It never fails; during finals week (or basically any other week, for that matter), I always get a hankering for cinnamon french toast at 2:30 a.m. IHOP and Denny's are far too boring to satisfy my craving, so I grab my friends and head to the always-open Kerby Lane Cafe.
The mellow customers blend perfectly with the laid back, yet polite and recently prompt wait staff. The atmosphere is usually quiet and mature, though not stuffy by any means, but sometimes buzzes with excitement when the restaurant is packed.
With an impressively wide array of food, Kerbey offers the most moist, fluffy pancakes that would put any grandmother’s recipe to shame. The menu runs the gamut of multicultural foods, such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and nachos (topped with juicy, fresh beef fajita meat), hummus, Italian-style pasta platters, the occasional Greek plate, and all-American foods.
What is most commendable about Kerbey Lane is the commitment to serving all natural meats as well as farm-fresh, pesticide-free vegetables. This cafe puts a spin on a Mom and Pop style kitchen by the awareness of the importance of offering healthier options. Kerby caters to carnivores and vegans alike, offering a spectacular assortment of foods to the vegetarians, which isn’t something that can be said about most other restaurants that offer vegetarian dishes.
With multiple options offered a la carte, Kerbey is also very affordable, which is praiseworthy for any college student. Customers can venture in with only ten dollars and satisfactorily eat a full meal. Kerbey cuisine will be a staple for years to come in the lives of Austinites.
Visit Kerbeylanecafe.com for locations, menu, prices, etc.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Disappointment in Becks
Soccer fans and strictly David Beckham fans (yes, there's a difference) are getting frustrated with Becks. Major League Soccer has spent an astronomical amount of money on him and he can't seem to stay healthy. What is the deal?!
Personall, I'm getting frustrated with him because I want to watch him play live at least once, which is something I honestly never thought would happen. Now that my dreams have come true and he's in America, he can't leave the bench in L.A. I'm not completely outraged because one of my all-time favorite players is a teammate of his that CAN stay fit: Landon Donovan. At least I can still watch him shine on the field.
I went to a game a few months ago that Becks should've played in, but... you guessed it! He re-injured himself the week before the game.
I'm going to another game in three weeks that he should be playing in, but he was injured AGAIN.
I know, I know. He's not doing this on purpose, and he's not actually injuring himself; he's just a casualty of the sport. But really, Becks: hit the gym. Maybe you need to toughen up a bit to avoid all the injuries.
Personall, I'm getting frustrated with him because I want to watch him play live at least once, which is something I honestly never thought would happen. Now that my dreams have come true and he's in America, he can't leave the bench in L.A. I'm not completely outraged because one of my all-time favorite players is a teammate of his that CAN stay fit: Landon Donovan. At least I can still watch him shine on the field.
I went to a game a few months ago that Becks should've played in, but... you guessed it! He re-injured himself the week before the game.
I'm going to another game in three weeks that he should be playing in, but he was injured AGAIN.
I know, I know. He's not doing this on purpose, and he's not actually injuring himself; he's just a casualty of the sport. But really, Becks: hit the gym. Maybe you need to toughen up a bit to avoid all the injuries.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Damien Rice
September 15, 2007; AT&T stage
Although I adore Damien Rice's laid back style of music, I wouldn't say that I'm a big fan. Well, prior to ACL I wouldn't have...
I was torn between seeing Arctic Monkeys and Damien Rice so I settled on seeing Rice the first half hour, then jetting over to Arctic Monkeys. Immediately after Rice's set started, I knew my plan was out the window. There was no way I could tear myself away from his soothing Irish voice and David Beckham-esque looks.
Okay, okay, in all honesty, he was excellent because of his diversity. At times, the usually mellow Rice morphed into an angrier version and I can't say I hated it. The edgy lyrics ("F*ck you and all we've been through") were vastly different from the Rice of old, but the raw emotion in his voice definitely made me reminisce on times I wanted to say the same thing to an ex.
For the crowd favorites (like "The Blower's Daughter"), his calming voice rang out so clearly above the masses and his smooth acoustic guitar paired with a cello clearly put everyone in the romantic mood. I soon realized I was very alone in a crowd of twenty-somethings sloppily making out with each other. Awkward.
True musicians like Rice are what ACL is all about and what keeps the crowd coming back year after year. I know I'll be there next year.
Although I adore Damien Rice's laid back style of music, I wouldn't say that I'm a big fan. Well, prior to ACL I wouldn't have...
