Even as Richard Garriott circled the earth, I bet he looked down longing for home … Austin, a city as unique as the man himself. Those of us fortunate enough to call Austin home cannot always verbalize what makes this city the place we love or describe its optimistic and innovative character. To borrow an overused phrase from the recent campaign – Austin is simply a city of “mavericks” in the truest sense of the word and we like it that way. Austin is also a city steeped in history and tradition, from the State Capitol to the halls of academia at UT. Most outsiders know it as the Live Music Capital of the World. So how to find a gift that conveys a sense of Austin? Here are some suggestions … most under $100.
Holiday Spirits
1. Tito’s Handmade Vodka. No one ever believes that one of the best vodkas in the world (winner of the prestigious Double Gold Award in the World Spirits Competition) is brewed right here in Austin at the first legal distillery in Texas. I have made a believer of snobby Vodka drinkers nationwide who have kissed their Stoli, Chopin and Grey Goose goodbye in favor of this Texas tingler. Tito himself is an Austin original with a great website and story. Include the following holiday drink recipe for sure-fire compliments:
Tito’s Cinnamon Apple Martini
1 1/2 oz. Tito’s Vodka
1 oz. Apple Schnapps
1 oz. Fresh Sour
1 oz. Apple Juice
Cinnamon sugar rim glass.
Garnish with an apple slice.
750 liter bottles sell for around $18 … you can find good deals at Specs and Twin Liquors.
2. Paula’s Texas Orange Premium Liqueur and Paula’s Texas Lemon Premium Liqueur. Native Texan, Austin resident and UT grad, Paula Angerstein (recently profiled by Susan Cashin in the July issue of austinwoman) ventures out to explore Italy, falls in love with limoncello, knows this tasty treat would be a hit with fun-loving Austinites, returns to Austin, receives the second distiller’s license (first for a woman) in Texas and voilá … Texacello is born. Paula’s tasty drinks have been receiving kudos ever since. Ranch 616’s entry, “Ring of Fire,” took the top prize as the Official Drink of Austin at a competition sponsored by Tito’s Vodka in August. The drink, composed of equal parts Paula’s Texas Orange, Tito’s and lime juice is served in a hollowed-out jalapeno rimmed with spicy salt with a Lone Star beer chaser. My favorite addition to Paula’s line … Texas Orange Premium Liqueur Liquid Center Chocolates … muy delicioso, y’all. Include her Celebration Sparkler recipe and you’ve got a party.
Celebration Sparkler
1 oz. Paula’s Texas Orange Liqueur
1 oz. cranberry juice
Champagne or Prosecco
Mix Paula’s Texas Orange and cranberry juice in a tall champagne flute. Top off with champagne. For best results, make sure all ingredients are well-chilled.
Food, Glorious Food
3. Stubbs. Speak the name and your mouth starts to water for that great Texas Bar-B-Q. An Austin original, Christopher B. Stubblefield, (“Stubb”) began selling his bar-b-q out of Antone’s in 1985 and opened his legendary blues, beer, and bar-b-q restaurant in 1986 on Red River where it remains today. Stubb’s fame soon spread, highlighted in 1992 when he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman where he demonstrated the art of barbecuing and feeding a large audience. Letterman asked Stubb what was in his sauce and he replied, ‘Love and Happiness.’ Although Stubb has gone to his great reward, the restaurant continues to thrive and you, too, can give the gift of his legendary Love and Happiness recipe. Gift packages start at $14.99. Sauces, marinades, rubs and smoked meats (beef, pork, and turkey) are available for delivery nationwide.
Call 1-800-BAR-B-CUE or go online to www.stubbsbbq.com.
