Austin - Iron Works BBQ

So we’ve arrived in Austin – crack of sparrows fart on the flight from Vegas before landing in the Capital of Texas.  Admittedly it did take a little time to find the hotel as there are several Doubletree Hiltons and our satnav was having rather a special moment but finally, we dumped our bags and prepared to tackle the Town.

One of the sights we have been instructed to see was the Capital Building (apparently the 7^th largest in the world when it was finished in 1888) and it is gorgeous.  A huge dome with two different chambers for the various representatives from across the state who decide the laws (including the well-known or infamous – depending on your view - Mr Bush).  All immortalised in a variety of portraits which suggest indigestion and an uncomfortable seat.

We escaped into the City and decided that when in Texas, BBQ was the only option for lunch.  As a South African, I can understand the obsession with food lovingly cooked over an open fire so I was excited to try the offering of the Iron Works. 

This is a Texas institution which has been going since 1978 and not only sells a range of sauces but also allows you to order mean to be sent to your door.  Wow, rather glad that this is not available in the UK or I might need far more time in the gym.

As we entered the red building, we encountered a room done in dark wood and red accents with touches which say “yes, this is home cooked and we like it”.  The clientele was eclectic, enthusiastic and decisive – they knew exactly what they wanted but we needed a little longer to peruse the menu at the hatch.

I for the life of me can’t remember what the combo was called but I had brisket, sausage and a rib with coleslaw, beans and pickles.  Wow, if this was BBQ, I was a convert, where do I sell my soul?  The sausage was juicy with a spicy kick that complemented the cooking really perfectly.  The brisket fell apart with the slight crispy ends (which I believe are called burnt ends) and the ribs were moreish.   

A beer completed the offering and as we sat outside in the April Texas warmth I could literally feel myself relaxing!  Is the Iron Works the best BBQ in Texas?  Well, I’ve got a little more tasting before I give them that title but I’m pretty sure it is close.

L xx

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Dinner at top of the World in Vegas

Having left San Francisco, we flew to Las Vegas!   Anyone who is a student of popular culture is likely to have some preconceptions about Las Vegas – whether it is the dark underground caverns full of noise and flashing lights you need to traverse to reach your hotel room or the iconic strip with its lights.   I arrived full of excitement, what did this Disney Land for Adults hold?

We stayed at the Stratosphere Hotel which is at one end of the strip (and about a 25 minute walk to the centre of the action) and an iconic landmark with a tower that stands 1,149 feet high overlooking the decadence of Vegas.  As my travelling companion was jet lagged, we didn’t manage to have one of those wild nights out in Vegas which was immortalised in the Hangover but we did manage a nice dinner on top of the tower at the Top of the World - Stratosphere restaurant which revolves 360 degrees so offers the most glorious views.

So what was this dining experience in Vegas like?   Well, firstly as it is a nice restaurant, we had dressed up a little but probably should have toned it down a little (something we realised as we rocketed up in the lift surrounded by Americans in nice jeans and several baseball caps) but we did feel very ‘Sex in the City’ so what the heck.  The room is maroon and white with hints of silver service and echo’s of glamour of a time gone by.  The waiters (all older gentlemen who have made a career of this) are charming and more than happy to take the obligatory photograph when asked. 

Having reviewed the prices (which are not cheap but I’m only likely to do Vegas once), we settled for a nice bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc rather than a starter.  This was a good idea as the bread rolls that they served once you had ordered were sinfully soft and when lathered with the unusual pesto butter were perfect.  We nibbled on these as the restaurant moved slowly around revealing more and more of the Vegas skyline.

Having reviewed the menu, I chose Grass Fed Australian Wagyu Skirt Steak with Asian Chimichurri and my friend decided on Large Mexican Prawns, New England Scallops & Lobster a la Plancha.  Gnocchi and mash potato provided us with the carb boost that the mains needed.

My steak was utterly fantastic – juicy with a fantastic texture which was perfectly offset by the Chimichurri.  I has always wondered about the mystic of Wagyu but if that process gives us this quality of meat, then by all means keep the cows happy with beer and any other decadence they demand.  The seafood dish was also a hit and I managed to snag a taste of the scallops which were plumper and sweeter than those we get in the UK (well, I suppose it was Vegas).

So, would I recommend it?  All in all, it cost $200 including tip which was about £60 each – so not cheap but dinner at the top of the world isn’t supposed to be so I would definitely suggest that you treat yourself. 

You only live once but if you are on a tighter budget, don’t forget you can have happy our cocktails in the bar above the restaurant or on the viewing deck with a similar view but at far less cost.

Lxx

P.S. – Don’t forget to follow me on twitter @littleofwhatyou

Perspectives from a Bitter Twisted Spinster

I am many things in life – bright, fun, intelligent, empathetic, blond, hardworking, a property owner, blessed with great friends and a will to travel.  However, none of these facets of my personality seem to count when I reveal that I am also single.  “Single?” enquired a Yummy Mummy Wanna-be in a voice which suggested that I was inappropriate with woodland creatures ……  “aah so you are a bitter twisted spinster”. 

One of my aforementioned friends removed me before I could tackle her so no violence was perpetrated but wow!  Really, what gave this women [a complete unknown] the right to say this to me?  And the judgement goes on.  One of my friends fathers commented that I was “reaching that age when a women needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle” and I have lost count of the number of people who have said [with their head sympathetically tilted] “don’t worry I’m sure you will find someone”.

Do I need to be defined by the fact that I don’t have a man in my life?  I have dated and I like men but I have made the choice to find someone who adds something to my life other than dirty washing, a mouth to feed and size 10 shoes.  Looking at my friends and my family, I want that type of love that sees my mom after 45 years still refer to my father as her prince.  In short, I’m picky and single and happy!

So what about children?  Personally while I don’t mind children, I don’t necessarily want any so this is less of an issue for me and something that everyone needs to decide on their own.  What I do know is that those people who are truly happy in their relationships seem to see children as an expression of this love – something that I would imagine would be hard to do for the long term if you did not have this feeling to start with.

So next time you speak to one of your friends who is single, realise that they may be single for a wide variety of reasons.  We singletons don’t need your pity or your patronising comments – we need the same thing that we will give to you – love, support and a sense of humour as we all try to make sense of this grand comedy that is known as life.

Lxx

P.S. – Don’t forget to follow me @littleofwhathyou