Restaurant Trends- Austin, Texas November 30, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Austin, Flip Happy Crepes, Lulu B's, Mighty Cone, Roppolos Pizzeria, Torchy's Tacos
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Restaurant trends come and go, and often without most of Austin realizing there even was a trend going on. However, airstream trailer restaurants have taken over much of South Austin within the last few years. Savory meals can now be conveniently found curbside no matter what your taste buds prefer. From the Trailer Park Eatery on South First St. to the strip of restaurants on South Congress, they are thriving in the middle of a recession that would threaten the existence of any new restaurant popping up in Austin.
Let’s take a look at a few trailers around Austin that have either recently burst onto the Austin restaurant scene or are already established
1. Roppolo’s Pizzeria- this joint has been going strong for more than a few years now. With locations on and off of Sixth Street, you are bound to stop here after last call to pick up a big ol’ tasty slice of pizza. Toppings range from regular pepperoni to supreme to plain cheese. Your alcohol-induced taste buds are sure to enjoy a slice whenever you are downtown or making your way home.
2. Torchy’s Tacos- Whether you have made it to the permanent location on South First or the trailer located in the Trailer Park
Eatery, you have probably heard of Torchy’s Taco’s. With a new special every month and plenty of taco choices, Torchy’s keeps everyone satisfied. Just don’t expect to find a healthy option when you head to Torchy’s. Deep fried chicken and avocado’s, jalapeño sausage, plenty of cheese and more than a few meat choices will be sure to take a few years off of your life. But true to their slogan, Torchy’s promises “Damn Good Tacos,” and that is exactly what you get.
4. Flip Happy Crepes- This place could be called the mother of the satisfying trailer foods. Featured on the food network as part of Bobby Flay’s Throwdown the trailer located at 400 Jesse St., one block behind Romeo’s on Barton Springs Rd, serves up a variety of handmade crepes that will leave you craving more.
From savory crepes with ingredients such as caramelized onions, chicken and goat cheese to classic sweets like Nutella and fruit, the ladies of Flip Happy, Andrea Day Boykin and Nessa Higgins, truly know how to make your taste buds Flippin’ Happy. Though the trailer is closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s check out their culinary success Wednesday through Sunday or call your order in to beat the line.
5. Lulu B’s- A slightly smaller trailer, yet with a lot to offer. Serving up Vietnamese sandwiches, spring rolls, salads, smoothies, coffee and bubble teas the trailer off of S. Lamar is a popular destination for those grabbing lunch on the go, or with time to spare to sit and enjoy a meal amongst the oak trees. You can go light, with Shrimp and Avocado rolls complimented with a spicy peanut sauce, or really satisfy your hunger with sandwiches such as lemon grass chicken. For under ten dollars you’ll be sure to treat yourself to yet another south Austin gem.
“Old Dogs” embarrasses Travolta and Williams November 30, 2009
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“Old Dogs”, starring Robin Williams and John Travolta can best be described as a poor attempt of a movie. Very reminiscent of 2007′s “Wild Hogs”, the movie attempts to mix physical humor with a wholesome story.
However, once again Walt Becker, who directed both movies, fails miserably.
Williams and Travolta are business partners who have been best buds their entire life. They are about to seal the biggest deal of their lives, and then Williams finds out he is the father of seven-year old twins.
The twins were conceived while Travolta and Williams were in South Beach recovering from Williams first divorce. What ensues is a horrible display of physical comedy, ranging from a spray tan incident, to Seth Green (who I was horrified to see in this movie) getting kidnapped by a gorilla.
It was horrible to see two giants of Hollywood stumble through a movie that was either for kids or middle-aged people (I couldn’t tell). Watching this movie was uncomfortable at times as well, like when we had to see Williams in his skivvies, or when Travolta attempted to make facial paralysis funny.
I wish this movie hadn’t been made, but more importantly, I wish I hadn’t seen it.
Thanksgiving college football- a league of its own November 28, 2009
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When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of turkey, dressing, pie and if you are from Texas: football. In particular, Texans think of the Texas vs. Texas A&M game.
