Sofia, Santiago y El Machuca

ABG Winter Issue Release Party January 26, 7pm @ Draught House

2012-01-24T01:05:00.001-05:00

WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 7pm

WHERE: Draught House Pub and Brewery

WHAT: Come celebrate the latest issue of the Austin Beer Guide at our release party. We will also be awarding the winners of our Best of 2011 Readers Poll. If that is not enough (we know what you want, good beer) we will also have be a keg of the Bourbon Barrel Night RYE-der collaboration we brewed with Hops & Grain!

2012-01-21T10:45:00.001-05:00

Mount Bonnell

2012-01-18T14:47:00.002-05:00

We went for a walk up on ole Bonnell.

Bill Callhan wasn't there though. Bummer.

TM Talks

2012-01-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

Happy new year. Here is my boss talking some stuff on MSNBC (i meant to post this a long time ago, like new yearsssssssss:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Euro Beer #27: Street Life

2012-01-04T01:48:00.000-05:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. In Paris:

Guess what? This Euro Beer entry is not about beer. It is about wine. Sort of.

Remember, when I first started this series, I said it was not necessarily ONLY be about beer, but everything we drank (and ate). Here Sofia is picking up a baguette for consumption in the park. We are gonna need some cheese and wine, right? This IS Paris.

We bought the cheese and wine from some corner store. It was Sunday and it was the only place open. FAIL. It was the worst wine we EVER had (still). So terrible. Disgusting.

But I was not gonna let that ruin my day. We corked the bottle and took a little trip to Montmartre. We saw the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (see top photo), which Christopher Hitchens felt was dreadful. I love it.

Later I finished the bottle with some street cart croque-monsieur. It was my midnight birthday and we were starting things off right. This was still early into our trip and saving money was paramount. I want to visit Paris again and do it right (somewhat).

TM Talks

2012-01-04T01:26:00.000-05:00

Happy new year. Here is my boss talking some stuff on MSNBC:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

SANTI and SANTA

2011-12-23T02:42:00.000-05:00

Some lighter news...

2011-12-16T13:47:00.002-05:00

We named our Bum Steer of the year. Here is why we chose ole Rick.

Don't know what the Bum Steer Award is? I didn't before moving here.

Christopher Hitchens, 1949–2011

2011-12-16T12:44:00.002-05:00

VF In Memoriam.

His last VF column.

Slate.com, full of Hitch stuff today.

TM after after party

2011-12-14T12:33:00.001-05:00

Texas Monthly had Xmas party last night. This is what I found by the coffee this morning. Rough morning I guess for some.

Euro Beer #26: Continental

2011-12-06T13:58:00.001-05:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. In Paris:

We were frustrated and a bit tired (too much touristing). We did not want to go back to our host’s apartment yet. We decided to get a drink before heading back. Easier said than done. I hate looking for a bar in an unfamiliar country . . . it’s the worst. We settled at the Continental and in the end it was ok, I guess. I have no idea where it is, but don’t worry, there are better places in Paris to get a beer. I had a Kronenburg, which was refreshing. Sofia had a red wine, not a good choice. Always get bottled beer in weird bars.

We left happier.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Sightseeing, look at that bird. What a capture!

We Got our Tree

2011-12-04T23:09:00.004-05:00

And Santi is quite proud of it.

Some of our old trees:

2003 (our first tree)
2004 (wish I still had that Shorty's shirt)
I guess we did not get one for awhile....
2008
2009 (first tree with Santi)
2010

Otro Santi 3rd bday

2011-12-03T13:19:00.001-05:00

This is so amazing

2011-12-02T00:12:00.002-05:00

I love FVGAZI!

In 2002, I drove to New Orleans from MS to see them. Then, I did not know it would be their last (maybe) tour. I was by myself, but it was my fault. I bought two tickets. One was for Bill, but I dumbly offered it to another friend because he was a big fan of Fugazi, where Bill was just a casual listener. Bill took this surprisingly well (I think). Well, my other friend ditched me. Whatever, I was able to sell the ticket in line. But, I did have to drive by myself. I remember I had turned in a paper that day and the night before I stayed up late finishing it. I was dead beat, falling asleep on the drive. I had to pull over and take a nap half way through the drive. The ride back to MS was no problem, fully amped from the amazing show. That performance is available for download.

