Houston favorite, Liberty Kitchen Oyster Bar is coming to Austin! Slated to open February 2014, the FEED TX restaurant group has signed a lease for the space at 5th and Pressler in the Gables Pressler complex. Bringing coastal gourmet comfort food to the Austin dining scene, Liberty Kitchen will be serving up their famed raw and grilled oysters, cured fish, Gumbo, roasted meats, and more once they open their doors.
We love Texas. And we love beer. This past Saturday we got to spend a perfect afternoon combining these two loves with the folks over at Craft Pride on Rainey Street. When we first walked in to the bar, we were amazed by all the little touches the owners, homebrewers Brandy and JT, had conceptualized and brought to life. From the beer bottle ch
andeliers to the velvety wallpaper, it was clear that every aspect of the bar had been hand-picked with a unique vision in mind. There’s even a wooden cut out of Texas on the ceiling with lights marking the individual breweries throughout the state! All of the wood inside the bar was salvaged from the original residence on Rainey street and re-purposed to serve as a unique decor. When asked about the inspiration behind the interior design, owner JT shrugged and cited it as “a mix of bold personalities.” The balance between all of the elements creates an interesting, welcoming aesthetic.
Now, personally, I’m not very knowledgeable about beer. So, after walking in and being presented with 54 different Texas beers on tap to choose from, it’s safe to say that I was a little bit overwhelmed. Usually when I’m in this situation and presented with too many options, I’ll generally just choose at random to save face. This time, however, my choice was guided gently by cellar 
manager and cicerone Tre Miner. I told him what I liked in a beer and he confidently poured me a delicious draught out of Llano. This man is brimming with brew knowledge, so next time you’re looking to try something new or learn a little bit about the craft that goes into the making of beer, stop by and ask for Tre.
In addition to all the beers on tap, the bar boasts a cozy bottle shop with a separate entrance in the back. Here, you can buy six packs of beer (including gluten free!), singles, ciders, and wine, which, for the most part, are all brewed and crafted in the great state of Texas.
And don’t worry, we didn’t forget about those of you who aren’t big beer fans. In addition to one non-alcoholic draft beer, the bar also serves a variety of ciders, sours, wines, and beer cocktails so there really is something for everyone.
And, if you get a craving for something a little more substantial, there’s a Bacon food truck out back run by Austin native Reid Reynolds. For this past week’s American Craft Beer Week, Mr. Reynolds prepared a meal pairing with each beer that 
complemented the particular flavors. We were lucky enough to try the Saint Arnold Icon Green Amarillo Hefeweizen and the smoked cantaloupe chicken tacos that accompanied, making for a delicious combination. And for you brunch lovers, we hear that a monthly brunch is in the works for the near future, so keep an eye on Craft Pride’s Facebook page for details about that and other upcoming events.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a good beer in a comfortable environment, including a huge patio, head to Rainey street to get the full experience. Hopefully, you’ll run into Brandy and JT and they can tell you a little more about the story behind Craft Pride. And don’t miss checking out the wallpaper in the ladies’ room; it awesome.
We’ll leave you with a few recommendations from the owners and Tre:
Brandy’s Favorite Current Beer on Tap: Fuego Jalapeno Pilsner or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory, a mix of the Jalapeno Pilsner plus the Texas Honey Ale
JT’s Favorite Current Beer on Tap: Numb Comfort which, we hear, is “not for the faint of heart”
Tre’s Favorite Current Beer on Tap: Porter Del Roble, brewed right here in Austin, Texas.
For more pictures of our adventure at Craft Pride, please visit our Facebook Page.
With the release of The Great Gatsby in theaters, my love for the era has become an obsession. I want anything and everything Gatsby. Flapper hair, fancy dresses, you name it!
So in ode to this amazing piece of literature and my new obsession, this week’s local cocktail comes to us from Sullivan’s on Colorado St. “The Daisitini” is not only Gatsby inspired, its a piece of work all its own. It’s classy, clean, and bold all at the same time.
