TEAM CRUNKASAURUS DOES DATE NIGHT

One of the things we've learned about life so far is that it gets hectic...fast.  Before you know it, you're 7 months into your marriage and wedding thank you notes still aren't finished (hang in there, folks.  Your note is on its way!).  They're buried somewhere between work, domestic duties, and an attempt to pluck some 5 minutes out of thin air that can be dedicated to simply sitting with absolutely no agenda.  Ultimately, those 5 minutes end up dedicated to regrouping and contemplating what to do task will be tackled next. 

Throw into this mix my new job with Studio563 shooting weddings on the weekends (which brings a total of 4 jobs between the 2 of us), and we've officially hit relaxation deficit mode.  Our long ago dreams of training and successfully participating in a half marathon are so far out of reach at this point that the word "workout" has become synonymous with "pipedream," and we're basically just giving Golds Gym free money each month.  You're welcome, Golds.

And this is why it has become apparent that we have to slow down.  We both struggle to shut off that nagging voice in our heads saying that there's stuff to do, so we ignore our need for downtime.  So, we made a pact: Friday nights belong to us.  And if I'm shooting on Friday night, then Saturday nights it is!  QUEUE DATE NIGHT!!!!!

This week's episode comes to you from Burnet (dernit!).  Although I'm a southie at heart, Austin has managed to show me that north Austin has its own charm, fun, and weirdness.  Burnet Road is one such area, and I've come to absolutely love it.  At the recommendation of my friend, Natasja, we journeyed over to Phil's Ice House for burgers and beer.

Located just south of 2222 on Burnet and right next door to Amy's Ice Cream, Phil's Ice House is a great local buger joint that pretty much feels like the Amy's Ice Cream of burger stands.  The menu was out of control in that really good, "please-show-me-how-calorically-naughty-you-can-be" kind of way.  BBQ/bacon burgers, chili burgers, burgers with both fancy and not so fancy cheeses, avocado, and ONIONS, ONIONS, ONIONS!!!!!  Gimme, gimme, gimme. 

We both struggled with what to order, because frankly,  it all sounded SO GOOD.  Luckily for us, they offer a mini burger basket that allows you to order 3 different burgers.  This was especially helpful for me considering there were 3 burgers I couldn't decide between: The Rosedale, The Violet Crown, and The Crestview.  Why choose when you can have them ALL?!  AND, they come with a mix of regular AND sweet potato fries.  Wha-what?!  And with Live Oak beer on tap, who could say no?





A little Live Oak on tap, thank you very much.

  And, as is common in this town, we ran into some friends while sitting out on the patio.  Mary (Austin's co-worker from his days at TGLF) and her boyfriend, Arturo, were out for a stroll and stopped to say hi when when they saw us.

After such a tasty meal, we decided to walk of a few of those sweet potato fries and walk to H-E-B for some dessert.  In doing so, we passed by Pappy's, a new joint in the shopping center at 2222 and Burnet.  From outside, it seemed pretty rad.  And Lone Star pitchers for $7 seemed pretty enticing.  Maybe next date night?

Anyone have any suggestions for a good date night?