The Love of My Life and I celebrated Valentine’s Day in Austin, Texas. The theme of our five days in Austin turned out to be: Eat, Learn, Love. Eat:
Brett and I flew into Austin on Valentine’s Day. Austin welcomed us with a convenient Sonic for a cheesy tater-tot snack. And the gluttony commenced.
Brett surprised me with an amazing Valentine’s dinner at Austin’s finest steakhouse. Even at the city’s nicest steakhouse, they put gravy on everything. Nom. Gravy.
Over the five day trip, we attempted to enjoy all of our culinary favorites unique to Austin. The city is famous for its trailer park treats. Walk right up to the airstream trailer, place your order, and they prepare it fresh. The great weather allows guests to devour their food at picnic tables in the open air.
I am particulatrly found of Gourdough’s raspberry filled donuts with fudge icing.
Brett was giddy over “Bacon”. Yes, it is a restaurant called “Bacon”. They top their french-fries with cheese and bacon.
Speaking of cheese, oh-my-queso! Our favorite queso in Austin is Torchy’s. It is smooth, spicy, and sinful. Watch-out Austin, I may hook-up the Torchy’s trailer to the van and wheel it back to Seattle.
Lastly, the BBQ. I’ll have to fill the Torchy’s trailer with Rudy’s BBQ sauce before I haul it to Seattle. It’s worth it.
Learn:
On the 15th, Brett and I met Spencer for lunch. It was a wonderful reunion with Brett’s best friend. I enjoy quality time with Spencer also, as he constantly educates me on hot topics, world events, and good food. If Spencer were a TV show, he would be a combination of Top Chef and Dateline.
Spencer headed back to work while Brett and I wandered the city. Austin has this strange yellow ball in the sky that gives off heat. I’ve never seen it in Seattle, but the locals call it “sun”. Fascinating. The Love of My Life and I swung arms in our short sleeved shirts and broke in our new sunglasses. Sixth Street is filled with bars and taverns and saloons. But, don’t get too schnockered because there are historical plaques on nearly every building. Drinking and learning go hand in hand in Austin!
Brett and I also visited the State Capital. I dragged my poor husband from plaque to plaque and monument to monument. He was such a good sport to pose for my camera every three or four steps while he had flashbacks of his 5th grade field trip.
We also visited the Texas State History Museum with Sarah and Adele. Apparently, they failed to teach us anything about the Alamo in Pacific Northwest History. I learned everything I need to know about Texas during a 15 minute video. During a mock-thunderstorm, the theater’s sprinklers simulated rain. The kids in the audience squealed with surprise as the rain burst from the ceiling. My husband squealed with fear when his seat vibrated to simulate a rattle snack bite. Hilarious.
Love:
Our dear friends, Spencer & Sarah Whelan, call Austin home-sweet-home. Last November, Spencer & Sarah welcomed their first child, Adele, into their family. And it was time for us to welcome little Adele into our family as well!
She is an absolute doll! At three months old, she is relaxed, sweet, content, and intelligent. It is amazing to watch her mommy and daddy providing for her like experts.
Sarah and I always have a wonderful time together. She is an amazing listener, counselor, and friend. She provides warmth and understanding with a dash of sass. We have oodles in common, so our conversations are rich and rewarding. They are such a wonderful family!
As always, it was hard to bid the Whelan’s farewell when our trip came to an end. But, we expect to see them a few more times over the upcoming year.
As for the Love of My Life… we are the perfect traveling companions together because we are best friends. Together, we eat, learn, and love. Austin has amazing food and intriguing history. But what Brett and I enjoy the most is Love.