Ingredients:
1.5oz Tanqueray Gin
.75oz St Germaine
.75oz Triple Sec
1oz Lemon juice
1 Lemon twist
Combine all ingredients in a Boston shaker; Shake 10-15 times and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist
![image001[2]](http://www.thethreadaustin.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/image0012.png "image001[2]")
El Chile is moving from their location on Manor Rd. to South First Street, joining the neighborhood that is currently home to foodie favorites like Sway, Lenoir, Elizabeth Street Café, LA Barbecue and more. Because of a consistent rise in popularity over the years, El Chile has grown too big for their Manor Rd. location and decided to relocate to a more accommodating spot on South First St. Located next door to Bouldin Creek Café at the corner of South First and Mary St., El Chile is proud to call “SoFi” their new home.
“With so many new and exciting restaurants opening on South First Street, we think that a familiar face will be a welcome change of pace for South First Street diners,” says owner Carlos Rivero. “We love our Manor location and are glad to still have a presence in that neighborhood with El Chilito and Flat Top Burger Shop.”
With the artful hand of designer Joel Mozersky fast at work, El Chile plans to open the doors at 1816 South First Street by the end of this month. Courtesy of creative and talented Executive Chef, Jeff Martinez, who has returned to helm the kitchen full time, El Chile will incorporate new menu items like Costilla Adobada and Duck Confit with Mole Poblano along with brunch dishes like Omelette de Jaiba Suiza and Huevos Divorciados. El Chile frequenters can enjoy their favorite cocktails like the critically acclaimed Michelada, as featured in Playboy Magazine and Bon Appetite, or a Chilango Margarita at the new South First location every day for happy hour.
“I love all of the changes happening at El Chile,” Martinez explains, “a new location, new dishes and a new kitchen space are all great twists to any restaurant that has been around for a while. For all of this to happen at once is exciting for El Chile.”
Oh my goodness, what I wouldn’t give to live downtown. Don’t get me wrong, I like my current location (mainly for its close proximity to Torchy’s Tacos) but alas, downtown would be IDEAL. Imagine waking up, walking out onto your balcony, and taking in the breath-taking Austin sites from a bird’s eye view….EVERY MORNING. That would truly be “living the dream”, in my opinion.
Well for those of you who do have the income or very nice Mommies and Daddies, this dream can become a reality. The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association is giving you the chance to tour the super nice, super posh apartments downtown this Sunday and see what you’ve been missing!
If you can’t make the tour, no worries; we got your back. While on our tour we’ll share our fave views as well as PRICES on our Facebook Page so keep on the look out.
Details:
The 9th Annual Downtown Living Tour, featuring residences around Austin’s lively metropolitan area on Sunday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For one day, tour goers can experience the perks of downtown living! Walk to a nearby food truck for lunch or pop into a few boutiques between seeing the city’s best examples of urban living spaces located in stunning high-rises such as The Shore Condos and 360 Condominiums. For the first time, complimentary, air-conditioned shuttles will take attendees from one stop to the next, while champagne, cocktails and snacks will be provided at tour stops along the way. Enjoy a leisurely Sunday filled with gorgeous views, delicious drinks, and eye-catching décor!
General Admission tickets include shuttle service and the following tour stops**:
· The Whitley (Registration Site) 301 Brazos Street 78701
· The Shore Condos 603 Davis Street 78701 Sponsored by REATX
· Park West Residences 1812 West Avenue 78701 Sponsored by The Boutique Real Estate
· 360 Condominiums 360 Nueces Street 78701 Sponsored by Platinum Realty
· Brazos Lofts 411 Brazos Street 78701 Sponsored by Twelve Rivers
· Capital Studios 11th and Trinity Street 78701 Sponsored by Foundation Communities
· Finley’s Barber Shop 237 W. 3rd Street 78701
· TBD Sponsored by Realty Austin
· Plus, VIVA STREETS! Austin Festival 6th Street between Brazos Street & Robert Martinez Jr. Street
VIP tickets include shuttle service, a tote bag filled with fun items, entry to the VIP reception at the Four Seasons, entry into General Admission tour properties, along with private tours at the following exclusive locations**:
· Four Seasons Residences 98 San Jacinto Boulevard 78701 (4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ONLY)
· J.J. Pickle Federal Building – Official Office Suite of LBJ during Presidency 300 E 8th Street, 78701
· Penthouse at The Towers of Town Lake 40 N IH 35 78701 Sponsored by Moreland Properties
General Admission tickets are $25, and a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $85. Tickets may be purchased at http://atxdlt.com. Tickets will also be available the day of the tour at The Whitley. A portion of the Downtown Living Tour proceeds benefits ECHO, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Austin.