PJ20

2011-12-01T00:13:00.001-05:00

Been watching the Pearl Jam 20 Documentary. It is good.

Fruit

2011-11-30T23:48:00.001-05:00

Santi picked some grapefruit today. He was lovin it. He looks about 10 in this photo.

TM DAILY POST

2011-11-30T22:16:00.003-05:00

A little bit of logrolling: Tomorrow (tonight at midnight) TM Daily Post is launching. When people as me what it is, I usually say it's like Huffington Post for Texas. But maybe I should let my boss tell you what it is:

. . . if our readers have ever felt like they didn’t have time to stay on top of the daily paper, the six o’clock news, the fifteen websites they have bookmarked, their RSS feed, their Twitter stream, their text and email alerts, and the podcasts piling up on their smartphones, then they know why we started the TM Daily Post.

Bookmark it!

Santi the Crocodile Hunter

2011-11-29T21:27:00.004-05:00

Santi and Sofi are still down in Brownsville. They wrestled some wild animals today.

Euro Beer #25: Random Parisian Cafe and a German Beer

2011-11-26T00:42:00.001-05:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Finally out of Brussels and in Paris:

We loved Brussels. We loved Paris. Right off the train we met a friend (Greg), who was working in Paris, for a coffee and a chat. Our meeting spot was some random cafe. It did the trick.

I had a beer. A Warsteiner pilsner I guess. Whatever. Sofia and Greg had coffee. Sofia stole some of my beer. Greg entertained us with stories of his struggles to order a double espresso in French at his local cafe.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Notre Dame later that night. Our host took us for a night driving tour of Paris after feeding us. Too nice.

ND Rose Window (this was actually a few days later).

The next day — spot checkin' at the Louvre. Where is Rowley?

Go Texas!

2011-11-22T11:49:00.001-05:00

It's a sickness. Luckily it's only infected this woman so far, in Mesquite, TX anyway.

Euro Beer #24 - Brasserie Cantillon Brouwerij

2011-11-16T12:39:00.000-05:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. One more in Brussels:

Ok, I lied. I forgot about Cantillon. This was where we had our last beer in Brussels. We stopped by on the way to the train station for a tour and some tastings. Love this place.

Empty coolship.

Funkin.

Brasserie Cantillon Brouwerij
Rue Gheude 56
Brussels

Now off to Paris.

TEXAS!

2011-11-10T07:54:00.001-05:00

Oops.

Beefday

2011-11-07T22:02:00.001-05:00

My birthday. See Sofia.

I was craving a bacon cheeseburger. I got one. It was so good.

Later, cake. Santi was buggin'.

Bike pub crawling photos

2011-10-28T17:05:00.001-04:00

Some recent photos

2011-10-28T17:02:00.001-04:00

Euro Beer #22 & 23: Cafe Rosasse and Host's Home

2011-10-28T16:27:00.001-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Let's just wrap up Brussels now:

But we did not want to be disappointed by some dumb tourist trap. Brussels has many of those. So the entire time we were there we searched and searched for a suitable spot. Our last night we in town we threw up our hands and decided we would stop into the next decent joint we saw. Cafe Rosasse was were we ended up. Not bad. Those are my frites.

We both had beers from Charles Quint (Blonde and Rouge). Nice enough.

Cafe Rosasse
Rue haute 1
Brussels

Later we had a Westmalle Dubbel (so good, a constant favorite) and Grimberden Dubbel (ok) at our host’s home. He had left for Argentina (I think) and was kind enough to let us stay on another night without him there. His hospitality was one our most favorite things about Brussels.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Yo Ho Ho

2011-10-25T08:22:00.003-04:00

Halloween time. Santi is a pirate this year, thanks to Tere. We dressed up a week early for a kid costume party.

Day of party costume. Pumpkin patch, duh.

Cat.

Caravagiowho

2011-10-21T23:31:00.003-04:00

I've been to Dallas once. Never been to Ft. Worth. Besides, maybe, Rahr I can not see many reasons to visit. Now I finally have one. Gotta go.

My Weekly Obsession #10

2011-10-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

ABG Fall Cover, Release Party Info

2011-10-20T17:42:00.001-04:00

There it is. That is what you look for, starting next week.

