Rachael Ray's Blog, page 31

March 18, 2014

Take a Bite of Feedback: 4 Recipes to Try

Feedback is Rachael Ray and John Cusimano’s signature festival celebrating the two things they love most – music and food – in a city they love, Austin! 


Feedback is certainly all about amazing music. But, it wouldn’t be a signature Rachael Ray event without crazy-delicious food, too!


This year, Rach served up fabulous twists on classic BBQ favorites. Make them for yourself, turn up our playlist, and create your own, mini-Feedback at home!


Whiskey Chicken Drummers


These tangy chicken wings are fabulous, and true to their name: Rach measures out the marinade using a shot glass!


Chix Wings 1

Photo by Brian Lahiere.


Grilled Eggplant and Roasted Tomato Sliders with Spicy Tahini


You won’t be missing the meat with these vegetarian- and vegan-friendly sliders. A nice kick from the tahini and a meaty bite from the eggplant make them oh-so-satisfying.


RR Food 2

Photo by Brian Lahiere.


Park’s Finest™ Cracked Dijon Mustard Frankfurter with Kimchi Chow Chow


A perfect twist on a classic hot dog, this seasoned frank and updated chow chow combo is anything but boring.


RR Food 1

Photo by Brian Lahiere.


7-Hour Smoked Brisket Sliders


For serious meat-lovers only! These sliders require a smoker and a lot of patience, but they are definitely worth it.


Photo by Brian Lahiere

Photo by Brian Lahiere


Want more from Feedback? Check out our 14 favorite moments from this year’s festivities.


[Top image by Brian Lahiere]

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 18, 2014 10:55

March 17, 2014

Our Favorite Moments from Rachael Ray’s Feedback 2014

Feedback is Rachael Ray and John Cusimano’s signature festival celebrating the two things they love most – music and food – in a city they love, Austin! 


After three days of incredible music, we feel pretty confident saying that this year’s Feedback festival was the best yet. With 34 talented musical acts and thousands of attendees, there so was so much to see and do – and eat, of course!


Whether you watched the fun from afar or got to join Rachael in Austin, we thought we’d share some of the best parts of the festival:


At the Feedback day party at Stubb’s BBQ, Blondie treated us to classics, and even reminded us we had to fight for our right to paaarty!


Blondie 5

Blondie onstage at Rachael Ray’s Feedback. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


CeeLo got the crowd going!


Cee-Lo 5

CeeLo gets the crowd going at Rachael Ray’s Feedback. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


Foxboro Hot Tubs blew the roof off of Stubb’s. 


FBHT 1 SMaller


Rach was named an Honorary Citizen of Austin by Mayor Lee Leffingwell, and March 15, 2014 was declared Rachael Ray Day!


RR - Mayor 1

Rachael Ray and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


Yelawolf and Travis Barker tore up the stage.


Yelawolf and Travis Barker at Feedback. Photo by Brian Lahiere.

Yelawolf and Travis Barker at Feedback. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


We had the finest food!


Frankfurters by Park's Finest. Photo by Brian Lahiere.

Frankfurters by Park’s Finest. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


We couldn’t stop dancing.


Last internationale 1

The Last Internationale at Rachael Ray’s Feedback. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


We even watched a mural being artfully crafted.


BM 2 (wc)


Back at the Feedback House, doughnuts happened. So many gourmet doughnuts.


Gordo's 1

Gordough’s Donuts by Brian Lahiere.


Grieves dropped some beats.


Grieves 1

Grieves at Rachael Ray’s Feedback House. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


Ice cream wasn’t just vanilla (it was “biscuits and jam” or “moonshine” flavored!).


Guests 2

Guests enjoy Jeni’s Ice Creams. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


We sang our hearts out. 


In the Valley Below 1

In the Valley Below on-stage at Rachael Ray’s Feedback House. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


Non-stop selfies happened!


RR 4

Rachael Ray, Andrew Kaplan, and friends at the Feedback House. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


And, everyone was a photojournalist. Tag your pics with #RRFeedback so we can see your favorite moments, too!


FBHT 5A

Guests photograph Foxboro Hottubs at Rachael Ray’s Feedback. Photo by Brian Lahiere.


Keep Feedback going: Stay in touch with all the artists, and turn up your favorite songs!


[Top image via Brian Lahiere]

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 17, 2014 14:04

March 14, 2014

Our Last Winter Weekly Meal Planner – Hopefully!

Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of  ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier. 


Winter seems to be sticking around for just a bit longer. So, this week we’re featuring some warm and comforting soups and stews which are easy on the wallet – but packed full of flavor.


