Biggee size that salad

Everything is bigger in Texas, even our salads. Here is a list of where you can find a salad in Austin, TX that is more than a side dish but an actual meal:

Leaf – You have the option to build your own with tons of toppings to choose from. Plus, some of their produce is organic and local.

Mothers Cafe & Garden - Their cashew tamari dressing never ceases to amaze me. It really would be

great on almost anything.

Shady Grove – More than just a bed of greens; this one is filled with veggie and noodles.

Kerbey Lane Cafe – They have a ton to choose from on their menu but their entrée salads aren’t to be missed.

Mr. FruitCup – This trailer offers a variety of fruit salads ranging from sweet to savory.

Cool Off Austin

It’s hot out but sometimes you just don’t want to go to the pool. Here’s a list of summertime treats to help you escape the heat:

Tèo – They offer Italian gelato, sorbets and iced coffee. They have some unusual flavors plus all the ones you expect.

Waterloo Ice House – Grab a beer and enjoy the air conditioning.

Amy’s Ice Cream – This is an Austin staple and a “must-do”. Check out the Mexican vanilla. I repeat: check out the Mexican vanilla. 

South Austin Sno – Snow cone trailer that offers a wide variety of flavors to choose from. Cash only.

Smoothies – There are a few places to check out: Daily Juice, JuiceLand and Gonzo Juice.

Volunteer in Austin

Here are some wonderful local organizations that are worth giving up some of your time for:

Johnson’s Backyard Garden – You can work for your share of veggies. RSVP since spots fill up fast.

Austin Parks Foundation – Be sure to check into one of their biggest events, “It’s My Park Day”. There are close to a hundred different projects to get involved in throughout the city. 

Austin Zoo & Sanctuary – Check them out if you are over 18 yrs. old and want to help care for animals. You can sponsor an animal as well.

Travis Audubon Society – They are a small group but they make a big impact on the environment; for us and for the birds!

VolunteerMatch – Enter in your location and your interests in the search box. The site will match you up with different volunteer opportunities from the local food bank to mentoring kids.

Five spots for Brunch

What should you do on Sunday? Go to brunch, of course.  Go get a Bloody Mary, mimosa and/or something that you can pour maple syrup all over. Here are five places that will satisfy your brunch cravings:

Green Pastures –Located in a Victorian estate serving French-inspired cuisine.  They also have peacocks on their grounds!

Santa Catarina – Located in the heart of Lakeway, they offer interior style Mexican fare. Don’t forget to ask for the homemade corn tortillas. Gluten-free and vegetarian items are available as well.

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill – This place is busy, you may want to call ahead.

South Congress Café – Brunch is served daily. Great place to take visitors from out of town and great people watching as well.

Russell’s Bistro – $1 mimosas. Do I need to tell you more?

Beer in Austin

I've written about places to find wine, coffee and tea.  Now it it's time for beer. Here’s a list of where to get it and where to drink it:

Thirsty Planet Brewing Company – This brewery is in South West Austin off 290 and Circle Drive. Visit the small tasting room. You can grab a beer and hangout on the patio.

The Syndicate Club – This upper class speakeasy style club offers food, cocktails, beer and Jazz in the Lakeway area.

Austin Homebrew Supply – Want to brew beer at home? This place has the supplies and the knowledgeable staff to get you started.

The Whip In – They are a small grocery store and wine bar that offers craft beer, Indian food, and live music. It’s ever evolving; you never know what they will add next.

The Ginger Man – This pub has a great beer selection and they are constantly adding new ones all the time. 

The Austin Brew Bus - Take a bus tour to different Austin’s breweries and get a firsthand look at each of their process of making beer.