The first release of this issue will occur a week from today. We are throwing a party at the Draught House. The party will also serve as the kick off for Hops & Grain, who will be pouring their beer for the first time that night. Buy a Hops & Grain beer and you get a free BeerTown Austin "Selleck" stache pint glass. We will also be giving away free swag we picked up at GABF. People love free stuff. See you on the 26th at 5pm.

Austin Beer Week event page

Boo

2011-10-17T21:42:00.001-04:00

Kristin sent us a nice fall package. Now there are stickers all over the house. Thanks KriKri!

Recent beer

2011-10-17T01:03:00.001-04:00

Nothing wild. Been working a lot on fall Austin beer guide. Tons of Oktoberfest.

iPhone shots #1

2011-10-15T21:27:00.001-04:00

In b-ville to pickup IPhone and do some work without distractions.

Rained Out

2011-10-10T02:02:00.002-04:00

It has not rained all summer in Austin. Seriously, I can not remember the last day we had more than a dribble. The earth is cracking around us. Luckily, rain has finally come. The last two days have been filled with heavy downpours. People were so happy. Kids streamed out of their houses to play in the puddles. It was a real treat. We were no different:

Draught House 43rd Anniversary Party - THE LIST

2011-10-10T01:57:00.001-04:00

The party is happening Saturday 10/22 from 1-10 PM, kicking off Austin Beer Week (more on that later). Check out this good stuff from DH (bold=what we are looking forward to most! [pretty much everything]):

We will have a great selection of cask, sour, barrel aged, rare, wild, and cellared beers, available in a collectible sample glass.

Sugar Shack BBQ will bring the food and DJ JBL with his massive vinyl collection will spin his magic.
Beer List as of now, more to be added-

Keg
(512) Whiskey Double Pecan
Brooklyn 2007 Monster
Brooklyn 2009 Black Chocolate Stout
Deschutes Black Butte XXIII
Deschutes Jubel 2010
Jester King Wine Barrel Commercial Suicide
Jester King Boxer's Revenge Wild Provision Ale
Jester King Das Wunderkind! Wild Table Beer
Jester King Farmhouse Black Metal
Jester King Farmhouse Wychmaker
Independence Oak Aged Anniversary Ale
Live Oak Old Treehugger
New Belgium Draught Folie (sour we blended at New Belgium)
Maui Imperial CoCoNuT Porter
Maui Onion Mild (made with caramelized onions!)
Rahr La Grange Saison
Sierra Ovila Saison
Sierra Brewer's Reserve Grand Cru
Southern Star Double Dry Hopped Pro-Am Cascadian Dark Ale
Victory Helios

Firkins
Austin Beerworks Fire Eagle IPA
Bear Republic Peter Brown
Bear Republic Race 5
Great Divide Yeti
Green Flash Imperial IPA
Lagunitas Dogtown Pale Ale
Lagunitas Maximus
Left Hand Milk Stout
Ranger Creek Jerky Mesquite Porter (with beef jerky in it!)

Euro Beer #21: A la Mort Subite (Again)

2011-10-05T00:27:00.004-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Still tripping around in Brussels:

Golly, still in Brussels? I thought we were done here. Nope, guess not. Back to A la Mort Subite. I love this place.

Sofia had the gueze and I ordered the biggest faro available. Sofia's looks bigger in this photo, but the faro (back) was actually much larger.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

A la Mort Subite
rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères 7
Brussels

Sightseeing.

Triathawhat

2011-10-05T00:13:00.008-04:00

A few weeks ago we zipped down to S. Padre Island to cheer on Javier (Grande or Abuelo as Santi calls him) and Leti do one of them triathlon thingies. Some shots from the big day:

Somewhere in this crowd is Santi, Eric and Sofia. I'm not there, I was in bed for the start of the race.

Like I said, I was not there so Tere was taking the photos. There were a lot of photos like this. Not sure if this a mistake or she actually wanted a photo of this green wooden trash can.

Javier coming out of the water.

Transitioning to bike.

Another favorite photo of mine.

Then I got the camera back.

Where is Leti anyway?

Starting his run, getting an ass smack from Eric.

And there's Leti coming in to finish. I missed her whole race.

Javier finishing strong.

O the pain and the joy.

Crushing It

2011-10-04T00:38:00.000-04:00

This is like a coming soon kinda post.