But, the first day of spring is almost here, and grilling days are ahead. Hang in there!


And if you ever need meal ideas, feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter!


Meatless Monday


mondaycropped


Lunch: Prep and refrigerate a batch of these Mediterranean Veggie Burgers with Provolone and Italian Ketchup over the weekend and cook for an easy weekday lunch.


Dinner: Set it and forget it with Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Use your favorite beans if you’d like. Kidney, black, and cannelini (or all three!) would be delicious.


Snack: Banana Muffins are a great after-school snack. Try them split and toasted with peanut butter.


Tuesday


tuesdaycropped


Lunch: Chicken and Pearled Barley (Orzo) Soup is a healthy meal in a bowl. Tip: be sure to add the cooked barley or orzo just prior to serving to keep it from getting soggy.


Dinner: It’s Taco Tuesday! The kids will love these Giant Chicken Taco Nachos.


Dessert: Everything is cuter when it’s mini. Mini Brownie Cupcakes are adorable and delicious.


Wednesday


wednesdacropped


Lunch: Our 10 Healthy Whole Grain Lunches will provide inspiration for your brown bag lunch for school or work. Ready-to-eat whole grain rice blends make them fast to prep, too.


Dinner: Pizzette-Style Chicken Paillard is genius – a pounded chicken breast takes the place of the pizza crust for a healthy and delicious dinner.


Snack: If you love Buffalo wings, you will be crazy about this spicy Buffalo Popcorn.


Thursday


thursdaycropped


Lunch: Does crispy bacon and cheese sauce on toasted bread sound good to you? Of course it does! BLT Toast Points with Welsh Rarebit sounds good to us.


Dinner Skillet Chicken with Hot and Sweet Peppers is an affordable meal (chicken thighs are always budget-friendly) with tons of flavor.


Dessert: Hello Dollies (Seven Layer Cookie Bars) are a throwback favorite. Try to eat just one – we dare you!


Friday


fridaycropped


Lunch: Chicken salad with an Asian twist, Cold Chicken Curry Salad with Toasted Almonds and Crystallized Ginger is a perfect at-home or packed lunch.


Dinner: Turn Friday night into Date Night and treat your sweetie to a home-cooked meal with this elegant and delicious Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine.


Dessert: Your favorite campfire treat in a brownie, S’more Brownies are quick and easy. Use your favorite boxed brownie mix for fast prep!


Entertaining Saturday


saturdaycropped


Brunch: Keep the St. Paddy’s Day celebration going with Drunken Irish Soda Bread French Toast. If you are eating with kiddos, just omit the rum, it will still be delish.


Dinner: Make Saturday night dinner relaxed this week and whip up a batch of tasty Fat Tuesday Chili. Serve with your favorite store-bought corn bread and chili fixings like shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream or yogurt, and hot sauce. Rachael recommends crushed cheese crackers for a surprise crunchy topper.


Cocktail: Enjoy this light and fruity Magrini with your guests.


Family Sunday


sundaycropped


Brunch: Chicken Bagel Sandwiches with Bacon-Walnut Cream Cheese is an anytime meal. Sliced turkey is a great substitute for chicken if you are in a pinch.


Dinner: Just like Grandma used to make! The whole family will love a big pot of Chicken and Dumplings (Version 2) for Sunday supper.


Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake comes together in a flash and is a one-bowl wonder.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 14, 2014 11:48

March 11, 2014

How to Eat Like You’re at Feedback

Feedback is Rachael Ray and John Cusimano’s signature festival celebrating the two things they love most: music and food! Be there March 15 at Stubb’s in Austin for an amazing event that’s free and open to the public! And if you can’t make it, don’t miss a beat on RachaelRay.comTwitter, and Facebook!


It’s really hard to decide what we’re more excited for at Feedback: the music or the food. Please, don’t make us choose!


Each year, Rachael develops new, signature recipes for the festival that pair classic Austin flavors with signature Rach twists.


Put on some awesome music, get cookin’ – and eat like you’re at Stubb’s! Here are some of our absolute favorites from years past:


Rachael Ray’s Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburgers With Chipotle Ketchup

TexMex


Sloppy Turkey Suiza Sliders

Turkey


Veg-Head Nachos With Green Chili Queso And Spicy Refried Beans

VegHead


Brisket on a Biscuit With Smoky Bbq Sauce and Sweet ‘N Spicy Pickles

Brisket2


Flank Steak Tost-achos

Steak


5-Chili Chili

Chili


Want more food from Feedback? Try:


Austin Mac N’ Cheese Suiza


Beer-and-Beef Chili Sliders On Bacon Biscuits With Tomatillo Ketchup


Cornbread-Topped Bourbon BBQ Chicken


Ancho Chicken Soft Tacos


[Top image courtesy of Brian Lahiere]

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 11, 2014 22:00

March 9, 2014

Food of Feedback: Try the Finest Frank

This story is presented by Park’s Finest™ by Ball Park Brand, sponsor of Rachael’s upcoming Feedback festival. Try their new line of frankfurters, available this spring in stores nationwide, and stay in touch via Twitter and Facebook!


