'Silent Night,' coming to Austin Opera, is an overnight sensation

'Silent Night,' coming to Austin Opera, is an overnight sensation

Food: Prime Rib Friday, Now with Crab

Prime Rib and Crab at Lonesome Dove in Austin

You may have been wondering: how does one improve upon a $16 lunch special consisting of a pound of smoked prime rib and a twice baked potato?  Wonder no longer.  You add the delicious "deviled gulf coast blue crab" appetizer.  I already thought the rattlesnake and rabbit sausage was good, but the crab surpasses it in the flavor department.   Try out out the crab (or try it and the sausage) next time you're in Lonesome Dove.  Also, keep in mind that Austin's Lonesome Dove has 1/2 bottles of wine available during lunch.  Plan your afternoon accordingly. 

Also: are you curious about the difference between prime rib and steak?   Ribeye and prime cut come from the same primal cut of the cow.  There are slight differences in the cuts.   Ribeye is prepared as a steak, which means it is cooked already cut.  Prime rib is prepared as a roast, meaning a larger piece of beef is roasts with the individual servings cut off.   Lonesome Dove goes above and beyond, as they smoke the prime rib.

December 2018 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsdecember18 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

TV: The Expanse

Expanse fans:  Season 3 will start streaming on Amazon Prime on February 8th.  The linked article also mentions that season 4 will come out before the end of the year.

2018 another record year for Austin-area housing market

2018 another record year for Austin-area housing market

Swiftly changing South First Street is 'next frontier' in Austin's development boom

Swiftly changing South First Street is 'next frontier' in Austin's development boom

Food: Bison Burger

The Buffalo Bill, at Hopdoddy

My biggest regret from my recent Colorado trip was my failure to eat any bison meat.   Maybe it's the elevation, but I get a craving for bison (ok, and for elk) when in the mountains.  So, imagine my delight when I discovered that Hopdoddy has a bison burger on the menu.

I hadn't been to Hopdoddy in years.  While the food is great, I did not enjoy the lines I used to encounter at the South Congress location.  Furthermore, when I'm near the Anderson and Burnet intersection I usually opt for lunch at Cover 3.   On Wednesday, though, I was in the area on Floyd Real Estate business and our lunch appointment suggested Hopdoddy.   We arrived at 11:30 to a no line situation.  This made me happy.   Then I noticed my favorite burger (the Terlingua, which was topped with chili, cheese, and Fritos: i.e. a Frito Pie) was off the menu.  The Buffalo Bill made up for this loss.   The bison patty topped with buffalo sauce, "sassy" sauce, and bacon was outstanding.  It reminded me of a burger with bleu cheese and hot sauce which used to me on the menu at Red's Porch.    Thus, if you are craving a great bison burger, swing by Hopdoddy to try out the Buffalo Bill.

It has been a good week for me, burger-wise.  In addition to delicious Buffalo Bill on Wednesday, today I picked up a Top Notch chili-cheese burger on the way home from the Austin Board of Realtors.  I'll note that if you still miss the #4 Fiesta Burger from Holiday House, the #5 at Top Notch will fill its role nicely. 

Dazed and Confused fans will love Top Notch

Food: Prime Rib

I can attest: the smoked prime rib at Stiles Switch is delicious.

Smoked Prime Rib is the Star of this Hump Day every week at #StilesSwitchBBQ in the #ATX get on by. #TexasBBQ #Austin #BBQ pic.twitter.com/2HF0mpxFjv

— StilesSwitchBBQ (@StilesSwitchBBQ) January 16, 2019

Austin Strategic Mobility Plan

Check out the latest draft of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan.  Do it now, as the city is taking comments and other feedback through tomorrow.

