Favorite DEN

Located on 6th Street but nestled on the banks of Waller Creek, Easy Tiger is where the East Side and Downtown Austin lifestyles converge. WIth a great selection of international beers, full bar, cured meats and giant pretzels, Easy Tiger is a great place to hang out with friends without all the hustle and bustle. It also doubles as a bakery, so if you are an early riser, stop in for coffee and pastries. And for those who like to be active while drinking, there are two professional-grade ping pong tables along Waller Creek.  

For upcoming events and specials, check out their facebook page.

If you haven't already checked out Papi Tino's on East 6th, what are you waiting for? Although you know the address, 1306 East 6th, you may still miss it, as it's a tucked away old white house next door to Rio Rita's with no signage (none that I saw at least). If you happen to drive past, this spot is not to be missed.

Although a modest menu in terms of options, Papi's offers only high quality Mexican cuisine. Last night's special, 3 ribeye tacos for $15. They were stuffed full of meat, topped with a super fresh bright green side of avacado and served with salsa. I would highly recommend! The menu ranges from approximately $9-15 for meals, and sides are extra. If you're a fan of the good old fashioned chicken taco, for example, don't be afraid to ask.

Finally I made my way over to Elizabeth St. Boulangerie. Greeted on a Thursday night with a front row parking spot, I was a little suspicious that business may not be doing so well? Turns out, I was just lucky. Seated at a table right away at just before 7pm, moments later a line was forming at the door. By the time we left just before 8pm there was a 30-45 minute wait. Our TOM'S shoes wearing waitress (did you know the entire staff is required to wear TOM'S?), was very friendly and welcoming. Although Austin is quickly approaching what is sure to be a grueling summer, it was perfectly pleasant on the outdoor patio this night. We started with Ginger Marinated Grilled Tofu Spring Rolls and Wonton Soup, both fantastic and both with a spicy bite. The rolls

Sneaking away in the middle of the summer for just shy of a week is highly recommended and a deserved pat on the back. When it is as simple as the Riviera Maya, you’ll likely find yourself repeating trips. Many arguments can be made for vacationing on either coast of Mexico, but with cheap non-stop flights to Cancun from Austin-Bergstrom it makes for a simple decision, especially with thebeautifully updated airport completed in 2010 catering to the area.

The region’s own travel website will provide some insight into areas of interest and excursions to explore. However, with my return trips over the years I’m still only slowly checking off the multitudes of things to see and do within Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum. There are so many others

Swift's Attic at 3rd and Congress (above Elephant Room where Kyoto used to be) and its team graciously open their doors to one of our favorite sponsorship opportunities, Young Professional's for People's. YPP is a group of young professionals aimed at growing awareness and support for the important work People's Community Clinic is doing for our community. People's provides quality healthcare for the under or un-insured of our Austin popluation with respect and dignity. DEN has been a proud title sponsor of their quarterly happy hour events for almost a year now.

The atmosphere at Swift's was nothing but warm yet sophisticated, new and shiny yet familiar. Although during the soft opening, happening now (call for a reservation!), only half the menu was

When considering my favorite DEN, my Habidad Condos and Habidad Pool off Spyglass in Westlake seem a perfect illustration. After a much needed “make-over” in 2011, our Habidad pool represents a 17 year history of relief from the daily challenges and anxieties along with Austin’s summer heat. Many a hot afternoon, I have used this DEN as a source of reprieve from the heat and as a stimulator of ideas and dreams to accelerate my business career. 

I first toured this condominium complex in 1995. With the help of a brilliant engineering team and our chosen contractor, we tackled some needed updates and today, we are on sound ground.

After serving several years on the board and now serving as President of the Board, I am proud of what we have overcome and