This game has happened each year for the past 116 years either on Thanksgiving Day or the day after. And no matter what the ranking of either team, you wouldn’t be able to make a safe bet on the game. The Lonestar Showdown, as it has been known since the rivalry began, isn’t about who is ranked higher or who has the better record. The game is about who shows up to play some football.
This year’s game, played on Thanksgiving, was the closest game between the two teams that I have seen in years. The Aggies struck first, early in the first quarter, and I think Longhorns around the country were worried for a second or two. But the Horns got on the board with about three minutes left in the first quarter.
A lot of us couldn’t believe that the Aggies were keeping up with the Horns, every touchdown the Horns scored, the Aggies answered.
We were reminded that when it comes to college football, anything can happen. We were reminded that when it comes to Aggies vs. Longhorns, ranking doesn’t matter.
Finally in the third quarter the Horns were able to create a two possession buffer that looked to save their BCS national championship hopes. The Aggies came within a field goal in the fourth quarter, but their hopes were crushed by a Texas team yearning to return to the national championship after a three-year hiatus.
After watching blowouts all week, it was exciting to see a college game that woke all of us up out of our food coma’s. We appreciate the Aggies coming out and playing a hell of a game.
Adam Lambert walks line between entertainment and embarrassment November 28, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Adam Lambert, American Music Awards, Elvis Presley, Madonna
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Adam Lambert performed at the American Music Awards earlier this week, and really confused me. A firm supporter of expressing yourself through art and entertainment, I couldn’t tell if what I was watching was entertainment or just for the sake of shock value. 
Lambert was reported saying that he didn’t see a difference between his performance and the MTV Video Music Awards where Madonna kissed Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.
But that brings up another question, what sort of relevance or freshness does his performance bring to pop-culture? Madonna performed “Like a Virgin” at the very first VMA’s in 1984, and her sexually charged performance was revolutionary. It could be equivalent to the first time people saw Elvis Presley perform for the first time.
But Lambert is no Elvis or Madonna, not even close. So his performance offers nothing relevant, fresh or revolutionary to our popular culture.
Another question for Lambert is what is he trying to express through his performance? Did he have a political or ideological message in mind? As far as I am concerned, and according to news reports Lambert had no message in mind. His actions were spontaneous and therefore I can only conclude that his performance was for the sake of shock-value and offers no value to the entertainment biz.
Zac Efron to visit Austin for premiere of “Me, and Orsen Welles” November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Me and Orsen Welles, Richard Linklater, SNL, Zac Efron
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On November 30th “Me, and Orsen Welles” will premiere in Austin, Texas. Richard Linklater’s film premiere will be for the benefit of Austin Film Society’s Texas Filmmakers Production Fund.
Starring in the film is Zac Efron, probably best known for his leading role in “High School Musical”. Efron plays the “Me” role in a movie described as a coming of age “dramedy”. I only hope that the comedic weight isn’t resting on Efron’s shoulders.
After watching his comedy bore-fest hosting SNL recently, I can’t imagine how he could handle himself in a feature film that promises laughs and drama.
Perhaps we should all wait and see if Efron will make up for “17 Again”, and steer his film career in a better direction. It is clear that Efron has star power, and could be involving himself in films that would cement his big screen quality. He did take a step in the right direction by hosting SNL. The live show is really at a great point right now and anyone involved with it is making a pretty smart career choice.
Here’s to hoping that “Me, and Orsen Welles” is another step in the right direction for Efron.
Friday Night Lights November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Austin, Friday Night Lights
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Friday Night Lights is a show I am pretty much unaware of, and I feel like I am probably not missing out on much. I don’t really even know anyone who takes the time to watch the show either. My roommate watches it from time to time, but he only watches it for the beautiful people.
So what is the actual draw that has kept the show going for four seasons? Is it only the beautiful people? Or does the show have a legitimate story line that people are interested in?
I read recent news that the show had introduced a rocker female role to the show. Perhaps introducing edgy roles is keeping the show going.
