...tried sushi

I knew when I decided to start this blog, that eating sushi was definitely on my To Do list. My best friends love sushi and it is ridiculous that when we are on trips they don't get to enjoy it because of my hesitations.

To give you a little background, I was an extremely picky eater growing up. Even now when I order something outrageous (read: guacamole or house salad or something with veggies as a key ingredient), my family immediately looks at me as though we didn't know each other at all. I even refused to eat macaroni and cheese until high school.

Last night, I had plans to join my friend Amy for a girl's night dinner. When she suggested we meet at Sushi Zushi in the domain, I was immediately nervous and then just decided that it was time for me to face my fear. My mantra for the evening was:  I am 26, not 16.

When I arrived, I let Amy in on my not so secret insecurities and gave her full permission to make all decisions for the evening. She was excited and eased me into my sushi experience. So, with a few glasses of wine on my side, by the time I left for home I had enjoyed the following:  California Rolls, Philadelphia Rolls, Spicy Tuna, Edamame, Soft Shell Crab and even a Rainbow Roll.

Overall, I am so proud that I was able to conquer this fear. Everything that I ate was delicious; however, I think it will take a few more tries until I begin to crave sushi and really decide what my favorites are.

A HUGE thank you to Amy for her guidance and incredible photography skills.

My very 1st bite.  Look at the fear in those eyes.

Our table full of sushi.

...had such a delicious Frito Pie

To celebrate a new addition to our office, we decided to meet for lunch at the Texas Chili Parlor to welcome our newest coworker.  

For years, I've had friends recommend the Texas Chili Parlor, but I've never made it over to this Austin institution.

I must say that having lunch here was one of the best ideas we've ever had and I'm disappointed that it took me so long to make it here.  The atmosphere was typically Texas and the lunch time clientele was heavy with Texas Capitol employees; however, the food was excellent.

So, after enjoying the most delicious Frito Pie I've ever eaten, I'm looking forward to bringing future Austin guests to enjoy the Texas Chili Parlor.

...eaten at Polvo's

Last night my friends and I had planned on grabbing dinner together but had no real plans in place.  So, I took the opportunity to visit another Austin staple that I haven't yet had the chance to try.

Polvo's is a delicious Mexican restaurant on South 1st.  Usually there is a really long wait so we showed up at 6:30 pm to beat the dinner crowd.  The fajitas were okay and the service adequate but the margaritas are what will keep me coming back to Polvo's.

...had a breakfast taco from Bomb Tacos

Last week on my way to work, I stopped by Bomb Tacos to grab breakfast.

Newly opened on the corner of Dean Keeton and Guadalupe, Bomb Tacos offers a wide selection of tacos for breakfast and lunch.  I was hoping for a bacon, egg and cheese taco to start my day, but I got there too early and the bacon wasn't ready.  So, I settled for a potato, egg and cheese and had enough food for two.

...visited Boulder, Colorado

Before I begin, let me just state that I love Austin.  That being said, after spending last weekend with two of my best friends in Boulder, I could definitely see myself moving there one day.

Since there were so many new things I did this weekend, I'll just post the top 5 highlights from my trip.

1. The University of Colorado at Boulder - When I travel to new cities, I like to visit the university there.  So, on Thursday, we caught the bus to campus and walked around for a few hours.  Upon arriving, we ate lunch in the University Memorial Center and listened to live music by some students in the cafeteria.  Afterward, we explored the beautiful campus and visited the heritage center and accidently broke into the stadium.
2. Walnut Brewery - One day we ate lunch at the Walnut Brewery. This was one of the best meals we had and we only got nachos, a pretzel and some local beer.  Oh, and did I mention we ran into Vince Vaughn?
3. The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse - For my birthday we ate at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.  The Teahouse was a gift from Mayor Maksud Ikramov of Dushanbe, and was given to Boulder to celebrate the establishment of sister city ties between the two cities.  The building was built in Tajikistan and then shipped to Boulder.  The restaurant was exquisite and the food was even better.
4. St. Julien Hotel and Spa - We only stopped by the St. Julien hotel for happy hour before dinner; however, it was a really neat place.  The unique lobby is a great spot for a quick drink before heading out to Pearl Street.  Next time I'm in Boulder, I hope to go back for a longer stay.
5. Chautauqua Park - If Austin has Town (Lady Bird) Lake, Boulder has mountains.  One afternoon we headed out to Chautauqua Park for some sightseeing.  A lot of the locals like to come up to Chautauqua and the other surrounding trails to hike, bike or just spend a day with nature.  The view of Boulder is unmatched and is definitely a place I'd like to visit again.

All in all, we had an awesome time in Boulder and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

...been to Zoës Kitchen

Last week my friends and I headed over to Zoës Kitchen to celebrate Abi's engagement to Paul! Turned out to be a great option for a quick, easy and affordable meal.

...been thrown a Surprise Unbirthday Party

I have the best friends in the world and they proved it again last night by throwing me my very first surprise unbirthday party.

We enjoyed some delicious pizza and sangria at The Red House Pizzeria and Meg and Sarah made sure that we had some delicious dessert.

...had lunch at Cherrywood Coffeehouse

My coworkers and I headed over to the Cherrywood Coffeehouse for lunch this week. I have driven past the place a hundred times and had no idea what I was missing.

Located on 38th street, just east of IH 35, this charming spot offers a variety of breakfast/lunch foods as well as delicious smoothies. In addition, they have nine beers on tap, red and white wines and this Coffeehouse stays open until midnight.

Being the classic lady that I am, I enjoyed the Classic Smoothie (Strawberry, Banana, Apple Juice) and the Classic Taco (Potato, Egg, Cheese and Bacon). Both were delicious.

Thanks Emily for a great recommendation. Here's hoping that I become a regular!