch news:  they are opening another restaurant in Hutto.   No Dazed and Confused connection, but I'm sure the burgers and fried chicken will be tasty.



On the chili-cheese burger note, here are two other restaurants with good options in Austin:

• Waterloo Icehouse
• Shady Grove       

Hopdoddy once had an awesome burger called The Terlingua (topped with chili, cheese, and Fritos) but it seems to have vanished from the menu.  I'm fond of the Buffalo Bill and all, but bring the Terlingua back.