Archives for 2010

Photos From Downtown Austin Bike Tour

Jude Galligan | June 9, 2010 |

DAB contributors — Post ride on 2nd Street with DAB’s cycle crew: AG, Fred Schmidt, Greg Anderson, Jude Galligan

jude on bike — Elliott of A2W (and ride organizer) fitted me on this handmade city bike by WorkCycles. Step through cruisers like this are perfect for city riding.

This past Saturday morning about 30 people met at Royal Blue Grocery for a casual ride of downtown Austin. We were able to showcase a a selection of residential condos that would give attendees a broad picture of what types of properties exist – Milago in the Rainey Street District sits on the hike and bike trail, Brazos Lofts is the best example of a genuine loft space, 904 West highlights the tree-canopy rich northwest district of downtown Austin.

Despite the incredible humidity, everyone had a great time, and the pace was just right. Nobody got left behind, nor got too far ahead. Thanks to the Elliot and his crew at Austin On Two Wheels for organizing the ride. Thanks to Bryan Cady, Roland Galang, Anna Anami, and Noa Levy for providing the real estate to preview. Thanks to Greg Anderson for being on photo duty. Last, but not least, thanks to the local sponsors of the ride…

Royal Blue Grocery
Austin Java
Froots
Austin Car Share

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FREE Electric Car Charging Stations Available!

Fred Schmidt | June 2, 2010 |

EVERY Downtown Austin condo tower and parking garage should apply to get one of these. FREE while supplies last!

From the June 2nd Statesman story: “Electric vehicles aren’t yet common on Austin roads. But recharging stations could start showing up on local streets and in home garages later this year. A Silicon Valley-based company has received a $15 million federal stimulus grant to provide, for free, nearly 5,000 charging stations in Austin and eight other areas across the country. Businesses and homeowners alike can apply to receive one of the stations. Austin is one of nine regions serving as a kind of pilot for the charging stations.” READ MORE HERE

Two Units At Milago, Two Buyers Will Go Home Happy

Jude Galligan | June 2, 2010 |

An owner at Milago is trying to fire-sale two 2bd/2ba units. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants in on the burgeoning Rainey Street and Waterfront District.

Unit 423 – northwest corner unit with a great floor plan – was just this afternoon reduced by $40,000 to $305,000! The other, unit #604, has a lake view and was also reduced by the same amount.

Interesting fact, #423 last sold for $382,500.

Jump on this, I’m predicting both will be pending by the weekend. If interested, contact me.

-Jude

Reminder: Couple Important “Future of Downtown” Presentations – This Evening & Tomorrow Morning

Fred Schmidt | June 2, 2010 |

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN TOWN HALL — Waterfront and Core District. A final draft plan review and presentation by city officials before heading to City Council.

Will include: District issues and priorities. Location, type, and mix of uses within the district, including priority uses. Development sites and projection of potential growth and capacity. Development standards (e.g., allowable and conditional uses, density, impervious cover, etc.). Form-based standards (related to building typologies, height, massing, setbacks, compatibility standards, ground level uses, parking and service treatments, etc.). Recommended density. Historic and Cultural Resources. Parks and open space improvements. Transportation and streetscape improvements. Infrastructure improvements. Implementation Program. This is the whole “big picture” look for Downtown.

Wed, June 2nd, 5:30-8:00pm. Waller Creek Center, 625 E.10th St, Room 104 (light refreshments served).

DAA ISSUES & EGGS FORUM — The Capitol Complex Redevelopment Plan. A conceptual overview and presentation by state officials.

The Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) has announced that it plans to re-imagine the future of state government’s presence in the heart of Austin. This new plan could triple the amount of space at the Capitol complex, add 7 million square feet of space to downtown, and include joint development with private interests where parking lots or garages currently exist.

Thur, June 3rd, 7:30-9:00am. St. David’s Episcopal Church, Sumners Hall, 301 E.8th St (tacos, juice and coffee if you get there early).

You are the Sushi Chef (Sort Of) at How Do You Roll Maki Sushi Bar in Downtown Austin – **MENU

AG | June 1, 2010 |

**No Substitutions**

This is a pretty commonplace statement on most sushi menus. It’s a phrase that is representative of a little bit of rigidity, and, in my opinion, perhaps a statement even laced with a little vanity from the Itamae.

Well, How Do You Roll Make Sushi Bar on 2nd and San Jacinto in Downtown Austin made **me** feel like the the sushi chef. My sense, from their concept and their overall vibe was that they are focused on taking the pretension out of the sushi without sacrificing the taste. Sushi – the Austin way.

So, my first visit was a little “Grand Opening” shindig they threw on Monday (Memorial Day). I walked in, and was promptly greeted by:

100_0225 — You had me at sake bomb, How Do You Roll....

sake bombs! Yay! My experience was off to a great start. While I was, ahem, **sipping** on my sake bomb(s), I got a little insight into the way things work at How Do You Roll.

The ordering system is set up semi-cafeteria style, where patrons stand in line in front of a “deli-style” selection of sushi goodies:

You then customize your maki roll, letting the preparer know what veggies (they also had some fruits – super cool!) and meats (for those who don’t do raw fish – they also have a selection of cooked chicken/beef meats that you can put in your roll) and sauces/spices YOU want in your roll. Completely customizable.

Then, right before your eyes, your special roll is prepared and cut and presented to you:

And THEN, in a matter of mere minutes, you are ready to eat fresh, delicious sushi. Yum!

I liked it, folks. I especially liked the price-point. My 10 peice maki would have only been $6.45 plus tax. Not too shabby.

And the vibe of the joint is fun. They aren’t QUITE done with the decor, but it’s shaping up nicely. Some pics:

How Do Your Roll — Lots of Windows and Natural Light

I would definitely recommend this place for lunch. Good price point, quick & easy, and delicious sushi. Also good for casual dates! Go support a local business that is trying to do something a little fun and a little different!

The Menu (double click once to get to the image screen, double click image again in that screen to make larger):

Downtown Austin Location: 454 W Second Street (San Antonio is cross street)
Website: www.howdoyouroll.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HDYRsushi

Just a word of advice, though. Don’t mistake the wasabi for guacamole:

Check it Out w/ Steve Brule: Brule on Sushi – watch more funny videos