I was torn between seeing Arctic Monkeys and Damien Rice so I settled on seeing Rice the first half hour, then jetting over to Arctic Monkeys. Immediately after Rice's set started, I knew my plan was out the window. There was no way I could tear myself away from his soothing Irish voice and David Beckham-esque looks.
Okay, okay, in all honesty, he was excellent because of his diversity. At times, the usually mellow Rice morphed into an angrier version and I can't say I hated it. The edgy lyrics ("F*ck you and all we've been through") were vastly different from the Rice of old, but the raw emotion in his voice definitely made me reminisce on times I wanted to say the same thing to an ex.
For the crowd favorites (like "The Blower's Daughter"), his calming voice rang out so clearly above the masses and his smooth acoustic guitar paired with a cello clearly put everyone in the romantic mood. I soon realized I was very alone in a crowd of twenty-somethings sloppily making out with each other. Awkward.
True musicians like Rice are what ACL is all about and what keeps the crowd coming back year after year. I know I'll be there next year.
My First Ever Austin City Limits Festival
I had a one day pass to ACL on Saturday, given to me by my sister in agreement that we would be seeing The White Stripes together. Sadly, I had to break the news to her when they dropped out of what would've been our first ACL Fest together (or at all). She immediately decided to boycott the event and I was on my own.
I was unsuccessful selling my second ticket (originally my sister's) in the two days before the show started, but as I walked up to the entrance of ACL, a couple passed me and jokingly asked if I had an extra ticket. They were shocked that I did and even more shocked that I sold it to them for exactly the price we paid for it (hey, jacking up the price on somebody isn't what I'm about).
Though I've never been to ACL, I have been to South by Southwest the past five years in a row. Still, I was not prepared for what I saw. It is absolutely mind blowing to see the thousands of ACL-goers strolling about Zilker Park. Instantly, I felt the buzz of energy surging from every direction.
After meeting up with a friend at the bar, we headed over to see Back Door Slam (superb). The heat wasn't too unbearable, but maybe it was the sheer excitement of ACL that kept me from dwelling on the fact that I literally looked like I just jumped into a swimming pool. A little sweat never hurt anyone.
Honestly, that was the best concert/festival/musical event I have ever been to. Hands down. I will definitely be back next year.
My lineup:
Back Door Slam
Augustana
Cold War Kids
Blue October
Andrew Bird
Damien Rice
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Muse
more on a few artists later...
I was unsuccessful selling my second ticket (originally my sister's) in the two days before the show started, but as I walked up to the entrance of ACL, a couple passed me and jokingly asked if I had an extra ticket. They were shocked that I did and even more shocked that I sold it to them for exactly the price we paid for it (hey, jacking up the price on somebody isn't what I'm about).
Though I've never been to ACL, I have been to South by Southwest the past five years in a row. Still, I was not prepared for what I saw. It is absolutely mind blowing to see the thousands of ACL-goers strolling about Zilker Park. Instantly, I felt the buzz of energy surging from every direction.
After meeting up with a friend at the bar, we headed over to see Back Door Slam (superb). The heat wasn't too unbearable, but maybe it was the sheer excitement of ACL that kept me from dwelling on the fact that I literally looked like I just jumped into a swimming pool. A little sweat never hurt anyone.
Honestly, that was the best concert/festival/musical event I have ever been to. Hands down. I will definitely be back next year.
My lineup:
Back Door Slam
Augustana
Cold War Kids
Blue October
Andrew Bird
Damien Rice
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Muse
more on a few artists later...
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
No! Not CJ!
Since the first episode of "Top Chef Miami", I liked CJ. He was always cracking jokes, usually having to do with his love for Padma or his testicle (yes, that's singular), talented (obviously- he got down to the top six), and always a team player in the kitchen, even though "Top Chef" is ultimately every man for himself. He was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone, sometimes even if his own dish wasn't complete yet.
Within the first few minutes of the most recent episode ("Snacks on a Plane"), I knew he was doomed. He was the primary focus of the episode, whether in the kitchen or his one-on-one time with the camera. Then, when the chefs discovered they were headed to NYC and CJ revealed he had never been, I really knew he was a goner. Too much forshadowing to ignore there.
In agreement with the judges, his dish did look completely unappatizing. The broccolini appeared overcooked by its brown tint and limpness. The fish... wait, was it fish?... was forgettable (except for maybe how bland it was; I don't know, I didn't taste it).