I did find it interesting that the rocker girl was a UT student. Stephanie Hunt dropped out of school and just happened to get an audition for the show. She had to quickly learn how to play bass adequately and actually wrote an original song for her audition.
Lead roles confirmed for Predator reboot November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Adrian Brody, Machete, Predator, Robert Rodriguez, Topher Grace
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Topher Grace and Adrien Brody have been confirmed for the lead roles in Robert Rodriquez’ remake of 1987′s “Predator”. Although Grace and Brody are no Schwarzenegger, I trust that Rodriguez knows what he is doing. He must have something interesting in the works, because Grace and Brody are really delicate men. After recent movies like “Planet Terror” and “Sin City”, I am excited to see what Rodriguez will do with this remake.
Look forward to Rodriguez’ “Machete” to tide you over until July 7th when “Predator” is set to be released.
Andy Roddick pulls out of Barclays ATP World Tour Finals November 22, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Andy Roddick, Austin, Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Shanghai Masters, Wimbledon
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Andy Roddick announced that he would not be competing in the years Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. He injured his knee while playing in the Shanghai Masters tournament about a month ago. 
“I am really disappointed to miss the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. I love playing in London and I’ve heard so many good things about the venue. However, I have not fully recovered from my knee injury and I won’t be able to compete. One of my goals in 2010 will be to qualify for this event again.”
Number 6 in the world, Roddick was the runner-up in last years Wimbledon tournament but has not been able to even practice since hurting his knee.
Roddick will be replaced by Swede Robin Soderling who was the first alternate in line to replace any of the 8 players competing in London.
Julian Casablancas: “Phrazes for the Young” November 17, 2009
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Julian Casablancas became the third member of the Strokes to release a solo album. Casablancas album is titled “Phrazes for the Young” and doesn’t stray too far from the Strokes’ winning formula. Driving guitars, punchy bass lines and steady drums all back up Casablancas casual and melodic vocal tracks.
One thing that is different about his album is the lack of a real band sound. The opening track “Out of the Blue” begins with haunting synths, and gave the impression that Casablancas had gone in a different direction. However, he pulls us back within seconds with the introduction of a guitar riff smothered with overdrive.
So far, my favorite part of the album is Casablancas disgustingly catchy choruses. The introduction of synths and electronic riffs are about the only thing that separates this album with other Strokes albums.
Casablancas fails to meet the standards of Fabrizio Moretti’s solo album with Little Joy. Moretti brought the talent he provided in the Strokes and turned it into something that was different, yet just as accessible and interesting.
The standout songs from the album are unfortunately the first three tracks, “Out of the Blue”, “Left and Right in the Dark” and “11th Dimension.” I wish that I could say the remaining tracks made a complete album, but they really send the album down a slow, grassy hill. Nice to walk down, with nothing worth stopping for.
White Denim: “Fits” November 16, 2009
Posted by pjbradshaw in Uncategorized.Tags: Fits, White Denim, Workout Holiday
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White Denim released their new album “Fits”, their follow-up to their debut “Workout Holiday” and did not disappoint. Full of chunky bass lines, wah-heavy guitar licks and drum tracks that make you wanna tap your foot (except you can hardly ever keep up with the time changes).
“Fits” feels like a larger album than “Workout Holiday”. It almost seems like White Denim realizes they are playing for a larger fan base now. Tracks like “Say what you want” and “I Start to Run” are loud, melodic and plain old rock n’ roll. White Denim also chose to insert more breakdowns and longer interludes into their songs, and although they run the risk of boring their listeners, they did what they wanted to do. And it worked just fine.
The aspect that stands out most on this album is that White Denim sound like they are having fun. The songs are energetic, progressive and fun to listen to.
Later in the album White Denim gives listeners a taste of their ballad writing talents with “Regina Holding Hands.” This song is unlike any song I had ever heard by White Denim, and I was skeptical at first. However, as soon as you hear the first chorus, you will be convinced that these guys can really do what ever they want.
Perhaps that is one reason why people are interested in White Denim, because they don’t strive for anyones standards besides their own.