Under the Sea

2011-09-26T22:26:00.003-04:00

We went to Sea World a couple of weeks ago.

Santi dug it all.

He wanted to go on the Shamu Express.

But......aint happening.

Grover's carousel was a go though!

ELMO!!!!!!!

BEERRRRRR!!!!

And the man of the hour.

I forgot how impressively big these dudes were.

Santi got hot.

I can't believe I am part of this now.

Santi loved the penguin exhibit. Not the penguins, but the people mover. He rode it like 30 times. He ran it, rather.

A Small Gloat

2011-09-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

Austin Monthly included Austin Beer Guide in October's HOT LIST! I think it's fitting we are in the "Beauty" Issue. I've never seen a more beautiful group of dudes.

More real blogging later. I promise.

Booooo.

2011-09-26T00:30:00.003-04:00

Lame Spain, lame. Whatever, moving on. Read this book.

October Texas Monthly

2011-09-23T16:51:00.000-04:00

New issue out. Check it.

Baby Weekend

2011-09-19T11:16:00.002-04:00

Harris came down to Austin for the weekend. He brought his parents too (Stacy and Matt). What is Harris looking at?

This monster.

After breakfast, Santi drove us to the park.

He got lost.

Santi, after a bit of a fight, gave Harris the wheel.

Lost again. Let's just go swimming.

We walked down to the ghetto free part of Barton Springs.

The kids did not seem to mind.

Euro Beer #20: Westvleteren 12

2011-09-16T13:08:00.000-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Still tripping around in Brussels:

Beer has come a long way (even since 2007). Westvleteren 12 was back then, and even now mostly, considered the best beer in the world. I bought one in Brussels. I should have bought more. But again, we were still being cheap; it was still early in our trip.

We drank it at our host's apartment. It was good. The photo, not so good.

Here is some other stuff we did the following day:

Coffee and croissants at Gusti D'Italia. It was quite pleasant until a delivery truck came up and idled by us for 5 minutes. That was not so pleasant.

Then we went walking in the forest. I was the tour guide.

On our walk we scarfed some of our Pierre Marcolini chocolates (do not click this link unless you want an insane web experience). So fancy.

Then Oups for soups. This place is awesome. Definitely go here if you are ever in Brussels.

My soup. I got a big bowl. Sofia got two small bowls. I win.

ACL Starts Today

2011-09-16T12:30:00.000-04:00

Meeting Elmo

2011-09-12T09:42:00.002-04:00

Yeah this happened yesterday. Santiago was blown away. More on that later. I still need to put up photos from the High's visit.

Real Work

2011-09-06T01:01:00.003-04:00

This is the pull out cover (gate-fold) for the first issue of Texas Monthly I worked on. Tomorrow starts week four of the October issue (meaning the week we send the magazine to printer). It's been pretty wild. But I finally think I am starting to see how everything works.

Beer Work

2011-09-06T00:56:00.005-04:00

I'm going to the Great American Beer Festival at the end of this month. To get the masses excited, we have been running a series of short interviews over at Austin Beer Guide. We are calling it GABF Pep Rally. Check it out. More to come throughout the month.

Brad Staba-ing

2011-09-02T09:36:00.001-04:00

I love this video part. I watched it a billion times in college. It also got me into Sonic Youth. Nothing mindblowing. Just good stuff.

Wimberley Way

2011-08-31T09:46:00.003-04:00

Santi came with me and the guys to Wimberley for a little daytrip.

Drummer boy.

Dog boy.

And this is the post from ABG:

Saturday was Middelton Brewing's grand opening party. We went. We drank beers. We drove back. But we will return for sure.

We stopped at the Barber Shop first for a couple pints of their Mullet Mild. Solid stuff. Get out there soon. Such a good bar. You can order a pizza too. We had the Farmer John.

Then we booked it down to Wimberley, for Middleton's grand opening party. Just head south on 12 from Dripping Springs. Go through downtown Wimberley and you are there. You can't miss it.

Midway through the party this is what they had on offer (house-beer-wise). Impressive!

And the beer was good. Really good. This is the Opal (see above). Standouts were the Garnet, Black Lab Porter and the Imperial Red (BOBCAT). Whose sippy cup?

