ACL Fest: Day One

Photos by: Dave Mead

The Austin City Limits Music Festival kicked off Friday at Zilker Park after a year of preparation (following the end of last year's weekend-long concert).  The day included performances by The Strokes, Spoon, Blues Traveler and others.

Of course, the weekend includes so many more bands on the nearly dozen stages set up in the south Austin park, which hosts the festival every year.

Saturday will begin just after 11 a.m. and run until 10:00 Saturday night.  Watch the slide show of the first day of ACL.  Photos by Dave Mead.

Casino El Camino's Burgers, Abrasive Style, and Sense of Family

Casino El Camino (517 E. 6th Street / (512) 469-9330) is a bar in the heart of Austin's infamous 6th Street District, but it's also a hot little lunch spot for people who know this part of 6th Street in the daylight rather than bar-hopping hours.  I've heard how great Casino's burgers are but wanted to taste for myself.

I loaded up the car with two of my buddies and headed downtown, where parking can be limited but not impossible to find.  Just remember to take your quarters.  The new pay meters accept coins and credit but no paper money, which for me, sent me back out to the meter after changing in my dollars for quarters.  All three of us attempted a different burger or variation of burger.

Adolfo got the Amarillo Burger with roasted serrano chiles, jalapeno jack cheese and cilantro mayo.  The burger looked a little pink but according to my friend, the flavor couldn't be beat.  In fact, he said it's the best burger he's ever eaten - and that includes a couple of Lubbock burger joints that he says puts several Austin burgers to shame.  Check out all that green on there and it's all those chiles.  "Now that's one spicy burger," Adolfo said.

Next up, my buddy John got the Chicago Burger with Romaine lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese.  This is one of the more traditional style burgers on the menu, but definitely not one that is lacking.  "You don't just get a tantalizing burger here, there's a whole story you may have never heard, it's a family unlike any I've ever seen and a place where the cooks can express however they feel while cooking and reading up on classwork all at the same time making an awesome burger.," John said.

That brings me to the portion of the story where I talk about the people.  Our waitress, Ginger Stevens, is very much a party of the Casino family.  For the last 16 years, she's been coming to this place.  She began working at Casino about a year and a half ago.  The other workers are, well, just like family - or at least they treat you that way, at times being downright rude, but it's all just a part of the charm.  Stitch, one of the cooks, is studying for his Ph.D and had his notebook opened as he rolled up the thick hamburger patties.  When I went to order at the window in the back, I'd asked him what I should get.  He told me it was a bad time because he was busy with bookwork.  But he did end up offering a suggestion: the Chicago burger (like John) but with the buffalo sauce!  It was a perfect suggestion for me since I love spicy dishes and I wanted to get a more traditional burger.  Put the two together and that became my Casino experience.



The fries were crunch and delicious and the burger came juicy. It's hard to get it all in your mouth but somehow, some way, people find it possible and eat these delicious burgers up. Casino was even featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives as a joint where customers dig the heat, employees mix up great burger recipes and the environment reminds you of being at home among family.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Players Scores Big With Generations of Hungry Hamburger Customers

Walk into Players (300 West MLK) on the UT campus in central Austin and you'll likely by greeted by one of these gentlemen, Daniel and his uncle, Carlos Oliveira.  Carlos and partner Eddie Hempe started Players nearly 30 years ago and obviously has a winning recipe for great hamburgers, excellent customer service, affordable food and easy access to a wide variety of people.  The Longhorns graduates know how to cater to their audience.  You may spot the Longhorns head football coach Mack Brown or any number of sports team members eating a Players burger, maybe a politician or two, workers from neighboring businesses, and of course plenty of college students.  The name comes from the arcade games in the dining room, the number of sports team members who love to eat there, and the large flat screen TV you can always be sure to catch a game on!

I first walked into Players several years ago because someone I worked with recommended I go there immediately.  I did and yes, it's one great burger.  I've been in to dine many other times, so when I walked in Thursday with the intention of reviewing Players, I ordered a burger I normally don't get - the jalapeno cheese burger.

What you'll notice eating the burger right off the bat is that it's juicy and is loaded down with the fixings.  But what you'll notice after getting all the way through it is it stays enjoyable and juicy the entire time!  Some burgers will start off great, juicy, and full of flavor but gets less juicy and flavorful the closer to the end you get.  That's a big difference!

