Surprise! Austin Part 1

Last weekend LB and I went down to Austin to buy a truck. However, LB had no clue that Andy (his best friend) was going to meet up with us there and surprise him. The week leading up to the Saturday where we waited in line for the best BBQ I have ever had, contained emails like this back and forth between Andy and I:

On May 20, 2014, at 12:52 PM, Treana wrote:

Fun fact- I told LB I was putting together a total itinerary with food options every 3 hours and he says send it to Andy. I ask, "Why?" He says, "To make him jealous." So I am not sending that email to you to add to our believability. :)

From: Andy Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:29 PM To: Treana Subject: Re: Yo

Just got clearance to have Saturday off! Initiate "shock Larry's balls off" Sent from my iPhone

On May 20, 2014, at 3:35 PM, "Treana" wrote:

Lock and load! :) I am so pumped. I was just telling kim at work (the only person I am telling) that it’s a good thing you didn’t surprise me, because I probably would have cried when I saw you. Larry won’t cry, but he’ll be super pumped—and then try and pretend like he knew you were coming the whole time.

From: Andy  Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2014 9:41 AM To:Treana Subject: Re: Yo

I have landed in Houston. I repeat I have landed in Houston. I will now proceed to Torchys Tacos. Sent from my iPhone

Well, I was wrong about the not crying thing--LB definitely let a few tears flow and the three of us had the BEST 24 hours in Austin. We are all in love with that city now... and the BBQ... nom nom. I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story, but just look at LB's face as he realizes that Andy is there.

These last two shots I took while we were in line and I just really love them, so they're getting thrown in here.

LB was incredibly grateful that Andy and I surprised him successfully and repeated over and over that it was one for the history books. Andy and I will be dining out on this one for years to come. :)

Everyday Denver Eats

I have posted quite a bit about my plan to eat at the top 25 restaurants in Denver before/while I am thirty. This got me thinking about what my go-to's are: my more normal, everyday, eating out sorts of places. Granted, with FPU I am trying not to eat out as much, but this is a list of my lower-priced food loves:

• Mod Market: pizzas with vegan cheese, pizzas with regular cheese straight out of the wood-fired oven, salads, sandwhiches and a green chicken chili that will blow you away. I used to eat here at LEAST once a week.
• Kaos Pizza: again delish pizza and a GREAT happy hour
• Paxti's: thin or chicago, vegan cheese- great pizza... a little pricey, but great service
• Backcountry Deli: LODO-- some of the best sandwiches ever
• Masterpiece Deli: I never stray from a good turkey sandwich but this place has got me DYING to go back for another Cuban!
• Tokyo Joe's: I always get the large chicken bowl with peanut and teriyaki sauce-- a little spicy with the sweet!
• Ming's Dynasty: some of my favorite Chinese food in the city-- sesame chicken and lo mein.... yummmmmmm
• Pho 95 or 96: I like pho 95's appetizers/spring rolls better, but 96's broth is great!
• Mici: for $10 you can't beat their bolognese!
• Park Burger: just a fantastic burger- I always go mini park burger, extra sauce on bun, sauce on side for dipping them sweet potato fries!
• Jing (for lunch): for a dinner spot this place crosses over into fancy, but their Kobe beef burger IS. AMAZING.
• Sushi Train: yes, there is a large train on the roof. Yes, there really is a train that will bring you your sushi at the sushi bar, and yes, their lunch all you can eat sushi IS $14.95! Dinner is $25, which is still amazing.
• Stella's Coffee: great place on old south pearl
• Devil's Food: AWESOME BRUNCH SPOT! Old south gaylord... get the french toast... just do it.
• Las Caras Mexican Grill: our new favorite mexican place: 3333 South Tamarac Drive