Middleton had a great turnout. I think—it seemed busy. Judging by the furry pack of canines roaming the bar, I am assuming they are dog friendly (if that matters to you). So grab yr kin, grab yr mutts and zip down to Wimberley. Dennis, brewer/owner, said next week's beer list will look totally different. He knows how to spark the interest of a beer nerd.

BIking Man

2011-08-29T11:59:00.000-04:00

Santi at Beach #1

2011-08-29T09:04:00.001-04:00

Euro Beer #19: La Perroquet

2011-08-24T23:32:00.001-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Muckin' around in Brussels:

Stumbled upon this place for lunch. Looked nice, half full—good sign for a relaxed lunch. I had a Leffe Bruin, zesty and medium bodied. That's what I wrote in my little notebook. All beer reviews should be that terse. Sofia, tired of beer (silly girl), had a diet coke.

Sofia had a pressed pita of mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, ham, greens. She would have liked a side of fries, chips or salad, but it was good anyway. I had a spicy chicken pita with cheese and greens. The pitas were good, but a bit overpriced, after all we were used to the giant suvlakis from Mr. Falafel in Park Slope. But the building in which the restaurant is housed is an Art Nouveau masterpiece. That was worth the pita price.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Le Perroquet
Rue Watteeu 31
Brussels

Some church.

Mama's 80th Bday Weekend

2011-08-23T00:52:00.004-04:00

I suck at taking photos these days. This was Thursday night. BOYS NIGHT!

It was fun, even if the joint was pretty lousy.

Jaba ordered a reuben. It took them three tries to get him the correct sandwich. Hint: reubens don't have any kind of seafood. Jaba, what were you ordering a reuben there for anyway? This ain't Katz's.

Later, the bad boys hit up Flannigans, where they treat you right. I dare you to finish a basket of their onion rings. Impossible.

Like two days later we went snorkeling out in the ocean. It was jellyfish crazy, but we braved the waters anyway.

Thanks Captain Kevin!

Vickie-G spent much of the time below deck with her Ipad. Ahhhhhh kids.

This is the only photo I took at the party. I was busy finishing the slideshow video (which I will try to upload somewhere this week). At least I got a nice smile from Chris.

Last day. We had late breakfast at Flakowitz. Proper. I can't believe this is the only picture I have of the birthday girl. Weak.

Sure it was "breakfast." Some people like chili dogs for breakfast. Aunt Lisa, you rock.

Coffee cake upon sitting. Nice touch.

Yeah. A breakfast I only have when visiting FLA.

Euro Beer #18 - Delirium Café

2011-08-19T01:27:00.000-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Muckin' around in Brussels:

Euro Beer #18 - Delirium Café

Delirium Café can be hard to find. But if you are really down, you will find it. When we were, smoking was still allowed inside, therefore it was super smoky downstairs. We chose to sit outside, in the alley. This place was packed, mostly young people and crazy locals. I think smoking is banned now. You can now sit safely downstairs with the masses. This is a must stop for Brussels. Not my favorite bar, but definitely worth checking out.

We split a Tremens and a Nocturnum to begin with.

I also had a Triple Moine. All the beers were terrific and in proper glassware (a nice bonus).

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Delirium Café
Impasse de la Fidélité, 4A
Brussels

Mom/Dave in ATX, Part 3

2011-08-19T00:32:00.005-04:00

Dave went home. I went to work. Sofia, Santi and Mom went swimming at Fer and Luigi's.

Nice view.

Check out my sweet outfit. That's that shit I run in.

We walked to the park to try to fly Santi's kite.

There was absolutely no wind, so I had to run with it. Santi did not mind. Forget this let's go swing.

It was like 110 degrees out

Later kale chips. Santi loves em. Mom thought it was hilarious. I guess it kind of is.

Mom/Dave in ATX, Part 2

2011-08-16T21:58:00.003-04:00

Breakfasting.

At Galaxy. Far out.

Then, what else? Playgrounding.

Swinging.

LUNCH!

I'm guessing we played after lunch. And then probably had dinner. Just guessing.

Brooklyn Oktoberfest Gets a Facelift

2011-08-08T22:48:00.001-04:00

And guess what . . . I don't like it. Surprise, surprise. Come on, they had a good thing going. The colors they are using now are atrocious. They hurt my eyes. Luckily, the beer is still good. I love it, been drinking it since my early beer blogging days.

