Cheryl & Ross: Professional Restaurant Try-ers

To say we are "pro restaurant critics" or "Austin's food know-alls" might be going a little over the top. But Professional Restaurant Try-ers is definitely accurate.

Last Friday Ross took me to Bess, a cute bistro downtown that is owned by actress and Austin local, Sandra Bullock. For a Friday at 8, the wait wasn't too bad (about 35 minutes) and since its located next door to Little Woodrow's, a small bar chain we both like, we were able to relax next door with some well priced beverages. Anyway, we both really enjoyed Bess. My inner romantic was satisfied by the outdoor dining with white Christmas lights in the trees. My cosmopolitan was yummy and Ross-the-former-bartender was wow-ed by their super cool bar appliances. Yes, appliances. The avocado dip appetizer was delicious. We each enjoyed our meals too, mine of chicken and asparagus, his of... pot pie (maybe? I don't totally remember).

Then on Wednesday Ross craved some cheap Chinese take out and who doesn't love Chinese take out. Well the take out story is a depressing one but suffice it to say we shall never again be patrons of Panda Express.

This Friday we went to Artz Rib House on South Lamar. Once inside you would have never known that you were actually still in the city. I definitely felt like I was in no-wheres-ville Texas with the red plaid table cloths, live music and uber-casual staff. With the exception of being out of chicken, it was a great little BBQ joint. Ross loved his ribs and my cheddar cheeseburger was as solid as it gets (though I must admit, Tookies in Seabrook still makes a better burger). The potato salad and lemonade were my fav food wise. I hold that the atmosphere is what you really go to Artz for. We gave it a 7.5 out of 10 for food and 8 on atmosphere.

Now I know what you're thinking - come on Cheryl! Only three reviews!? Some Professional Restaurant Try-er you are!! Well hold your horses folks. Friday is date night and we'll be going someplace else new. I'll report back our findings.

How Very Nice to Meet You Kassidy

Yesterday Kassidy Evan Yates entered the world as one happy 7 pound 20 inch baby! Mama Haila called up to the office and shared the good news. Shannon gave me a call, since I'd already left, and I just kept driving straight to the hospital.

No pictures yet but as soon as I do, don't worry, I will share.

If I am this anxious to share pictures of Haila's baby, just imagine how I'll be with my own...one day. In the far future.

A Reminder From Your Friendly Local Cancer Fighter

If you live in Texas, you can now vote on Proposition 15, the $3 billion cancer research bill on the current ballot!

Want to do early voting? Cool beans! If you live in Travis County, visit www.traviscountytax.org to learn where you can indulge in some early voting glory.

I voted today; it was short and it made the volunteers smile. So go ahead, vote. It'll make you feel good inside.

Boo!

look at that hot couple
Originally uploaded by cheryl_lynn425.

Happy Halloween!!

Last night Nikki (girlfriend from high school who lives in Austin, actually just up the road from Ross) and her fiance had an outstanding Halloween party. I think she spent all day decorating. The house looked awesome!

Ross is working a ton, 6 days a week. So it was his one night to let his hair down. And let it down he did, as a Tom Selleck look-a-like. His costume was way better than mine but I loved being a witch. (Ross: not much of a costume is it? ha ha ha. Isn't he clever?)

And of course the first picture I get of the two of us is in Halloween costumes. And you thought you might get to see what he actually looks like. HA. I laugh at that my friend. I laugh.

Hook 'em Horns!

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Originally uploaded by cheryl_lynn425.

I went to my first UT game!!

Saturday was gorgeous, just gorgeous. 75 and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. Brittn couldn't make it to the game because she was having some QT with her sweetie so she all but gave me her ticket. (The football gods are shining on her very approvingly at the moment.) I went tailgating and to the game with Nirav, the older brother of my good friend Ankur (who I was in Sydney with). Nirav and I have hung out a few times, he's good people.

And God bless my camera phone because the batteries in my real camera were dead! I say for being taken on a phone, this photo ain't half bad.

Oh yes, and we won the game, 28-23. Take that Nebraska.

Monday Madness

Girl Scouts of Central Texas communications department is a crazy place on a Monday with the boss lady gone!

In my new temp role as quasi boss lady, I sat in on today's directors' meeting. The subject of the meeting was about what you would expect - updates from each department. What I found to be the most interesting was the dynamics. I was the youngest person by probably 10 years. Most of the directors are in their 40s or 50s. It was kinda heady to have a large portion on an agenda with an audience who have mostly been out of college as long as I've been alive.

Ross and I had an excellent phone call tonight. We usually have nice phone calls but today's was especially nice. He's a swell guy.

And, uh, how about them Red Sox?! World Series bound!