Will Call, registration, and shuttle headquarters will be located at The Whitley building. Tour-goers are encouraged to walk, bike (a limited number of electric bikes will be provided by Rocket Electrics), pedi-cab, or take Cap-Metro if wishing to do all or part of the tour on their own.
For more information please visit: http://atxdlt.com.
Okay, it’s American Craft Beer Week and we think you should celebrate/make one of Craft Pride’s events an outing this week. Who doesn’t love Rainey Street and Craft Beer? We’ll be there Saturday. Come say hi!
Details:
Craft Pride will be tapping a new beer each day, doing a spotlight on it, and then pairing the beer with a special food provided by the Bacon Bus.
The beers will be ready to serve each day when they open (4pm during the week, Noon on Saturday and Sunday), and the Bacon Bus will be open at 5pm during the week and 2pm on the weekend.
Thu May 16 – Southern Star Red Cockaded West Coast-Style Imperial Red
8.5%, 110 IBUs – Thoroughly hoppy with sturdy base of English malt and rye; named after an endangered woodpecker species that lives in Conroe
Food pairing: Fish ‘n’ chips w/ bacon tartar sauce
Fri May 17 – Real Ale 17th Anniversary Belgian Strong Ale
14% – Golden-orange in color w/ lots of fruit and spice from the yeast
Food pairing: Chicken ‘n’ bacon waffles w/ Belgian beer syrup
Sat May 18 – Saint Arnold Icon Green Amarillo Hefeweizen
5.4% – Unfiltered German Wheat Ale w/ healthy dose of Amarillo hops that yield big floral and tropical aromatics
Food pairing: Smoked cantaloupe chicken w/ mango habanero salsa
Sun May 19 – Ranger Creek Strawberry Milk Stout
6% – Fresh strawberries from Poteet mesh w/ creamy chocolate and roast, robust but smooth and satisfying
Food pairing: Old school Mexican vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries
This Wednesday (May 15) Swift’s Attic will be celebrating their birthaversary in grand style. Giving thanks to friends, family and fans, Swift’s will be providing complimentary snacks, cocktails and music from Heart and Soul Soundsystem.
Additionally, they will be reviving old favorite dishes such as CLT, Squid Fries, Bahn Minis, Swiftine and Mussles. It has been a long year coming for Swift’s and they are looking forward to celebrating with all their customers.
Complimentary cocktails? We’re in. Schedule cleared.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we thought we’d share with you the amazing women who raised us, dealt with us, and loved us no matter what (not a small feat by any means!). Let’s face it, without them we couldn’t exist (literally and metaphorically) so let’s celebrate them and all that they do. Here’s to you, Mom.
Minda Magracia Ratliff: Mother to Editor Jamie Ratliff 
1. What was your mom’s favorite band growing up? Bread.
2. Which actress would do your mom justice in a movie? Catherine Zeta Jones.
3. What’s your mom’s best quality? Her strength. I’ve never met a woman who is so resilient and fierce. I hope to inherit half of what she has.
4. What’s your mom’s best physical feature? Her smile. She lights up a whole room and people are drawn to her. She’s beautiful.
5. Describe your mom in one word: Selfless. I’ve never seen anyone give up everything for her family like she has and for that I will be forever grateful.
Linda Gordon Campbell: Mother to Contributor Victoria Campbell
1. What was your mom’s favorite band growing up? The Beatles.
2. Which actress would do your mom justice in a movie? Michelle Pfeiffer.
3. What’s your mom’s best quality? Her incredible ability to listen.
4. What’s your mom’s best physical feature? Her legs–that lady runs six miles a day!
5. Describe your mom in one word: Giving.
Lisa Ann House: Mother to Guest Contributor Kevin House
1. What was your mom’s favorite band growing up? Aerosmith. 
2. Which actress would do your mom justice in a movie? Sandra Bullock.
3. What’s your mom’s best quality? Her ability to understand people and her heart is warm to even the hardest things to understand. She never looks down on things. She’s Mrs. Brightside; forgive and forget.
4. What’s your mom’s best physical feature? My mom is beautiful. That’s where her children get their looks from 
She easily could have been a model: tall, great smile, piercing eyes. She also doesn’t look her age at all. I’d say her best feature overall is how young she looks.
5. Describe your mom in one word: UNMATCHED.