Old.

New. The colors are worse in real life. The silver is reflective. Ugh.

What is really weird, the Brooklyn Brewery website still has the old design featured. Apparently the web dept likes the old design too.

Things change, get over it. Right. Central Market has six packs now.

Mom/Dave in ATX, Part 1

2011-08-07T11:38:00.004-04:00

Dinner at Fonda San Miguel.

Posed pictures are a must with Mom.

Breakfast at our usual.

Later ice cream and playing on the playground.

More ice cream.

Cow jumping.

Wok and Roll

2011-08-07T11:34:00.002-04:00

Sofia tried out her new wok. Adjustments need to be made.

Finger art

2011-08-04T18:23:00.001-04:00

This is not his first time fingerpainting but pretty close to it. What do you think? next Picasso? Rembrandt?

Texas Steak

2011-08-04T00:36:00.001-04:00

Oh, if only I were still on the red stuff. Expect a lot of Texas Monthly stuff in the future.

Some More Photos From Our Vacation in (on, at?) South Padre Island

2011-08-03T00:40:00.006-04:00

So, it is almost midnight. Today was my first day at the new job. Good times, who doesn't love first days? I met a thousand people and forgot 999 names. No worries, I will slowly remember them all, as needed. Anyway, I realize I've been neglecting this blog, sorry. Enjoy the rest of our photos from the beach:

This was while we were out fishing. Javier and I stayed up quite late the night before, up at 53ish and rewarded with zero fish. We need to start acting our age. Santi, meanwhile was quite well behaved.

He even interacted with local wildlife.

Next day (something like that), we went to Schlitterbahn. Sometimes if you want a picure with Santi, you just gotta grab him up.

See.

Two rides and some snacks and the kid was knocked out.

Back on the mainland.

Dave Day

2011-07-27T09:59:00.003-04:00

I'm reading Davie Carnie's book right now (thanks Javier!). It's basically everything he wrote while with Big Brother magazine. Not for the faint of heart, but very funny.

He was also recently featured on the Berrics (a skateboard website) showing Reda (a photographer) around his house and whatnot. A good Wed. watch. Part 1 and Part 2.

And if you absolutely need more Dave Carnie, check out his "food" blog: Food on Drunk.

Dudes gotten super thick.

greens in your life

2011-07-26T12:52:00.003-04:00

Trying to get more greens into my life. I tried this today.
Pretty good. A little peppery, I guess it's the kale. Santi and I liked it though.

Euro Beer #17 - Arcadi Café

2011-07-26T12:17:00.001-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Still in Brussels:

Euro Beer #17 - Arcadi Café

Our host suggested this restaurant. Good, yet inexpensive food in the center of the city. Tourist area, but there seemed to be a lot of locals. That is my chicken and fries, decent, if not a little dry. Here the beer came in handy.

This was Sofia's quiche. So sensible Sofia.

And now the moment you've been waiting for . . . the beers. Sofia had an Affligem Blonde and I had an Orval. I win. Nothing too special here, as they are both available in the US. But they were great beers to quaff with the food.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Arcadi Café
Rue d'Arenbergstraat, 1
Brussels

Grand Place at night.

Texas Monther

2011-07-26T09:54:00.002-04:00

A week from today I start my new job at Texas Monthly. I'm excited and nervous. It will be fun working at putting together a magazine that I actually read.

South Padre Vacation, Part 3

2011-07-25T11:48:00.004-04:00

At the beach.

Buried life.

Let's go deeper.

Man down!

YouTube to stream Austin City Limits

2011-07-22T11:01:00.000-04:00

File this under GOOD NEWS.

Euro Beer #16 - Le Bier Circus

2011-07-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. Still in Brussels:

Euro Beer #16 - Le Bier Circus

Clean and modern. What a place. Good beers too.

I had to hit up this place after reading about it on BeerAdvocate. It was kind of a hike uphill in the rain, but it was worth it. The crowd was sparse, atmosphere chill. Perfect place to enjoy a beer, unlike that Delirium madhouse. I had a Kapittel Watou and Sofia had a La Chouffe. Both enjoyable, though I took time to warm up to my Watou.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Le Bier Circus
rue de l'Enseignement, 57
Brussels

This guy.