There are hot dogs. And then there are “hot dogs.” You know, the kind that you bite into and automatically think “Yes!” They’re nostalgic. Delicious. Classic.


But we aren’t making one of those dogs today. We’re kicking it up a notch.


Each year at Feedback, Rachael crafts new recipes to delight and fortify thousands of attendees. This year, one of these recipes features a spiced and flavored frankfurter, plus a new spin on typical Southern chow chow, that will knock the buns off what you think a hot dog typically is.


Here are the secrets to making your own Park’s Finest™ Cracked Dijon Mustard Frankfurter with Kimchi Chow Chow, just like Rach will be serving:


The secret to the chow chow is punchy, fragrant ingredients like Sriracha and Chinese mustard. Prep and measure everything in advance (remember, this is one of the keys to always getting a new recipe right the first time!) since timing is important here.


Final 2

Photo: Patrick Decker


The chow chow is so beautiful and bright. We recommend letting it cool a bit so the flavors really develop.


Final 4

Photo: Patrick Decker


If you’ve got a grill handy, celebrate the fact that spring is almost upon us and get it out to cook up these franks. You’ll also get those beautiful grill marks to add that je ne sais quoi that gives you the perfect bite.


Final 5

Photo: Patrick Decker


We used fresh brioche buns for these dogs to take the quality even higher. Try the bakery at your grocery store for fancier buns that won’t break the bank!


Final 6

Photo: Patrick Decker


Hungry, yet? Here’s the recipe:


Park’s Finest™ Cracked Dijon Mustard Frankfurter with Kimchi Chow Chow


Serves 4


Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rice wine vinegar

1-2 tablespoons Sriracha hot sauce

1 tablespoon celery seed

1 tablespoon yellow mustard seed

1 tablespoon Chinese mustard (Dijon works fine, too)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 small head or half of a large Napa or green cabbage, thinly sliced

1/2 small to medium size red onion, very thinly sliced

2 large cloves garlic, very thinly sliced

1 cup fresh corn kernels

4 Park’s Finest™ Cracked Dijon Mustard Frankfurters

4 good, quality hot dog buns (try brioche buns like we used here)


Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-low heat.


2. Bring the vinegar, hot sauce, celery seed, mustard seed, Chinese mustard, water, sugar, and salt to a boil. Add the cabbage, onion, garlic and corn, and bring everything back to a boil. Then, turn off the heat.


3. Once the chow chow cools slightly, pour the mixture into a large bowl and let cool fully in the fridge while you cook the franks. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.


4. Place the frankfurters on the grill and cook according to package instructions (about 6 to 8 minutes, turning frequently).


5. When the frankfurters are ready, remove them from grill and place on buns. Top with kimchi chow chow and serve.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 09, 2014 22:02

March 7, 2014

10 Healthy (and Fast!) Whole Grain Lunches

Instant rice never has done much for me. It’s just boxes of partially cooked, then strangely dried, grains that – no matter how carefully you prepare them – always taste watery and mushy.


But it turns out that’s old-school instant rice. I welcome you to the wonder that is instant rice 2.0; the type that is packed in pouches and can be hot and ready from the microwave in about 90 seconds.


When I first encountered this variety a few years ago, I was apprehensive since I actually don’t mind cooking rice from scratch. As long as you allow enough time, the results are worth the extra effort.


But then I tried them. And I was impressed. With no extra water or cooking required, they’re heat-and-eat simple.


And then it got better, because there are many whole-grain and multi-grain options. There is, of course, basic brown rice. But there are also varieties like seven-grain brown rice blends, and brown rice and quinoa blends.


The point? It’s easy to have healthy whole grains. Fast.


Admittedly, I still don’t use these for dinner. Like any packaged item, you’re paying for the convenience. Regular rice is cheaper. But, I have found heat-and-eat rice an invaluable tool for packing healthy lunches.


The beauty of this stuff is that it needs no cooking. And that means that whipping up cold rice salads is as easy as tearing open a packet and tossing the rice with whatever inspires you (in my case, usually leftovers).