Aww, but he's so funny! Who will be the comic relief in the kitchen? Padma looked like she got a little choked up before she told him to "Pack [his] knives and go." Maybe she was the only one pulling for him at the judges' table. Is there romance in the future for those two? In CJ's dreams, maybe. All in all, I am very sad to see him go.
Within the first few minutes of the most recent episode ("Snacks on a Plane"), I knew he was doomed. He was the primary focus of the episode, whether in the kitchen or his one-on-one time with the camera. Then, when the chefs discovered they were headed to NYC and CJ revealed he had never been, I really knew he was a goner. Too much forshadowing to ignore there.
In agreement with the judges, his dish did look completely unappatizing. The broccolini appeared overcooked by its brown tint and limpness. The fish... wait, was it fish?... was forgettable (except for maybe how bland it was; I don't know, I didn't taste it).
Aww, but he's so funny! Who will be the comic relief in the kitchen? Padma looked like she got a little choked up before she told him to "Pack [his] knives and go." Maybe she was the only one pulling for him at the judges' table. Is there romance in the future for those two? In CJ's dreams, maybe. All in all, I am very sad to see him go.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Not half bad...
I must say I was disappointed to see that Saradora's, Round Rock's adorable little coffeehouse, was closing its doors. I wondered what new business would be taking its place, where I frequently enjoyed the best Italian sodas I've ever tasted, but I didn't have to wait long before a new buyer moved in. I drove past the location (on the corner of Main Street and Mays) on a daily basis so I watched the transformation from coffeehouse to... live music venue/bar? In Round Rock?! Instantly, I decided I wouldn't ever vist this place... this eyesore in the heart of my little town (that's actually not so little anymore).
After the doors opened at The Rock Room (which I refused to call by its name... it was "Saradora's Sad Replacement" for weeks), I expected nothing but lame musicians and average bar-goers to flood it. Almost every night, I sat in my car at the light on that corner with my windows down, begging the light to turn green so I wouldn't have to hear the music spilling out of the bar. And every night this happened, I found myself liking (*ugh*) not only the music more and more, but the varieties it came in.
So... four weeks ago, for reasons unknown, I decided to give this place a chance. My friend and I ventured in on a Thursday night, which happened to be karaoke night. I admire the gutsy people who get up to belt out a song, but I have never gathered the courage to do so myself. Instead, we explored the beer menu, which wasn't very big, and they only serve beer and wine. No liquor. Definitely my kind of place. It was actually very clean and comfortable: polished hardwood floors, tables as well as stools at the bartop, and plush, over-stuffed couches in the back room.
Ever since our first trip, we've made it a point to go on Thursdays (8:00-midnight) for karaoke. Shockingly enough, I found the courage to sing last week. Me? The wallflower? Actually sing? I'm pretty sure they wanted an encore, but I just gave 'em a little taste. Everyone- customers, karaoke staff, and bartenders- is always genuinely nice, which is a different world compared to Sixth Street (although I am a fan of the downtown scene all the same). Now more often than not when I drive by, it fills up more and more with people. The Rock Room is quickly becoming the place to be in Round Rock, and I can't say I hate it.
After the doors opened at The Rock Room (which I refused to call by its name... it was "Saradora's Sad Replacement" for weeks), I expected nothing but lame musicians and average bar-goers to flood it. Almost every night, I sat in my car at the light on that corner with my windows down, begging the light to turn green so I wouldn't have to hear the music spilling out of the bar. And every night this happened, I found myself liking (*ugh*) not only the music more and more, but the varieties it came in.
So... four weeks ago, for reasons unknown, I decided to give this place a chance. My friend and I ventured in on a Thursday night, which happened to be karaoke night. I admire the gutsy people who get up to belt out a song, but I have never gathered the courage to do so myself. Instead, we explored the beer menu, which wasn't very big, and they only serve beer and wine. No liquor. Definitely my kind of place. It was actually very clean and comfortable: polished hardwood floors, tables as well as stools at the bartop, and plush, over-stuffed couches in the back room.
Ever since our first trip, we've made it a point to go on Thursdays (8:00-midnight) for karaoke. Shockingly enough, I found the courage to sing last week. Me? The wallflower? Actually sing? I'm pretty sure they wanted an encore, but I just gave 'em a little taste. Everyone- customers, karaoke staff, and bartenders- is always genuinely nice, which is a different world compared to Sixth Street (although I am a fan of the downtown scene all the same). Now more often than not when I drive by, it fills up more and more with people. The Rock Room is quickly becoming the place to be in Round Rock, and I can't say I hate it.
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