Daniel and Carlos say the secret ingredients to their success include fresh products, made to order burgers and patties cooked over an open flame.  Carlos says he also doesn't salt the fries, but rather leaves them plain so the customer can decide how salty to make it.

The affordable price is worth mentioning again.  Customers rarely can find a meal under $10 for lunch these days.  My jalapeno burger, along with a half order of french fries and a soda, cost me $7 flat.  For comparison, last week at Your Mom's Burger Bar, I paid a little over $14 for a hamburger, soda, an order of regular fries for me and an order of sweet potato fries for the little guy.  Carlos told me he knows workers nearby and college students can't afford to pay $10 or more for a hamburger.  He keeps his prices low and the burgers tasting great.  That, along with his winning combination of tasty food and being a truly local business in Austin, means you can't go wrong with Players.

Give Players a call at (512) 478-9299 and drop by to get a burger.  This is one Austin staple you can't afford to pass up.  You can listen to the podcast with Carlos and Daniel by clicking the play button above, and scroll through the pictures on the slide show below.

Under new Federal Trade Commission guidelines, which require bloggers to disclose information regarding potential conflicts for items reviewed in their blogs, the Austin Citysphere was not compensated for this story.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

(Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)

The moon rises over downtown Austin on Wednesday Sept 22, 2010.  NASA calls tonight a "super harvest moon" because autumn is beginning with a full moon.

I never really considered myself a summer-born baby, so it must be then that I just always identified with the fall.  I'm very glad for that because it's once again here, fall, my favorite season of them all.

The days will grow shorter, and the air will blow cooler.  It will be time to light candles, open the windows, walk with a brisk step, and prepare for the many holidays we celebrate every year during this time.

According to ABC News, the beginning of this fall is cause for a celestial celebration.

Tonight is a night of celestial coincidences. The autumnal equinox -- the beginning of fall -- comes at 11:09 p.m. ET, and for the first time in 19 years, it comes on the same night as a full moon, the one known as the Harvest Moon.

Native American tribes gave names to each of the dozen full moons of the year, and the list now is maintained by the Farmer's Almanac. The Harvest Moon is the one closest to the beginning of fall. It's time for the crops to come in. If you are blessed with clear skies tonight, you will see an unusually bright star right near the moon. It's actually not a star at all; it's the planet Jupiter at "opposition," coming closer to the earth than at any time since 1963.

There's no real magic to all this, just the bodies of the solar system doing what they do as they follow the rules of orbital mechanics. But there is a pleasant effect on us earthlings, if we pause to enjoy the combination.

I guess I've always had nice memories of the fall and rarely remember the onset of allergies and sniffles.  I remember eight years ago, when I just started my career in Missouri, sitting on the balcony of our apartment and looking out at the leaves changing colors.  There, the fall season really was fall!  I think of making potato soup so spicy your friends are in tears at the table.  I am reminded of sitting my then four month old by some pumpkins in October.  Back in college, a few freshman who just met went swing dancing together.  Later on the porch of a north Texas home, we assembled for a family picture and a visit to old stomping grounds became a time for friends to catch up.  Thanksgiving around the table, especially at your own home, is humbling.  The list goes on...

Fall is about family, friends and a refreshed sense of life all around.  It's just the best season there is and I can't wait to turn the AC off, the heater on, and bask in the sights, sounds and smells of the season.

Somewhere Over the Austin Rainbow

This picture was taken on I-35 during spurts of rain.  Usually it's hard to capture a solid rainbow.  Where's the pot of gold at the end of it?

"Living Pictures"

from CBS News Sunday Morning

They are old time photographs made up of various symbols of American patriotism.  But these aren't just any photographs because each symbol is made up by actual patriots: members of the armed forces.

It took 30,000 men at Camp Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan to create this human shield in 1918, photographed by Arthur Mole and John Thomas.