If you prefer to pack it hot, simply heat it up, them pop it in a thermos with whatever else you want to mix in. Done.


Photo: J.M. Hirsch

Photo: J.M. Hirsch


Need ideas? I’ve assembled quick, healthy and delicious ideas for cold and hot dishes:


Cold Rice Salads


- Chicken Caesar Salad: Toss a packet of heat-and-eat rice with chopped, leftover cooked chicken (or tear some off a rotisserie chicken) and frozen peas (they’ll thaw by lunch). Drizzle with Caesar dressing.


- Bacon and Eggs Salad: Think of this as a chilled version of egg fried rice. Toss a packet of rice with chopped scrambled eggs, and crumbled bacon (make extra at breakfast). Top with grated cheddar and a splash of hot sauce.


- The Greek (pictured above): Toss a packet of rice with sliced black olives, fresh dill, crumbled feta cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion. Drizzle with vinaigrette. For more oomph, add chicken.


- Going Nuts: Mix a packet of rice with chopped cashews, pistachios or peanuts (or a combination), dried cherries, finely chopped carrot, and celery, along with a splash of vinaigrette.


- The Falafel: Combine a packet of rice with a drained can of chickpeas, chopped garlic, chopped red onion, a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper.


Warm Rice Dishes


- The Burrito: Heat the rice according to package directions. Pop it in a thermos, then top with heated, canned refried beans and shredded cheese. Pack with salsa on the side.


- Fried Rice: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet. Add any vegetables you have (leftover steamed or roasted root veggies are particularly good). Once they are hot, add a packet of rice. When the rice is also hot, crack an egg into the center and stir like mad. Once the egg is cooked and evenly distributed, season with soy sauce and pack in a thermos.


- Soup’s On: Heat up leftover, homemade soup, and add a packet of rice. It’s a much more substantial meal than soup alone.


- The Cajun: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine a packet of rice, a sliced spicy chicken sausage, a handful of frozen corn kernels, a splash of olive oil and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Microwave until hot, then pack in a thermos.


- Kinda Chili Wannabe: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine a packet of rice, a healthy amount of jarred pasta sauce or canned diced tomatoes, and drained canned kidney beans. Heat, then season with hot sauce and salt. Top with cheese and pop in a thermos.


Looking for more lunchbox inspiration?


Lunch Time? Taco Time!

Harness the Power of Peanut (or Not!) Sauce

No More Bland-wiches: 6 Spreads You Gotta Try

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 07, 2014 12:59

How to Make Homemade Bubble Gum

We’ve been having a crazy winter here in New Jersey this year. Lots of icy cold weather with plenty of snow makes for pretty landscapes – but it also makes for stir crazy kids.


There are only so many outdoor winter actives one can do with the kiddos, especially when the temperature dips below the freezing mark. I try and have a few, fun indoor activities up my sleeve for the days I think I’ll lose my mind being stuck inside the house with two very energetic boys.


It saves my sanity to plan ahead, and it’s fun to try new things out.


Recently, we decided to make homemade bubble gum. My kids aren’t really into chewing gum so much yet, but I figured it would be a great opportunity to do something science and history related (check out my Gum History Facts at the bottom of the post!). When the end-result is something sweet, they are usually happy.


This activity does require adult supervision because the gum mixture gets very hot. Your best bet is to let the kiddos do everything but melt and mix the gum base (I labeled what steps are best done by adults below).


This activity is best for kids ages 8 and up, but there are definitely steps that the smaller ones can do. I tried this with my 5-year-old and he loved it.


All of the ingredients can be purchased in your grocery store with the exception of the powder flavoring and gum base pellets. Those items can easily be purchased online or at  many local craft or baking supply stores. You can also very inexpensively purchase gum making kits online, which come with all of the necessary ingredients in one neat little package.


Homemade Bubble Gum


Ingredients


1/2-1 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup base gum pellets

1 tablespoon powdered flavoring

2 tablespoons corn syrup


Kitchen Supplies


Small, microwavable container

Waxed paper

Wooden popsicle stick


Instructions


1. Place 1/2 cup of powdered sugar onto a piece of waxed paper.


gum10


2. Place 1/3 cup of gum pellets into a small, microwaveable container.


gum9


3. Add in corn syrup and powdered flavoring.


gum8


4. (Adults or teenagers) Microwave the mixture in 10 second intervals, stirring in-between, until it is fully melted.


gum6


5. (Adults or teenagers) Make a well in the center of the powdered sugar (like you do when you make homemade pasta), and pour the hot gum mixture into it.


gum5


6. (Adults or teenagers) Work the powdered sugar into the gum mixture by stirring the mixture with the wooden stick to avoid burning your hands. Keep working the powdered sugar into the mixture, using more if necessary until it will no longer absorb any more sugar. You can switch to needing with your hands as the mixture cools, and even have the kids do the final kneading.


gum4


7. Then, break the gum into small pieces and wrap it in rectangles of waxed paper, twisting the ends to seal and keep the gum fresh.


gum3


Your basic, finished piece of gum will look like this.


gum2


But, if you’d like to add some additional flair to your gum, cupcake wrappers make for fun and easy adornment.


