July 8th, 2010
Adventures in Austin
More than just two-steppin’ and trailers, in Austin, Texas you’ll find slow food cuisine, effortless cool and lots and lots of tequila. Yee ha!
sleep 
With its rock ’n’ roll décor and laid-back vibe, the Hotel Saint Cecilia is like having your own SoCo bolthole. Our poolside bungalow was fitted with a shower for two (or three), vintage turntable and mini-bar filled with flatbread and brie. We sat on our private terrace, sipping spicy margaritas and listening to Al Green records from the hotel library. Rooms from $350, 112 Academy Dr., Austin, TX, 512-852-2400, www.hotelsaintcecilia.com
eat
The burgeoning 2nd Street District is home to La Condesa serving up Mexican City street food with a modern edge. Give them three days notice and they’ll roast a whole suckling pig just for you! We tried mini tostados with squid, tuna and chipotle mayo ($12) followed by Carne Aasada ($32). With over 80 varieties on offer, do indulge in tasting flights of Mezcal and Blanco tequilas (from $15) while the ‘sommelier’ explains smoky vs. smooth. Muy caliente! 400a West 2nd St., Austin, TX, 512-499-0300, www.lacondesaaustin.com
eat more
Austin’s hippest new 'hood lies east of the I-35 where we discovered East Side Show Room, a former 1920s grocery store revamped with a breezy back patio, local art and farm-raised food (all suppliers are listed on the menu) like antelope tartar ($14) and snapper baked in parchment paper ($22). 1100 East 6th St., Austin, TX, 512-467-4280, www.eastsideshowroom.com
do
Take yourself to the roller derby show for live bands and babes on skates. Every weekend the Lonestar Rollergirls compete on a banked-track, knocking down teams like the Tonya Hardings and Rhinestone Cowgirls. We wouldn’t want to meet these gals in a dark alley but after a couple of Shiner beers we found ourselves cheering wildly for the Cherry Bombs. Tickets from $13 at www.txrd.com
see
For something tamer, the LBJ Library and Museum celebrates the former president and his flower-loving wife, Lady Bird. Her hosting prowess, elegant gowns and pink-toned office reminded us that Jackie wasn’t the only glam first lady of the 1960s. 2313 Red River St., Austin, TX, 512-721-0200, www.lbjlibrary.org
shop
At modish boutique by george (524 North Lamar Blvd., 512-472-5951, Austin, TX) you’ll fawn over Balenciaga purses, silk Dries Van Noten dresses and sassy platforms from Fiorentini & Baker. Can’t break the bank? We took the staff’s advice and drove 30-minutes south to San Marcos Premium Outlets (the third largest in the world) for jaw-dropping deals on Fendi frocks, La Perla panties and Ferragamo flats. Premium Outlets, 3939 South IH-35, San Marcos, TX, 512-396-2200.
For more on Montreal editor Marianne Wisenthal’s Austin adventure, visit today’s Editors’ Diary.