South Padre Vacation, Part 2

2011-07-19T09:14:00.003-04:00

Before hitting South Padre Island we stopped in Joe's for some crunchin.

Craft beer in the valley.

Santi entertained us.

Then a stop in the kite store for Santi's papalote and one of these annoying things.

Child of the Corn

2011-07-14T22:56:00.000-04:00

Too Good

2011-07-12T09:35:00.003-04:00

I've never taken a photo this good:

Euro Beer #15 - A la Mort Subite

2011-07-10T00:40:00.000-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. In Brussels:

Euro Beer #15 - A la Mort Subite

A la Mort Subite. If you are going to go to one cafe in Brussels, this is definitly it.

I mean, just look at this place. When we were there in 2007, smoking was still permitted inside. Now, I think, it's been banned. Even nicer.

Our first visit I had a large Faro, loved it. Sofia had a blanche. Ok, the beers are not the best you will find in Brussels, but add the atmosphere and history — boom — great beer experience. Still, loved that Faro. They have food too, but we only went there for beers.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

A la Mort Subite
rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères 7
Brussels

South Padre Vacation, Part 1

2011-07-09T22:46:00.001-04:00

The Drive.

From mad and sad.

To glad. Less than three seconds. A peach can change the world.

Vacaying

2011-07-05T17:26:00.003-04:00

So we are on vacation right now, so expect EVEN LESS blog posts.

I saw this while waking up today on MTV. MTV is actually kind of good at 630am:

New Wilco

2011-06-30T13:02:00.001-04:00

At it again.

Euro Beer #14 - Brussels Skatepark

2011-06-30T08:55:00.002-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. In Brussels:

Euro Beer #14 - Brussels Skatepark

Food and beer (and wine) was big part of our euro trip, but I also tried to squeeze in at least a few minutes of skateboarding in each city. Brussels has a skatepark pretty much in the dead center of town. It is small and not very interesting, but still fun. Before hitting the park we picked up some Jupilers and sandwich stuff. Jupiler ain't the best beer, but it is a good skate beer. Any maco beer in a tall can is a skate beer—basically, mostly water. And it washed down that crappy sandwich perfectly.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Beer-n-sandwich-fueled mediocre skateboarding.

It was gloomy most of the time in Brussels, but it didn't bother us.

What Are We Doing?

2011-06-28T11:07:00.001-04:00

Let's go back to Munich!

Summer Austin Beer Guide

2011-06-23T11:19:00.002-04:00

Read it here or go download a pdf.

Open publication - Free publishing - More ale

Euro Beer #13 - Le Cap

2011-06-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. In Brussels:

Euro Beer #13 - Le Cap

After dinner and a few hours of wandering around, we hit up Le Cap for a night cap (ah, ah). Le Cap was a nice, clean, modern bar/restaurant. Not exactly my style, but a decent place to grab a beer before nodding off. Sofia had a Brugs Wit and I had a Grimbergen Blanche. Sofia's was better.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Le Cap
Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blès, 28
Brussels

The next morning our host was kind enough to buy us croissants and brew us some coffee. It was not enough coffee and had to get more at Bar Espagnol Meres, a very odd, cool Spanish café. Pictures of bullfights and sidra drinking covered the old nicotine soaked walls. It was good to be on the mainland drinking real coffee again.

ABG Coverage

2011-06-21T21:56:00.003-04:00

Summer issue is out. Get a pdf here.

The Austinist gave us a thorough writeup.

And the web radio show When in Austin had us on today's podcast. Listen here.

Eater and Chronicle too.

Go Skateboarding - Dawn Patrol

2011-06-21T08:22:00.003-04:00

June 21. Summer Solstice. Longest Day of Summer. Go Skateboarding Day!

I awoke today at 5am to skate the newest skatepark in Austin. I did this for a few reasons:

1. Avoid 100+ degree heat of the afternoon/early evening
2. Avoid the mob that will take over this place in the afternoon/early evening
3. With a young family like mine, it's much easier to get yr thrashin done while everyone else is snoozin'

It was actually kind of Javier's idea. We were chatting yesterday and I sent him a video about the park. In the video they mentioned the park opened at 5am and I said "Who the hell skates at 5 am?" Then after a few more chats back and forth it was decided that was just what I was going to do.