4. Hudson’s on the Bend. Another restaurant whose name is synonymous with Austin. The brainchild of Chef Jeff Blank is famous for its game dishes including venison, wild boar, pheasant and quail. Blank is known not only for his original recipes but also for his culinary style – Cooking Fearlessly. Gourmet b-b-q and dessert sauces, cookbooks and a stovetop smoker can be ordered online. For a real treat, give a gift certificate for a cooking class with Blank at his home. Hudson’s on the Bend Cooking Classes meet once a month, and are held at Chef Blank’s unique Hill Country home overlooking beautiful Lake Travis. Hudson’s will mail a gift certificate to the recipient and they can schedule the class at their convenience. The class includes recipes, instruction and a four-course meal with wine … a bargain at $135.
www.hudsonsonthebend.com
Music
5. Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World so what could be more Austin than a CD? Several Austin artists released outstanding CDs this year (see our September 2008 Tunes for All Tastes). A tried and tested true music collection is the annual KGSR Volume 16, a double-disc set featuring James McMurtry, Shelby Lynne, Lyle Lovett, Aimee Mann and R.E.M. Best of all, proceeds from the sale of the CD are donated to SIMS (Services Invested in Musicians Support). Available at local retailers, but they usually sell out, so snap-up a copy to avoid disappointment.
6. Velvet Sky. Autumn. The former sidekick on the JB and Sandy radio show has broken out with her second CD and scored a hit. Austin is full of singer/songwriters and it is always a treat to introduce distant friends to their unique sounds. Technically listed as Americana, this CD features seven original ballads, Autumn’s expressive voice and Austin contemplative attitude … a good example of the best of original music spawned, nurtured and produced in Austin. Easy on the ears … thoughtful and spiritual. Buy one for yourself and one to give away. “Here’s to the trains I’ve missed.”
Museum and Historical Gifts
7. Texas Capitol Gift Shop. Each year the State Preservation Board produces an ornament unique to the State Capitol, available for the reasonable price of $18. Number 13 in the series, the remarkably intricate 2008 Capitol Ornament replicates the central rotunda’s impressive terrazzo floor design. In celebration of the 1936 Texas Centennial, terrazzo flooring was installed throughout the first level of the Capitol. Positioned at the center of the immense rotunda floor is the Great Seal of the Republic of Texas, surrounded by the six seals of the sovereign nations that have governed all or part of Texas. The floor is breathtaking when viewed from the fourth floor rotunda gallery. Books, clothing, novelties, jewelry and the entire series of ornaments can be purchased at the Capitol or online at www.texascapitolgiftshop.com Shop at the Capitol on December 4th through 6th and receive a 20% discount on all items.
8. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, MLK at Congress. Sip hot cider and shop the holiday trunk show at the new Blanton Gift Shop in the recently opened Edgar A. Smith BuildingDecember 8th and 9th. This year’s show will feature one of a kind jewelry made by local artists. Designs by Ingrid, Con Brio Accessories, and Sikara.
www.blantonmuseum.org.
Keep Austin Weird
9. One word for those in the know – Leslie! The most famous transvestite street person in Austin usually roams Congress Avenue wearing a leopard thong and high heels … Is there any other city where such a character could finish second with 7.75% of the vote in a mayoral election? In 2006, Jimmy Haddox, co-owner of Wet Hair Salon, created the Leslie Dress-Up Magnet, which contains an 8-inch likeness of Leslie Cochran along with several interchangeable magnetic outfits. Several Austin businesses including Book People sell the magnets, and Cochran himself receives 15% of the sales. Haddox followed with a Leslie Holiday Magnet (complete with a Mrs. Claus and Elf outfit). Leslie is definitely an Austin original and the dress-up magnet set will surely put a smile on the face of anyone homesick for the weirdness we love in Austin. Also a great Secret Santa gift for unsuspecting co-workers. ($17.95)
Philanthropy
10. When Austin ranked 48th out of the 50 largest cities in the nation in per capita giving, a campaign for philanthropy was launched. I Live Here I Give Here is on a mission to boost local giving by educating fellow Austinites about the needs in Central Texas and the organizations working to meet those needs. Go to the website, find your area of interest: nonprofits, animal welfare, arts and culture to education, the environment, and victim services are all listed. Research these organizations, then match the interests and priorities of your gift recipient and make a gift to an Austin organization in their name. A gift for the person who has everything for the benefit of the city we love.
www.ilivehereigivehere.org.