Frank Maresca, owner of New York's Ricco/Maresca Gallery, told CBS News correspondent Serena Altschul this picture holds the record for the largest number of people posing in a picture: "From the tip of the shield to the bottom of the stars you might have 2,000 people. But if you are talking about the last row of stars, you would probably have 20,000 people at least, just in the last row." That's because to maintain proper perspective, many more men had to be placed in the distance than up close.  (Photo: Library of Congress)

To the left, 100 officers and 9,000 enlisted men at Paris Island forming the Marine Corps' symbol.  (Photo: Hammer Gallery)

Photographers Mole and Thomas, as mentioned above, lived outside Chicago, and started off shooting religious images with members of their church.  Later, soldiers on military bases volunteered for the cause.  Here, 25,000 officers and men at New Jersey's Fort Dix form the Liberty Bell (with crack).  (Photo: Hammer Gallery)

To Be Frank, It's Delicious

Frankly, this place has been on my radar for quite some time.  I would suspect my mouth's been watering for months upon months.  Yes, I wanted the perfect occasion and time to visit Frank, Austin's premier gourmet hot dog joint.  This isn't just your average hot dog stand, you know.

Frank is located at 4th and Colorado in beautiful downtown Austin, Texas.  You'll know exactly where it is by the huge name written across the historic but updated structure the restaurant is located within.  And, from our experience, you'll also pass by it half a dozen times before finding a place to park.  But don't worry, the franks are worth it.

We entered and was surprised to see how busy the place was at 2 o'clock in the afternoon!  The hostess said there'd be a 20 minute wait.  We sat down on this old blue booth seat situated just past the bar, up against the wall.  I went for a quick diaper change - of our son, that is - during the wait.  For families, and especially fathers, there is not a changing table in the very nice and clean bathroom.  But no worries.  We made do by tucking ourselves away in a stall with a louvered door and plopped ourselves down on the toilet.  I made do with changing the tyke upright, and it actually worked well.

Skip all that, and we're back to the blue booth seat, but the wife was already seated at a table!  Hey, not bad considering how crazy it was in there at the time.  I opened my menu and became overwhelmed.  Despite studying the menu online quite a few times before coming, I still found myself confused for my upcoming order.

The waiter, however, helped me narrow my selection.  In fact, he encouraged me to get TWO dogs instead of just one.  After all, why limit myself to just one.  This seemed like a time to go all out and be creative with my hot dog daring self.  I ended up with a Chicago Dog (poppy seed bun, 100% Vienna beef, pickle, tomato, onion, day-glo relish, sport peppers, celery salt, mustard)  and the Beer Soaked Brat (Hudson’s local brat, kraut, spicy deli mustard).  The wife had a plane dog and dressed up with relish and caramelized onions.

Can I just say - wow.  I believe my exact words after biting into my Chicago dog was, "I don't think I've ever had a hot dog this good."  The beer brat, well, it was good.  But my favorite was clearly the Chicago dog.  The flavors really blended well together and provided just the right amount of spicy, and I love spicy.

We didn't have any beer, but I had a diet coke and the wife had a tea.  Plus, we got an order of waffle fries with a spicy dry rub sprinkled across them.  They came with a small cup of ranch dressing, which we could have used more of, but the dry rub was good on its own too.

All in all, great dining experience.  I've never paid that much for hot dogs before (and the prices aren't even that bad!) but they were darn good and well worth it.  I highly recommend Frank for any occasion, but especially a hot, shiny day.  You can cool off with a cold one and kiss your cares away with a wiener or two!

I previously said I waited for the perfect opportunity to come in, but the best time to hop on in is when it's least expected, and when you're with the ones you love.

ACS gives Frank: 4 out of 5 spheres!

Whip Yourself if you Haven't Tried the Whip In

Is it a convenience store?  Is it a restaurant?  Is it a liquor store?  Yes!

Just whip in to the Whip In and satisfy any number of desires, from a pack of gum to a bowl of Indian food or a six pack of good, quality beer or wine.

Friday evening, the family and I headed directly there after our daytime obligations had been fulfilled.  We were looking to fulfill our bellies and hopefully get a little entertainment value at the same time.

A quick order returned a quick response time.  The bowls and our glasses of tea, which are refillable by self-service, landed on our table with authentic aromas and a cozy, warm family atmosphere that can only be provided by this south Austin treasure.  The tables in the cafe are arranged close to each other, and there aren't that many.  The room is intimate and charming, separated by a tall partition to close it off from the beer and wine side of things.

Friday, the group Ragavatar, created by world music performer, composer & recording artist Rick Henderson, took the stage.  Henderson's web site says the Ragavatar is "a constantly evolving venue for a variety of musicians from diverse cultural and stylistic backgrounds."  This evening, Henderson was joined by a guest, as he played the sarode, a 25 string fretless lute.  It's one of the most popular instruments of  north Indian classical music, according to Ragavatar's web site.

