When I arrived by cab to Austin on Friday, it looked like the film festival was just ending and the music festival was just beginning. Streets were kinda empty at 5pm and Congress st looked like this:
But then I turned the corner and ran smack into this:
on 6th st. What a scene. As I walked down the street, every little coffee shop, restaurant, bar, Chinese food restaurant, and convenience store had opened its doors and allowed a band to set up on a makeshift, albeit real stage. Every few steps I would hear a different band and the talent is just flowing through the streets.
On Friday night we went to see The Cringe, who rocked the house at the Chuggin Monkey bar. I have never heard them sound so good as they debuted some new material and gave us classics from Tipping Point and Scratch the Surface like my personal favorite, And Then I’m Gone.
Next, we hopped into a cab and went over to Threadgill’s, famous for the Chicken Fried everything and we saw the amazing Bob Schneider and the Scabs. His music is a mix of funk, pop, jazz, rock-I know it sounds crazy to mix all of these patterns of music but he pulls it off going from one song into the next without much of a break for hours. At one point he had a young girl on stage playing violin!
A food note-if you happen to be staying where I am staying, at the Intercontinental, and you need a quick snack, you gotta try this place called Damn Good Tacos. I had a chicken burrito that was truly the best I’ve ever had-grilled, charred chicken filled a homemade burrito shell along with pico sauce, rice, beans and avacados. Delish!
Stay tuned for more from the Austin SXSW music scene!
March 15th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Hello I love your show and watch them everyday and every chance that I get you are a great cook and my mentor. Have a blessed day and take care. Love, Marion
March 15th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I am from Hanover, NH and love your shows. I was in Austin but left on the 12th, the day SXSW started, so I missed all of it!
I often see your travel show and I have not seen you do any show in the northern New England region. It would be great if you were to have a show here. I love cooking Indian and would love to have you over while your visit in the New England region. And I would love to be on your show someday!
March 15th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
friday night 3/14/08 I saw a show with rachel ray making homemade pet food. I have a little shitzu that was diagnoised with liver ca this week. I lost my only sister to sm. cell ca in dec. of 07 and Sweetpea (my little dog) helped me and I’m going to try to help her. What ever time we have together left I want to be the best possible for her. Please email me where I can find these recipes. I’ve tried Food Network and can’t find them anywhere. Thanks Stella
March 15th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Do right by an Austin institution - go to Las Manitas for breakfast. They are at 2nd and Congress. It’s their last year at the location. A hotel has bought the property. The restaurant is moving up the block.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Hey Rach!!
What a weekend!! I too caught the show at the Chuggin Monkey. And yes, your man can rock!!! I loved how he lit up the minute you walked in. Those tabloids don’t know what’s up!!
Your party at the Beauty Bar was a blast as well. Thanks so much for signing the baseball for me, it will go in my husbands Astro’s shrine and hopefully bring the team some luck. Also a big thanks for signing the photo of my kitchen, one of “America’s Coolest” it’s gonna get blown up and proudly displayed!!!
Always your fan
xxoo
janie j
March 18th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Actually, the name of the taco place is called “Torchy’s Tacos”. You gotta look up at the sign on the wall to see that, though. And yea, they are pretty damn good.
BTW, thank you for coming in the shop, Rachael! Hope you like the salsa and hot sauce!
Brian
Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Shop