breakfast taco capital of the world

So technically, Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World."  However, the extent of the live music I experienced while there was limited to the one night we were on 6th St and walked by a bar that had a band playing.

But the breakfast tacos...those I devoured.   Three times while I was there, and at least three tacos each time.  There is nothing to them- eggs, bacon, refried beans, salsa, tortilla, an avocado if you wish (and I do wish).  But let me tell you, combine those tacos with about three cups of coffee and you will not be hungry again until close to 3:00 in the afternoon.

I miss them.

I am going to try and make some of my own.  The key is, I believe, to cook the eggs and bacon separate until almost done and then combine into one skillet. This adds a delicious flavor to the eggs. As with any taco/burrito/enchilada, however, the tortilla is key.  This is where my taco will always be sub-par to the tacos at Arrandas in Austin--- I simply cannot make delicious tortillas (or I at least have never tried and seriously doubt my abilities).  As with any good, authentic Tex-Mex place, you can substitute any meat; really- sausage, tongue, etc.

At this point you might be thinking: did this woman eat her way through Austin?

Frankly, the answer is no. And at the same time, yes.

But isn't the food the best part about going anywhere?

Certain readers of this blog will be quite proud of one dining experience in particular.  I ate sushi. Real, raw, in your face fish.  The most surprising part?   It was yummy. Delicious.


We at at a ritzy sushi place on South Lamar in Austin.  By ritzy, I mean our bill came out to around $160 per person (there were 4 of us).  Let me tell you, I never-  in my wildest dreams- thought I would pay that much for a meal.  Thank the good Lord I didn't have to.  The friend that I went to visit works for a start up company that creates software for the restaurant industry (they do something with scheduling, labor management, yada yada).  Needless to say, she's made quite the impact and won the CEO Employee of the Month award and they gave her $120 (or near there) in gift cards to this place, a client of theirs.  SCORE!

She is a wimp about trying new things- especially when they "look weird." You can imagine, sushi "looks weird." So I told her we should go because I really wanted to try sushi. The last time I was offered it I was 18 years old and visiting my sister in China.  I turned it down.  I shouldn't have.  I have broadened my horizons, and good Lord I am so grateful I did.

We had two experienced sushi eaters with us, which was a bonus.  Otherwise we would have both stared at the menu and just told the waiter to bring us some "stuff" that didn't feel "slimy" when you ate it. 

My favorite was a ceviche-inspired dish with salmon, striped bass, tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro.  It tasted like a fresh garden in your mouth. Yum. Also the tuna with apple slices and goat cheese.  Mmmm.

The not-so-favorite was a scallop, avocado, and rice wrapped in seaweed.  The flavor? I didn't mind it.  However, I made the mistake of waiting for my friend to eat hers.  Needless to say, she buried her face in her hands and fought the gag reflex.  Barely.  As I put the sushi into my mouth she says, "It's just so slimy I couldn't take it!"  Ummm.....not the best time for the word "slimy" to be thrown around.

I'm a total texture person when it comes to food. I'm not crazy about cucumbers because I don't like the way they crunch in my mouth.  This scallop---wow, slimy heaven it was.  In the end, I got it down. Although I can't say I would order anything similar to it in the future. 

Just to prove this trip was not all about food , we also:

Went to see the Round Rock Express play a game of baseball (AAA team equal to the I-Cubs). They played the Omaha Storm Chasers (former Royals).  Great game, the Express came back to win it in the bottom of the 8th after a close game.  Don't worry, I was cheering for my former home.

Shopped the outlet malls in San Marcos. Great deals, came away with quite a bit of stuff, but not too much :).

Went to the UT- Texas Tech baseball game. (Are you sensing a theme in this department, too?) Texas has no offense, so it was a slow game.  One benefit, however, is that it was at 2:00 in the afternoon and I got some amazing sun and a sunburn to show for it.  This was much appreciated after coming back to Iowa and rain and forty-five flipping degrees!!!

Went on a walking historical tour of some beautiful Victorian-era homes in Downtown Austin.  It wasn't the tour I originally wanted to go on, but the Visitor's Center didn't have any pamphlets for the other one. FAIL, Austin Visitor's Center.  It was a nice walk, however, and the homes were gorgeous.  The history nerd in me loved seeing the comparison between 19th Century homes in Texas vs. Iowa.

Went Downtown Austin one night and made a bad decision.  No, I didn't drink too much. We took a pedicab ride from hell. Word to the wise: DON'T TAKE A FREE PEDICAB RIDE WHEN OFFERED!!!

RoadKill Pedicab

We were walking to a completely different end of the street and one of these contraptions asked us if we wanted a ride. We declined---we're fully capable of walking (even in heels).  Then, the ride became free.  I don't know what we were thinking, but we said yes. People ride these things all the time, right? Must be OK.

Sure, until we realize our driver looks like he has been hit by a car! About 1/4 of the way through the ride my friend is grabbing my leg, then my arm, then freaking out. I am laughing hysterically- both at her reaction and in general about the situation.  I am convinced by this time that the driver has been at the Bob Marley fest that was happening in Austin that day.  However, he did not partake in your typical illicit drug of choice at such festivals (AKA mary jane). No, no. Our scary/creepy/deathpedicabdriver must have been on something similar to speed.  He was swerving- for no reason- super energetic, and since I failed to turn around and see if we were about to be hit (I just assumed play ignorant than know the truth) I cannot be sure but I am about 99% certain that we almost got hit by a few moving vehicles. 

I repeat- do not take free pedicab rides.

I am the type of person to just laugh in situations like this.  It does very little to be scared out of my mind.  I was already in the pedicab and he was going so fast I think it would have been unsafe to stop. My friend was freaking out beside me, not sure what to do except for reach over and grab me every time he swerved again.  I was dying of laughter and he kept turning around to talk to me while almost running into parked cars.

Definitely a memory to take with me to Korea.  I only wish there was video evidence that this event really took place.

All in all, a fantastic weekend.  My two best friends from high school drove up on Sunday for lunch, which was awesome. I'm not sure if I'll see them again before I leave.  I got to soak up the sunshine, get some color, and enjoy great company.  I have come back to life as a librarian for the week and disgusting Iowa spring weather.

Such is life.

P.S. Sorry about the pedicab story, Mom.