Off the Beaten Path: Eateries for the Adventurous

[Valerie_G]

Turf N' Surf Po' Boy, located at 4th and Congress Ave, is just one of the many unique food trailers that keeps Austin's food scene fresh (and a little weird).

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Let's face it: trying to find a place to eat during NIWeek that isn't swarmed with your colleagues is a daunting (and nearly impossible) task, even for someone from Austin. If you're looking for a fun, new place to try for lunch, check out some of these less traversed (but equally delicious) lunch spots. You may have to hike a few more blocks, but trust me: it's well worth it.

Max's Wine Dive. Distance: 3 blocks. The toughest thing about Max's is trying to resist the urge to buy a bottle of wine to accompany their tasty noshes. Their menu includes everything from hearty and healthy salads to a Kobe Burger, and a Blackened Halibut Po Boy I'm itching to try. Down home goodness in an upscale atmosphere? That's definitely Max's M.O.

Turf N' Surf Po Boy. Distance: 6 blocks. Warning: this is a trailer (no inside seating) and there will most likely be a line, but I would practically sell a kidney for their Blackened Shrimp Po'Boy. Grab a Po'Boy, tacos, or a salad (and a side of Jalapeno Hush Puppies!) and head back to the convention center to beat the heat.

Frank's. Distance: 7 blocks. This unique and delicious lunch option is great for omnivores and vegetarians alike. You can go all out and try the Notorious P.I.G. (House-made pork, bacon, jalapeno & sage sausage with mac & cheese and Texas BBQ sauce), or keep it light with a Cobb Salad. Vegetarian? Frank has vegan dogs that you can swap out for most items on their menu.  If you get a chili cheese dog, add the caramelized onions they offer. It makes the dog complete!

Stubb's Bar-B-Q. Distance: 9 blocks. I wouldn't be a Texan if I didn't suggest at least one BBQ joint, right? More than just a great venue for live music, Stubb's offers a delicious brisket that's consistently smoky and moist, and a whole plethora of sides to fill your plate. In fact, the sides are so good (Cinnamon-Pecan Sweet Potatoes? Yes, please!) that I could happily fill up on those.

Yellow Jacket Social Club. Distance: 12 blocks. This would be a hike if you're walking (try Capital Metro!), but YJSC is one of my favorite lunch spots when I'm downtown. Do yourself a favor: try the Roasted Beet, Chevre,and Arugula sandwich with a side of Roasted Sweet Potato wedges. Your taste buds will thank you! If beets aren't your cup of tea, try the Cuban Beef: it's nothing short of amazing.

Happy Munching!

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>> Visit ni.com/niweek/attend_info for more information about visiting Austin for NIWeek 2012!

[crelf]

...and don't forget to have some cold beers and hot mesquite BBQ with your friends from LAVA, OpenG, and the whole LabVIEW Community at the world-famous Scholz Garten for the LAVA/OpenG BBQ on the Tuesday night http://lavag.org/bbq.

Year after year we bring together all your best online (and real-life!) friends from LAVA (LabVIEW Advanced Virtual Architects), OpenG (home of LabVIEW's open source community), the NI Community and even the leaders in NI LabVIEW R&D. Come enjoy great Texas barbecue with great people away from the hustle & bustle of the convention floor.