Food: Porterhouse Steaks

Porterhouse, Oscar Style

It is no secret I love a good steak.  Back in the Fall, over F1 weekend, a friend and I engaged in a long talk about the hilariousness that is the Big Texan Challenge.  For those who are unaware, this involves going to a steakhouse in Amarillo and eating a 72oz slab of beef along with sides.  Having recently driven through Amarillo, I can attest there are signs everywhere offering the chance to "win" a free steak (if you can't finish the steak and sides you lose the challenge pay $72; if you do finish the steak and sides within the hour the meal is free... but do you really "win"?).

Anyway, while sitting in the stands for the better part of a day I learned of said friend's attempt to beat the Big Texan Challenge.  He had been playing rugby at the time and was constantly hungry for protein.  I had been lifting weights for most of 2018 and was also constantly hungry for protein.  Thus, I indicated I thought I'd easily take down 72oz.  He was dubious about my levels of confidence, and thus challenged me to try the largest steak on the menu at ALC Steaks.

The largest steak ALC sells is the 30oz porterhouse (pictured above; at the time $50 but now $56).  In case you aren't a steak aficionado: the porterhouse is basically a larger version of the T-bone, which is a cut that includes a strip steak on one side and a tenderloin on the other (according to the USDA, the filet must be 1.25" thick).   We both ordered these, Oscar style (i.e., with lump crab and bernaise sauce on top). 

All I can tell you is that while it was delicious, there is no way of which I can currently conceive that I'll be eating 72oz of steak in one sitting (let alone the potato, shrimp, salad, and roll which come with the Big Texan).  It was a challenge to finish the 30oz porterhouse, though it was a great cut of beef, along with the crab and asparagus.  I don't think even a long ski or backpacking trip could make this possible.   Maybe you can (and if you want to try, there is of course an online guide for steak challenges). 

However... if you feel the need for 30oz of delicious prime beef while in Austin, the ALC porterhouse delivers size and flavor.   Another one of my favorite steakhouses, Bob's Steak and Chop, has a 28oz porterhouse on the menu.  I haven't tried it yet, but every steak I've had at Bob's (here and in Dallas) has been good (I'm partial to the "cote de beouf" bone-in ribeye).

As for Amarillo: why might you find yourself there?  If you aren't going there on purpose, you may find yourself in the area if you are driving to northern New Mexico, Colorado, or staying in the vicinity to enjoy Texas' own Palo Duro Canyon.

Food: Austin BBQ on Quora

Brisket and Sausage from Terry Black's 

If you know me, you know I enjoy delicious meats.  Back in November, I shared a few thoughts about Austin barbecue on Quora in response to the question: "what's is the best barbeque in Austin that isn't a food truck?" 

Creative Fund Trivia: January 2019

Dave Floyd Hosting Trivia

Creative Fund Trivia Night is back for 2019!  In addition to being an attorney and a Realtor, I also enjoy hosting live team trivia as well as helping to raise money for Austin artists.  

Join us on January 10th 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.  Moreover, there will be a raffle during the event.  Proceeds go to The Creative Fund and its efforts to help Austin's performing artists afford rental fees at local venues.  

Tickets are available now.  Buy early, and buy often.

2018 Recap

Dave Floyd at Monarch Mountain

2018 was a fun year for me.

In addition to a successful year with both Floyd Real Estate and Foskitt Law Office-Fee Attorney for Capstone Title I made it out of town a few times.   Vacation highlights included:

• Trip to Taos
• Including a hike to the top of Wheeler Peak
• Trip to Ft. Lauderdale
• Trip to Nashville
• Including lunch at the famous Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
• Trip to Big Bend National Park
• Trip to Salida, CO
• Skied at Monarch Mountain

[photos of some of these trips are on my Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/people/wdfloyd/]




Other highlights of the year included, but were not limited to:

• Stand-up comedy class and showcase performance
• You too can try this out at the Institution Theater in Austin
• Hosting six trivia nights
• Four were fundraisers for The Creative Fund, and one was a fundraiser for the Austin Sunshine Camps
• Taking the intro to blacksmithing class at Pioneer Farm
• I made a coal rake
• Watching the Formula 1 USGP out at COTA 

I may elaborate on some of the items listed above at some point in the future.  Until then:  Happy New Year!

