In-laws and Food

Eric's parents decided to come out for a visit this Spring.  They left 50 degrees in Indy for a perfect 78 in Arizona.  We had a BBQ at the house one evening and invited some friends from the neighborhood.  Eric likes to keep his 5-0 status on the DL in our neighborhood.  I'm going to venture a guess that the Police van parked in front of the house for two hours might be a giveaway at this point. The only real shock and awe at the party was my dessert; because it wasn't ruined or burnt. 

Easy and yummy.  No, it is not good for you. 

We were a little ahead of the game one night for our dinner reservations, so we decided to stop by Sportsman's Fine Wines for vino and an appetizer.  We had the hummus served with baguette; simple and yummy.

Cheers to fun In-laws.

Off to dinner at one of Eric & my favorite places, Fuego Bistro.  If you haven't been there, it should be at the top of your list.  We first tried it during Restaurant Week and have been back multiple times. Don't miss their deals on Groupon!

Some kind of sangria-rita.  Two of my favorite things.

The main dishes are SOOO much food; as in you have lunch and dinner the next day.  I had the Pernil Asado, essentially fancy slow roasted pork with corn tortillas. In addition, you get two sides; I had Green Chili Cornbread Casserole and Chipotle Cheddar Mashed Potatoes.  OMG.  Amazing and full of carbs.  :)

Eric was dying to try the Key Lime Pie and then we also got a second dessert to share that we had previously, it was some kind of fried banana sundae.  No calories in that.  At all.

Key Lime Pie

Banana sundae with crunchy chocolate ice cream. 

Another day we went for late afternoon cocktails at The Sanctuary.  From 4-6 they offer an awesome happy hour menu containing a bunch of $6 items.  Spirits, wine, cocktails, & some small plates.  We tried the roasted garlic hummus and the chicken quesadilla; both of which were excellent.  It was a great ending to a fun visit with Eric's parents; we look forward to their next trip.

Love this pic!

The Paloma

Family Fun

$6 drinks & this view?! 

Gorgeous sunset

In other news, one of my good friends, Erin, is the catering director at Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe.  Monti's recently renovated their patio and opened Tempe's Front Porch.  They had a Friends & Family grand opening, so we stopped by to check out the new digs.  It's such a fantastic setup right along Rio Salado Blvd and is going to be fantastic for all the post race fun at Tempe Town Lake. 

The Prime Rib Quesdaillas are AMAZING!

Lastly, after a long weekend of big workouts and house chores, we hit up Rehab Burger Therapy in Old Town.  I LOVE burgers and fries.  The waitress suggested the sweet potato tots.  Amazing.  I had the Hatch Chili Cheeseburger, which was equally as awesome.  I like that they have a larger and a smaller size burger, Rehab and Relapse; respectively.  Save a couple bucks and a couple calories.  I get the smaller burger so I can replace those calories with a good 'ol Blue Moon.  I've heard the pretzel bun is super good, but since I usually don't eat the whole bun, I haven't bothered.  Maybe on a super big training day I'll go all in.  Check this place out; casual and laid back with great service.

Sweet potato tots; as if I needed another addiction.

Austin: Part III: Running, Food, & Touring

Wendy and her sister were kind enough to take me down to Town Lake so I could do my long run on Sunday morning.  The area is so neat.  It's made up of hard packed dirt trails, which you can take in a number of different directions.  The city is so active; the trails were packed with walkers, runners, families with baby strollers, dogs; tons of people everywhere.  I had a ten miler and it was amazing.  I was so distracted by the people and the views that it flew by; if only every run could be so effortless. 

Post run brunch at ZTejas. 

A real 6th Street margarita at the original Z on 6th Street! BAM.

We headed over to Mount Bonnell to try and work off the food coma.  The top is said to have the best view in town.

 Super fancy homes along Lake Austin; North view.

View to the South.

Making Wendy take pictures with me, non-showered.  Not very nice.

Time for more exploring.

Quick tour through the UT campus.  Love these Longhorn street signs.  ASU, take note!

New town, new Lulu. 

The original Whole Foods.

A person could live in this place.  The biggest WF I've ever been in; containing anything you could ever desire.

The cookie bar alone.  Enough said.

Bike area.  Love the active lifestyle in Austin.

Our final evening activity was the Moontower Saloon, an awesome locally owned, mostly outdoor bar.  It's a full bar with food trucks on site, has game areas throughout the lot, and it's pet friendly.  A very cool and laid back place. 

Just hanging in my low rida'.

Love this!

It's been fun Texas.  Until next time.

Austin: Part II: Mellow Johnny's & Downtown

I finally got to visit Mellow Johnny's! I've been wanting to go here for years.  I'm a huge Lance fan, still to this day.  Judge away.

Love the brick building.

Juan Pelota Cafe

Love!

A cool piece for different stages of the tour.

Another pretty Trek!

Spin & training studio.

Lance memorabilia

I enjoyed walking around and checking out downtown Austin.  Lots to see and way too much for the photo hoarder to capture.  Your tour in pictures...

6th Street: Bars, bars, and more bars lining both sides of the street.

Loyal Starbucks girl picking up her new Austin mug.

Music everywhere!

This statue of Willie was super popular.  Everyone needed a picture, so I figure I had better get one too.

Gold boots.  Only in Texas.

I didn't get to eat here, but I will on a future trip.  I love me some hot dogs.

Also for a future visit list.  Post race fun here I come. 

That evening we hit up an area near Downtown called Rainey Street.  It's a bunch of old houses that have been turned into bars.  You walk up and down the street, stopping in at the various houses/bars.  Such a cool and fun idea.

Banger's, our first stop.  A fun bar with a LOT of beer.

You think they don't have what you want?!

Next stop, icenhauer's.  Fantastic cocktails & a great outdoor area.

Last bar, Bungalow.  A laid back, dog friendly patio bar.

BFFs.

Kris and I.

Our final stop, Stony's Pizza.  Like Portland, Austin had quite a few food trucks.