Viva Vivo!

*photo by Rebecca

Last night, a group of us ended a very leisurely spring day in Austin, complete with laying out in the 80 degree weather, with a fun dinner at Vivo...the Tex-Mex restaurant that serves gorgeous magenta orchids in their delicious drinks ranging from Cucumberitas to the Vivo Ria (Sangria...my favorite!). They don't take reservations, so this would be a good spot for a Spring/Summer evening when the weather is nice and you can wait for about an hour and a half, which goes by quickly with their delcious drinks on a tropical patio, and chips and really spicy salsa with a kick (just the way I like it...coming from El Paso where I learned to have a high spicy heat tolerance). The service was not exactly speedy, but if you are just looking for a chill night to enjoy dinner and drinks with good company in a nice atmosphere, this would be the perfect place! And, they even give all senorita guests a rose before leaving...a special touch!

Chill Night/Fun Drinks/Mexican Restaurant/Nice Outdoor Patio Recommendation: Vivo! on Manor (Dean Keaton, or 26th Street, turns into Manor when you head North past I-35)

Malverde/La Condesa Part I

*Photos by Rebecca

In Spanish, Malverde would literally translate to "bad green", but I thought Malverde, the new Mexican-inspired 2nd-story 2nd Street District bar, radiated with vibrant shades of green, from the turquoise-colored stairs leading up to the venue, to the fresh mint leaves kept handy at the bar for custom-made mojitos, to the limes that adorned and flavored every glass handed out to the happy hour-ers. I had been anxiously waiting to try out La Condesa, the new Mexican art and food-inspired dining spot on 2nd Street that sits just below Malverde. Allison gave me the opportunity to try it out at one of the Art + Style events in the 2nd Street District leading up to Art Week Austin (April 22-26), and I jumped on it (even though I got rained on in the process!). This is part 1 of a posting about the restaurant, because I just got to sample some of the savory tacos on their menu (even served to me by the chef himself, and the brother of the artist that produced the eclectic pieces on the walls), but will write about a full meal and experience when I return!

Spring/Summer Bar Recommendation: Malverde on 2nd Street. Fresh drinks, with watermelon, lime, fresh mint, and even rose petals that adorn your refreshment. The woody, open feel, with the downtown view makes this perfect for a spring or summer happy hour location. Head downstairs to La Condesa for dinner after to experience the feel of the La Condesa district of Mexico!

Even though I got rained on as I was heading home, I looked up and saw a rainbow..maybe a sign that I found a winner! (or a much-needed reminder that just when things seem gloomy, there is hope!)