ATTEND | DEEP ELLUM POP-UP AT THE HELM STORE
We love the guys at Deep Ellum Denim in Dallas.Two creative dudes that know their denim, their craft and their customers so dang well, we thought “Why the heck don’t we have them come do a pop-up shop in the HELM Store here in Austin?” So that’s just where they’ll be, with denim in tow and the passion that makes the magic. Join us for complimentary bar drinks from Susto, hang out with Bennie and Jeff (the denim guys themselves), and try on a fresh pair of denim. Who knows, you may even be walking out with a new pair on!
FOLLOW | EL ARROYO ON INSTAGRAM
El Arroyo is a sweet, old-school Mexican restaurant and bar in Austin but that’s been around for over 25 years, but that’s not exactly what this feature is about. It’s about their sign. It’s famous, it changes often, and it’s freaking hilarious (but also thoughtful when it needs to be.) We don’t know who comes up with all of them, but they’re pretty darn clever, and you can even get books, postcards and more that portray their sheer ingenuity. As this sentence is being written there are currently 1,236 photos on their IG, so you’ll have plenty of time to read through, laugh, possibly tear up a little, and maybe even say, “Hmmm.” Whether it was by accident or was planned all along, when it comes to Marketing 101 we rate this one as GE-NI-US. A couple of our recent favorites? “Just told my kids I’m older than Google. They think I’m joking.” Or “Life is like a game of chess. I don’t know how to play chess.” We love it. Now go find your favorite!
TRY | TRADE APOTHECARY HOPS AND GOATS MILK SOAP
Try this soap. The guys and gals on our team agree that it’s the best bar soap we’ve tried in many, many moons. The bars are made of all-natural wholesome ingredients, leaving your skin lightly exfoliated and perfectly hydrated. The fragrances are divine and the texture and lather are beyond compare. Everything we’ve sampled thus far smells outstanding, but our current favs are Double IPA and the Pepper Stout. Ok, here’s where the story gets really cool. Their natural Hops & Goats Milk Soap is made with repurposed hops that are from their neighbors at Vanessa House Beer Co. in OKC. (after they have completed the brewing process) mixed with Goats Milk from a farm also there in Oklahoma. We’ll save it for another post but for now make note that their Hops and Goats Milk Lotion is also epic. Go clean yourself up!
REVIEW | PITCHFORK LINER NOTES
We stumbled across these “Liner Notes” and although they’re apparently nothing new, we had never watched them and think they’re quite enjoyable and very informative. For example, you’re prompted to “Explore (insert artist/album name here) in 5 minutes” then press play and get ready to revel in quick facts and gain knowledge of details you might not have known about in some of your favorite artists and albums. A couple of our choice picks are Songs of Leonard Cohen and The CLASH London Calling. But honestly, they’re all pretty dang cool.
NOSH | CENTRAL PROVISIONS | PORTLAND, ME
We were in Maine last week visiting our factory and had the wonderful experience of getting to have a few plates and drinks at Central Provisions. Before we jump into the dining, the history of the location is fascinating. The name Central Provisions pays homage to the original name of Dana Street and the first use of the building. A dude who worked for the East India Trading Company constructed a building to be used as a storehouse for provisions. This federal style brick building was erected on the corner of Fore and Central Street (now Dana Street) directly on the Wharf. The East India Trading Company’s ships would sail directly up to the building and unload their goods, ranging from silk to indigo dye to salt to tea and even opium. Opium? Woah! The story goes on so be sure and check it out and see the photo of the old building. For now, on to the rest. With a menu that changes daily, you can always expect something new. Our choices were the Marcona Almonds (with Maine sea salt!) the Tuna Crudo, the Fried Cauliflower, and of course the Daily Main Oyster Selection - you can never go wrong there. Libations? The Equinox was prime - props on those sea smoke bitters - (blanco tequila, amaro dell etna, dry vermouth, suze, sea smoke bitters, lemon) and the Bloody Mary was, no lie, the best we’ve ever had. Yup, ever.
READ | WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING BY DELIA OWENS
The important aspect that sets this book apart is that the author is a naturalist and incorporates and focuses on nature in such a beautiful way. It’s actually dubbed, “Painfully beautiful” by the New York Times Book Review, and we can’t recommend it enough. Based in the small, quiet town of Berkley Cove on the coast of North Carolina in the late1960’s, there have always been rumors of the “Marsh Girl.” She has been known to haunt the town and when a man of the community is found dead, the residents naturally suspect her. The story follows Kya Clark, the Marsh Girl, through her blame, while learning to trust human connections, as heartbreaking as they can be. Written in gripping prose, you’re taken on a lush journey revealing mysteries, unknown truths and the desperation of isolation and death. It’s a heart wrenching journey from a female perspective, combining a new view of nature with a compelling love story. We can’t remember having read a story so entrancingly written. You won’t forget it.