November 2018 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsnovember18 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Floyd Real Estate: 4 Years Old

The Floyd Real Estate Koozie, Visiting the Top of New Mexico

Happy birthday to Floyd Real Estate!  We're 4 years old today.

August 2018 Austin Housing Market Statistics

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsaugust18 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Austin Realtors: Why Invest in TREPAC?

July 2018 Austin Housing Market Statistics

July 2018 Austin Area Housing Market Statistics

July 2018 City of Austin Housing Market Statistics 

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsjuly18 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Crestview Listing

Our latest listing is 1200 Justin Lane (78757), a 2/1 with a 1/1 back house (leased to a tenant) on a .209 acre corner lot.   This house belongs to a good friend and I'm going to miss hanging out in the large hot tub in the back.   Also, this house is an easy bike riding distance to the delicious meats at Stiles Switch.

Check out Floyd Real Estate for more information.

[Note:  This one has sold.]

Cameras

Final Photo from my Nikon D90

After almost 9 years, my Nikon D90 finally bit the dust in March while I was shooting a few photos of the Pirelli World Challenge at Circuit of the Americas.  That camera went from California to Maine and many points in between.  I learned most of what I know about digital photography with it, and it was also the camera I used to get started with photography for Floyd Real Estate. 

I replaced it with a used Nikon DSLR I bought for a delightfully low price at Precision Camera here in Austin.

Austin Area Housing Market Report for June 2018

June 2018 Austin-Area Housing Report

June 2018 City of Austin Housing Report

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsjune18 for more information.  And, of course, contact Floyd Real Estate if you want to buy or sell property in the Austin area.

Pork Chop Friday Update

Pork Chop, at Its Finest

There isn't much more I can say about Perry's Pork Chop Friday ("PCF") special in downtown Austin.  If you live in Austin and are reading this, you've probably been there.  I used to be a frequent flier, though my love for beef has resulting in my becoming a patron of Lonesome Dove's Prime Rib Friday lunches. 

Every once and a while, I do make it back for the magic of PCF.  Last week we joined a friend (as well as fellow Floyd Real Estate agent) for pork and discovered a delicious new side (or at least, new to me). 

Asparagus at Perry's

I enjoy asparagus roasted or steamed.  It tastes great with a topping of chimichurri (a delightful side at ALC Steaks) or wrapped in bacon (because what doesn't taste great with bacon?).   But, I've never had it as good as I had it at Perry's last week: fried and smothered in lump crab meat.   I highly recommend this as a side to your massive (and value priced) pork chop at PCF.

I looked up the nutritional data on the fried asparagus.  You should not (note the absence of a link).  Instead, have a dish with salmon and non-fried vegetables (e.g. the Caesar with jerk salmon at Zax's is good) on Thursday then on Friday head over to Perry's ready to indulge.  

Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day

Hot Chicken Tenders from Tumble 22

Tumble 22 Location Behind Star Bar

Apparently, today is National Fried Chicken Day.  While I think many of these days are silly, I'm going to proceed henceforth with plans to honor fried chicken by eating at Tumble 22.  In case you haven't heard of this place, they serve up delicious chicken at varying levels of heat from "wimpy" to "fire in the hole".   I usually stick with "hot" or "mo' hot".  I've seen people eat fire in the hole (reputed to include ghost peppers) and the struggle has not looked pleasant.  As someone who enjoys a little heat but doesn't want to be in a contest with my food, I stick to the lower spicy levels.  

Generally speaking, the chicken is fried to plump and juicy perfection.  Get whatever heat level you prefer and you'll most likely be quite pleased.  If you need further endorsement: I can report that my brother-in-law, a Nashville resident who is a fan of Prince's Hot Chicken and Hattie B's Hot Chicken, also loves the hot chicken from Tumble 22.  

