Brother's Birthday Bash

When it came time to celebrate my younger brother's birthday, we decided to celebrate with a feast at Truluck's. Yes, it does so happen that I've made my love for crab known, and that I've already talked about this seafood mecca. Think of it as bonus for your eyes and belly. Plus my dear friend Mike gave me a gift certificate, so it was icing on my brother's 22nd year old birthday cake. As honoray guest, he kicked off the celbracion by picking a bottle of red, and we chatted about life while nibbling on the sweet bread and butter. One of the best deals in town may be Truluck's Date Night menu. Every night, for $35 you and your "date" each choose a soup or salad, entree, and then split a dessert. Pretty dang good! I decided on the Wedge Salad, which I love there. It is piled high with blue cheese dressing and bacon. How can you go wrong. I then ordered the ultimate, my most favorite yet, the King Crab. I couldn't stop smiling. I couldn't stop eating. It was pure joy. The legs come cracked and ready to dip in warm garlic butter. Need I say more? H-E-A-V-E-N. My Mom decided on the Ceasar Salad which was served with real anchovies, and shaved Parmesan. She decided on the Stuffed Trout with Grits that happened to be delicious. My brother went with a bowl of Gumbo, which could clear out any sinus problems you have, and the Texas Striped Bass Pontchartrain. All courses were HUGE and absolutely fantastic. To conclue our "date" night menu, my Mom and I chose the Key Lime Pie. One of my favorite desserts of all time. It was ginormous and exquistily tart. Our incredible waitress brought our a chocolate roll cake with a candle for my brother. Although it may be pricey, it certainly is one of the best spots in town for excellent seafood. Grab a drink, or a full on feast whenever you or someone you love deserves the best.

Truluck's
Twitter: @Trulucks

Creek Road Cafe

If you're lucky enough to live in Austin, you're lucky enough to be miles away from the Hill Country. It's some of the most beautiful parts in the US (and no I'm not biased). One tiny town that falls in the rolling hills of Texas country is Dripping Springs. Although it doesn't have the touristy appeal of Fredericksburg, it does have a fantastic new restaurant called Creek Road Cafe. Chef and owner Chae Donahue has moved himself down from Washington State to provide fantastic food, quality, and service. We stopped in for lunch, but I immediately took a look at the dinner menu. It sounds impressive for a restaurant on the side of the highway. For lunch, we chose the Crabcake salad, HC Steak Salad, and French Silk Pie (one of my favorites). Fresh ingredients, exquisite talent, and good food will not disappoint. Our meal was perfect, and from what I can tell dinner would be as well. Be sure to stop in while you're driving to or from Austin. It's a not to miss spot. If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at Cowgirls and Lace down the road for fantastic gifts and fabric.

Creek Road Cafe

Cousins Cooking

Last night my wonderful and amazing cousin Paige came over for a much needed catch up, bottle of wine, and dinner. We munched on goodies and opened the wine immediately. As the talks of life and what's happening in it began, I started cooking. I made the "dish" a few nights before and thought, let's have it again. I rolled tiny meatballs from the Jimmy Dean sausage with Sage (yes, one package of it goes a long way) and cooked them in a bit of olive oil. I chopped up onions, garlic, carrots, red bell peppers, and mushrooms. After I flipped the meatballs, I threw everything is the pan to saute. After I was satisfied with their sauteing, I poured in some red wine, a dash of cayenne pepper, and capers. The other night I added oregano, but forgot it last night. I boiled some water, salted it, and threw in some whole wheat angel hair pasta. Once the pasta was ready, I mixed it with the goodness already cooked and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. My dear sweet cousin brought over lettuce and and a tomato for salad. I squeezed the juice from a lemon and whisked in olive oil for a quick dressing. A dash of salt and pepper, and we were on the way to dining destiny. We sat down in my living room, ate to our heart's content, drank and enjoyed the evening. It is always a pleasure to have someone so fantastic to share a meal with, hope you can try this one out with someone you love. Enjoy!