More Notes from the Road- Our Roving Vacationers now in Greece!

Here’s our latest travel bulletin from store owners Tony and Melissa: 

“Let’s start with this, the US is around 250 years old.  Yesterday we visited a site where the first Olympic games were held in 776 BC and reached their height of popularity in 576 BC (yes, that’s almost 2800 years ago).  Melissa and Joan are standin at the original Olympic starting line looking somewhat ready to run the 200 meter dash in the Greek Stadium.  Like today, the games were held every 4 years but differ in that there was only one winner and second place was not even recognized. 

After learning about all this great history, our stomachs starting calling out for Greek food. After finding a small eatery with a table inches from the Aegean Sea, we munched down on some authentic spinach pies, lamb gyros and knocked back a few local Greek beers (losing, from time to time, Melissa to the surrounding shops).

This morning, we woke up further south at the last of 5 Cyclades islands, Santorini (2nd pic – The red area you see close to the sea is iron).  I cannot show you the true beauty of this incredible island thru a picture.  I can say this, if there’s an island in all of the Greek kingdom to consider for a romantic week off, this is truly the island that you should consider. Celebrities like Brad and Angelina, Tom Hanks and others are homeowners on this land mass.  From the large cliffs with thousands of caves (yes I mean caves, most used to hide the wine from pirates) built throughout this island for over 5000 years to the black sand beaches, the island provides exclusive romance and sexy times with the one you love.  This island has great Greek wines (different from most vineyards, the grape vines run along the ground due to high winds), secluded hideaways and incredible views from getaways high above the sea.  As you wander through the narrow cobblestone lanes, you encounter whitewashed buildings, cafes and shops that provide you the highest quality in retail experience.  Overall, wow!!!

 We are off to Turkey tomorrow for more fun.”

I don’t know about you folks, but we’re a little jealous!  Hope your trip continues to be wonderful, Tony, Melissa and Joan!  We miss you!

June 16, 2011 | Categories: Uncategorized

Have a Holiday Toast on us! Eggnog for everyone!

Sometimes you just need a little dose of holiday cheer to get you through that last push of Christmas shopping.   Let us help- from now until we close on Friday, we’ve got FREE Eggnog on tap!   Top it with a sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg (and check out the great tool we have for that!) and you’ve got a holiday drink fit for a king. 

If you’re of age, don’t forget to ask for a little extra “cheer” in your cup!

While you’re in, check out our great assortment of gifts.  We’ve got ideas for every budget, whether you’re looking for a little teacher gift or a splurge for your sweetie!  

And here’s another special gift for you- when  you purchase a Cookware or Cutlery set, you’ll receive a FREE “Keep Austin Weird” Tervis Tumbler!  It features a tye-dyed peace sign on the front, with the slogan printed on the back in- what else?- orange.  You won’t find these anywhere, as we had them specially made for Faraday’s!  Just mention this special offer to recieve your tumbler.

Tervis tumblers will keep your hot beverages hot and your cold ones cold, and have a lifetime warranty.  If it ever leaks or cracks, send it to them for free replacement!  

Give it as a gift or fun stocking stuffer, or keep it for yourself… we won’t tell.

December 21, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized

Delicious Sunshine Salsa, another prize winner!

Birjis Adeni Rashed created this wonderful hot, sweet and spicy recipe for our salsa contest, winning the Specialty Salsa category.  As she defines it, Salsa is a medly of fresh ingredients making a refreshing and delicious fusion.  Try this with chips, of course, or over your favorite grilled fish!   Either way, you’ll love it!

(You can adjust the heat of this salsa by tweaking the amount and type of peppers you use.)

Sssunshine Salsa

1/2 pineapple

3 oranges

1/2 red bell pepper

1/2 green bell pepper

2 jalapenos

2 habaneros

3 Thai chili peppers

1 pickled jalapeno

1 scallion

1 tsp lemon juice

sugar, to taste

salt, to taste

Slice the skin of the pineapple and core it, then dice the freshly cut flesh of the pineapple.  Next, finely chop the oranges, after skinning  and deseeding them.  Put together in a bowl.  Add the sugar and salt and lemon juice for it to mix the flavors together.  To add heat to this salsa, now chop the bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, chili peppers, habaneros, pickled jalapeno, and scallion.  Mix together and set aside for a couple of hours for the sweet and heat to “salsa” together!

September 28, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized

Chunky Red Salsa Recipe- Red Category Winner!

Our Red Salsa Category winner, Robert Whiteside, made a delicious and flavorful salsa that had everyone coming back for more!  This is the second in our series of this year’s prize-winning salsa recipes.  Make it and enjoy… you’ll love it with chips, or get creative and use it in your favorite recipe!

 

 

Robert’s Chunky Red Salsa

8 large fresh tomatoes

3/4 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

1 Tb. sugar

1 can tomato sauce

1/2 cup white vinegar

2/3 to 3/4 cup water

1 Tb. salt, depending on taste

1 Tb. vegetable oil

1/4 cup jalapenos, diced small

3 drops tabasco sauce

Blanch tomatoes, removing skin and most of the seeds.  Add tomatoes to water and bring to a simmer; add cilantro, parsley and onions.  Stir while adding oil, white vinegar, cumin, jalapenos and tabasco sauce.  Add 1 can tomato sauce and salt to taste.  This will take about 30-45 minutes to cook and cool down.  Transfer to a container to store-  serve hot or cold.

September 26, 2010 | Categories: Uncategorized