Saturday, May 23, 2009

On the Town

My sister recently moved to The Domain in Austin, one of those mixed-usage urban areas that includes retail stores like Macy’s, Borders, and Starbucks, along with apartments. She has invited us to dinner several times, but we don’t get out much since I’ve been sick. We were finally able to make it last night, and I actually had a very nice time.

In a sort of crass, commercial way, The Domain is like living in a small town. Everything is within walking distance (including a new Whole Foods that will be finished in the next year or so).

Here’s the view from her apartment:

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And, of course, Betsey Johnson:

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And, in the other direction, the courtyard in front of Starbuck’s, complete with a fire-pit and jazz ensemble that we listened to as we ate the dinner she cooked for us (rosemary skewered-chicken and veggies with brown rice: yum!).

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Afterwards, we strolled down to Sur La Table (a kitchen store)

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for over-priced but irresistible flavored bamboo skewers and an olive oil mister, then further down to Viva Chocolato

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for very expensive but exquisite truffles:

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That little chocolate buttercream cake had our name on it, and it was perfect with coffee and cream.

On the stroll back we window-shopped for a painting to go over Leslie’s sofa

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snapped pictures of interesting things

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and just enjoyed the beautiful evening.

I couldn’t live at The Domain because I would weigh 300 lbs. and quickly go bankrupt, but it’s a lovely place to visit.

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