When I arrived 5 dudes were already ripping. All around my age. At 5:45 I counted about 10 of us. I certainly was not the only one with the same idea.

The park is fun, a lot of options. Can't wait to skate it tomorrow morning. Cock-a-doodle- doo!

ABG Summer Issue Release Party

2011-06-17T16:19:00.003-04:00

Hey kids. Picking up summer issue of the Austin Beer Guide at the printer today. If you are in town you should come help us celebrate next week. Click here for all the details.

Sweet Potato Summer

2011-06-15T11:59:00.003-04:00

Santiago's enjoying the summer and cooling off with some creative use of veggies. Here he's eating a sweet potato ice pop. Loved them. I have plans for a green ice pop too!

House Park Opening This Week

2011-06-14T12:13:00.001-04:00

Booyeah, can't wait to skate this place.

Euro Beer #12 - Maison des Crêpes

2011-06-13T10:58:00.001-04:00

In the fall of 2007 my wife and I traveled through Europe for 10 weeks. We ate a lot of food and drank of a lot of beer (and wine). Not enough food, not enough beer. In Brussels:

Euro Beer #12 - Maison des Crêpes

Directly after leaving that crusty bar we headed towards Grand Place to look around. But we were hungry. We were always hungry. We set out to find a spot to eat. Most places around Grand Place seemed extremely touristic, so we kept walking. We stumbled upon Maison des Crêpes and it seemed adequate. It was more than adequate. Our crepes were fantastic, as was the beer. I had another Duvel and Sofia drank a Palm.

My crepe. It tasted much better than it looks. Judge my photo, not the crepe.

For more euro foodage and drinkage, go here.

Maison des Crêpes
Zuidstraat 13
Brussels

Wet Brussels street, the view from our table.

Camp Out

2011-06-13T08:51:00.000-04:00

Santi's tent is one of his favorite gifts this year.

Newish Apt

2011-06-12T01:44:00.000-04:00

Kristin has been wanting this for awhile, this is for you Kri Kri. Our newish apartment:

2 Baby!

2011-06-09T12:38:00.001-04:00

Alamo Drafthousin'

2011-06-08T00:23:00.002-04:00

I've said it before, the Alamo Drafthouse is the best movie theatre in the world. The Alamo Drafthouse is one of my top favorite things about Austin. Even if they did not have great beer and food, I'd still love it. Today they got some big media coverage for a recent video they released. See original video here.

Dishes

2011-06-06T00:20:00.000-04:00

Already doing dishes at 2. I love this kid.

Almost Two

2011-06-01T12:31:00.005-04:00

Santi's bday party was this past Saturday. He turns two June 5. That mean look is building rage to attack this guy:

A cute elephant. The piñata place had an Osama bin Laden piñata, which to me made a lot more sense than a cute lil animal.

And it begins.

Then Arturo.

Next Sage. As you can imagine, two year olds are not exactly adept at tearing up piñatas.

In the end, Sofia had to intervene.

And the kids somewhat swarmed the pile.

The Dr. and Luigi looked on from the cheap seats.

Cake time.

Dig in.

Sugar hittin.

Santi Goes Surfing

2011-05-31T14:54:00.002-04:00

Went to Brownsville last weekend, actually S. Padre Island, for Nicky and Ruben's wedding. I was there for two days. Sofia and Santi stayed on for a few more.

Saw some dinosaurs.

And of course, thrashed some waves.

2011-05-25T01:05:00.001-04:00

Like Who, Like What

2011-05-25T00:57:00.000-04:00

Trial of the Year at Least

2011-05-24T22:21:00.002-04:00

The Casey Anthony trial started today. And it was a doozy. Orlando Sentinel is streaming the entire thing. They have tons of back story too.

Green Flashed

2011-05-23T10:02:00.001-04:00

Driving sucks. Road trips always seem like a good idea. The road sucks. I was on my sixth hour last night, almost back in town. I spotted a Day's Inn sign. I thought, Shit, that looks like the Green Flash logo. Yeah, not so much, but there are some similarities.

The Oxford Companion to Beer

2011-05-20T11:23:00.001-04:00

I want this book. I mean, of course it will pale in comparison to this, but still, it looks nice. Preview here.

Thurstontonian

2011-05-19T09:22:00.002-04:00

Listen to T.M.'s new album.