God Bless Texas

I love my home state for so many reasons: The small towns, the food, the music, not to mention my family! After leaving Miami my cousins and I arrived in Austin, the live music capital. We drove about 45 min southeast to Canyon Lake, Texas, where we spend the fourth of July with our entire family (the Ottis’, my Dad’s side) every year. It’s like Christmas for us. Our days are spent swimming in lake or tubing down the Guadalupe river. This year we went to a new venue right on the Guadalupe that features great Austin artists. I highly recommend Seth Walker (to the left) as well as The Band of Heathens. Seth Walker has a voice similar to Harry Connick Jr. with a little more rasp and soul. His music is southern and bluesy. The Band of Heathens are down right country, but of the best kind. They bring out all sorts of instruments and have great harmony. Check these guys out, and “Keep Austin Weird!” I was also able to see my cousin Daniel and his band (above, Daniel is on the right) play in San Antonio. They’re called The Rafiki Project and play a mix between reggae, ska, and rock. I might be a little biased but I think they have a really original sound. Check them out on Myspace.

Every year we drive into town (It’s the Texas hill country – just getting a grocery store out there was a big deal) for a nice dinner on my Grandmother’s birthday, July 2nd. New Braunfels is a quaint German town half-way between San Antonio and Austin. The Huisache Grill is our favorite for its eclectic atmosphere and delicious, inventive food.

(Left: We order wine by the bottle – We’re Italian. Middle: Fried Brie with Spinach and a Raspberry Chipotle Jam. Above: New Braunfels, TX.)

I got to spend the last week in San Antonio with my cousins from my Mom’s side of the family (the Ramirez’s). I thankfully had my fill of brisket – good ‘ole Texas barbeque, and lots of Mexican food. I got to eat at La Hacienda, the Barrios family’s newest restaurant in San Antonio. It was featured on the Food Network show Throw Down with Bobby Flay. The owner is the woman that taught me how to make the best Sangria at my aunt’s pool party a few years ago. Other than eating I was able to spend time with my grandma, do crosswords at Starbucks, and ride my cousin Monica’s scooter, My Buddy!

(Right: Monica and I with my Blu Blockers on My Buddy. Left: My cousins Daniel and David. They look so gay in this picture!)

I happily ended the week at an old favorite of mine, Piccolo’s Italian Restaurant. I got the mussels with a white wine butter and garlic sauce, but the eggplant Parmesan and the veal are also mention worthy.

If you ever get a chance to go to Texas, you have to let me know! Right now I even love the San Antonio airport for it’s free wi-fi – I’ve been to a lot of airports lately and this is the first to offer it.

All in all I’m thankful for a fun summer and quality time with my family.