Perhaps the best part of the dinner, aside from looking at my beautiful family and feeding the little tyke, was the people watching opportunities.  I'm especially talking about an elderly Indian woman, whose son played percussion on the small, make-shift stage.  She seemed entrenched with the music as she closed her eyes, lowered her head, and nodded from side to side at intervals which really spoke volumes about the journey she was on.  I can only imagine how the music moved memories of her heritage and days as a little girl.

The food was great; we shared the butter bourbon chicken and potatoes and the vegetarian selection chana dal.  Plus, we spent half what we shelled out the first time we visited Whip In.  The reason: we didn't drink any beer this time around.  Then, for an after dinner excursion, just pack up your belongings and head on over to the convenience store side to peruse the beer selection.

If you haven't had the chance to whip in to the Whip In just yet, you need to try it soon.  Personally, it has all I ever could ask for - Indian food, beer, a comfortable place to sit and a place to park (a hidden lot is around back if the front is full).  If you're an Austinite, you know how hard parking is to come by.

ACS gives Whip In: 4 out of 5 spheres!

Crowds of People Shop at Farmer's Market Downtown Each Week

Courtesy: Twitpic user KeepAustinWierd

Austin's Snow in Video and Pictures

Pictures from Austin's big snow storm are still flowing in.  Officially, 0.6" of snow fell at Camp Mabry.  The city of Austin and Travis County closed early, while Austin Independent School District remained a normal class schedule.  Many other schools decided to do the same, telling parents it would have been more risky to send students home early than to keep them in class.

Children and families built snowmen and snowwomen all across the area, and one woman paid tribute to the exciting sight with a tribute in song.  Listen below to Charlotte Moore.  Pictures by John Salazar. 

Snow Blankets Austin

Most people can't remember the last time a true snow storm hit the Capital City. But Tuesday, that's exactly what happened: an almost unbelievable sight with actual snowflakes, some reported at quarter size.

People across central Texas are spending the day building snowmen. Each school district is following its own protocol on whether to release early. Radio reports said Leander and Round Rock were on early release around or shortly after the noon hour. Other school districts are keeping students because school leaders feel getting kids and parents out in the weather would pose more of a hazard.

Accumulation ranges from half an inch to several inches, with bands of snow hitting the area in waves. Some police officers report higher than normal accidents, while personal pilots are deciding to stay grounded instead of take flight. A Twitter message reported the City of Austin offices are closing early due to the snow.

Aftermath of Impact: Plane Crash into Echelon I Building

by Ryan Loyd

by Matt Olsen

by Matt Olsen

by Matt Olsen

Signs of Helping Haiti are Everywhere

Whole Foods in downtown Austin has Earthquake Relief Fund signs at the registers in case shoppers would like to donate $1, $5, or $10 to help Haitians devastated by the earthquake earlier this month.

Austin's Tallest Structure Reaches New Heights

The Austonian high rise condo building is now the tallest structure in Austin, and is quickly becoming a part of the new look of the downtown's infamous skyline.

Jason Wheeler got a sneak peak of the Austonian in all its glitz and glamour.  He says this is the last public event before residents begin moving in later this year.  Be sure to keep your jaw in its upright position and the drool contained while you view the pics.

(Pictures courtesy Jason Wheeler)

Presents in Hand at Dell Children's Hospital

A child plays with her new toys at the Dell Children's Medical Center.

Trinity Receives Christmas Presents from Blue Santa

Sickle cell anemia patient Trinity receives gifts from Blue Santa and Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin. Children throughout the hospital received three gifts to help make their holiday brighter.

Blue Santa Volunteer Delivers Stuffed Bear

Blue Santa officers came to help deliver presents to children at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin. Here, an officer holds onto a stuffed bear before surprising the bear's new friend.

Austin in Pictures: Early Christmas for Second Graders

Texas Gas Service employees watch as Santa hands out gifts to second graders of Sanchez Elementary School in Austin. Employees granted a wish and brought the gifts for Santa to hand out. About 100 children received presents.

Austin in Pictures: Give the Gift of Life

The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas stops by Austin's city hall to collect blood donations. One pint of blood saves three lives.

Austin in Pictures: Talking Secrets

Post Secret's Frank Warren talks to a crowded room full of fans Saturday at Book People in Austin about how he started his blog, why people are so fascinated with it, and why his family still doesn't understand it!