Go forth and enjoy fried chicken tonight.  Tumble 22 has a trailer behind Star Bar plus a brick and mortar on Burnet.  Also, keep at least some energy on reserve as tomorrow is National Dive Bar Day. 

Creative Fund Trivia: July 2018

Dave Floyd, About to Host Some Trivia

Creative Fund Trivia Night is back!  In addition to being an attorney and a Realtor, I also enjoy hosting live team trivia as well as helping to raise money for Austin artists.  

Join us on July 18th 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.  Moreover, there will be a raffle during the event.  Proceeds go to The Creative Fund and its efforts to help Austin's performing artists afford rental fees at local venues.  

Tickets are available now.  Buy early, and buy often.

Austin Area Housing Statistics for May 2018

Austin Area Housing Statistics for May 2018

City of Austin Housing Statistics for May 2018

Infographics courtesy of Austin Board of REALTORS®.  Visit www.abor.com/statsmay18 for more information.

Steak in Austin

Bone-in Strip Steak at ALC Steaks in Austin

Last night Sara Foskitt and I went to ALC Steaks (formerly known as Austin Land & Cattle) for a celebratory dinner.  Normally I order the 16oz ribeye or 22oz bone-in ribeye as the main course (and I often have it Oscar Style).  Either one of these steaks, cooked medium rare, is a delicious choice.  You get tender, well marbled meat.  I like the ALC ribeyes enough that I haven't deviated from selecting them in years.

Though I do love the ribeyes, yesterday I was feeling more experimental.  Based on a tip from a steak loving friend, I wanted to try the Oscar Style toppings on a leaner cut of beef.  I was also curious about a dry-aged, grass-fed option at ALC.  Thus I went with the 14oz bone-in strip steak from 44 Farms.   Excellent choice on my part; the grass-fed beef had great constancy and the "meatier" flavor it is known for.  All I can say is that it was fantastic, and if you are looking for a steak in Austin ALC Steaks should be at the top of your list.  Furthermore, I'd love to see ALC put a grass-fed ribeye on the menu.  [note: if fillet is more your style, I sampled Sara's and it was quite good... though not as good as mine]

Other items of note:  the asparagus with chimichurri makes an good side for any of the steaks.  It's flavorful and it won't slow you down later (as a baked potato might when combined with almost a pound of beef).  The new crab cakes with smoked jalapeño remoulade are a great appetizer.  Now, if only ALC will take my suggestion and put bacon wrapped shrimp with remoulade on the menu...

Foskitt Law Office Anniversary

Happy birthday to the Foskitt Law Office!  Sara Foskitt started the firm June 1st, 2009.   In the beginning, she focused on litigation and real estate matters.  In 2014, she added the Fee Attorney for Capstone Title component to the firm.  Today the firm does a robust amount of business providing concierge closing services in Austin and surrounding area. 

"They Took My Show Away"

I immediately thought of this old Late Night with David Letterman skit when I heard SyFy decided to cancel The Expanse at the end of season 3.  Fortunately, Amazon plans to take over the show.

Austin Area Housing Statistics for April 2018

Information from the Austin Board of REALTORS®.  You can get more information at ABoR.com/statsapr18.

Prime Rib Friday

Prime Rib Lunch at Austin's Lonesome Dove

If you are looking for an excellent Friday lunch special in downtown Austin, look no further than Lonesome Dove at 5th and Colorado.   They serve a wonderfully smoked 16 oz prime rib (with twice baked potato) for the generous price of $16.  And, if you are feeling like you need slightly more meat, you can order the rattlesnake and rabbit sausage as an appetizer. 

Prime Rib Friday is a frequent destination for both Floyd Real Estate and Capstone Title personnel.  This special is available only on Friday.  Come at or before noon, because supplies of the prime rib are limited.