Here’s how to do it:


1. Place the gum into the center of the wrapper.


gum6


2. Press the wrapper down to flatten.


gum5


3. Roll the wrapper around the gum.


gum4


4. Twist the ends until the gum is secured tightly.


gum3


Enjoy!


gum2


And Now, a Quick History of Gum


- In 1200 A.D., the Aztecs chewed chicle – the sap of the sapodilla tree


- In 1869, the first patent on chewing gum was filed


- In 1948, sugarless gum was invented


- Now, more than 3.74 trillion sticks of chewing gum are produced annually (Source)

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 07, 2014 12:58

Weekly Meal Planner: 21 Easy Ideas

Welcome to the Weekly Meal Planner! Whether you work all day and are out of steam when the dinner hour hits, or are fresh out of  ideas and in a cooking rut, we are here to make your life easier. 


Does anyone else have a busy week ahead? We definitely do (here’s why!), and we needed recipes to match the pace. This week, try a little bit of everything with easy pasta, chicken, and slow cooker recipes that are simple to prepare and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!


And if you ever need meal ideas, feel free to ask us in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter!


Meatless Monday


mondaycropped


Lunch: Mushroom, Ancho and Black Bean Chili is sure to satisfy. Make it as spicy as you like and have fun with the toppings! Crushed tortilla chips, scallions, and sour cream or Greek yogurt are all good choices.


Dinner: Gnocchi or Spinach Gnocchi with Pomodoro Sauce is fun to make and a budget-friendly meal to boot! Delicious with your favorite red, white or pesto sauce.


Dessert: An old-time favorite, Aunt Missy’s Lace Cookies are addictive.


Tuesday


tuesdaycropped


Lunch: Whip up a batch of this Homemade Hot Sausage and Lentil Soup to enjoy all week long.


Dinner: Crispy Skin Chicken Breasts with Escarole and Beans is a healthy dinner that works well with chicken thighs too. In a time crunch? Canned beans work just as well as dried.


Snack: Frozen french fries turn into something so much greater with this French Fry Waffle. If you haven’t had poutine before now (a cheesy sauce perfect for dipping), you’re welcome.


Wednesday


wednesdaycropped


Lunch: Make a favorite deli sammy at home with Rachel Patty Melts.


Dinner: Falafel Waffle – a savory (and easy!) waffle with salad fixings on top is a fun and easy weeknight meal.


Dessert: Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a healthier dessert or snack.


Thursday


thursdaycropped


Lunch: Enjoy all your favorite Buffalo wing flavors in a light dish with this Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad.


Dinner: A great make-ahead meal, Eight-Spice Squash and Chicken Thighs Stew with Lentil Rice is full of flavor.


Snack: Roasted Veggie Dip is a terrific accompaniment to pita chips, carrot sticks and cucumber slices. Use the leftover dip as a spread on your favorite sandwich, too.


Friday


fridaycropped


Lunch: Chicken Cordon “Blue” Panini is a perfect packed or at-home lunch. Rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze if you’re short on time.


Dinner: Kids will love Green Pasta with Ham and Eggs! Spinach fills in for traditional basil in the pesto sauce for a healthy but comforting pasta dish.


Snack: All of your favorite guilty pleasure flavors are in this addictive Pizza Popcorn.


Entertaining Saturday


saturdaycropped


Brunch: Apple, Cheddar and Mushroom Monte Cristos are a creative brunch – Greek yogurt or sour cream are acceptable stand-ins for the crème fraîche if needed.


Dinner: Braised Pork with Wide Pasta and Arugula has layers of flavor that will have your guests asking for seconds.


Cocktail: Surprise your guests with a creative cocktail when you serve John’s Blood Orange Margarita.


Family Sunday


sundaycropped


Brunch: Mighty Migas (Version 2) is a Tex Mex-inspired all-in-one meal that you can enjoy any time of the day.


Dinner: It’s slow-cooker Sunday! The family will love this no-fuss Bacon, Leek and Tomato Brisket.


Dessert: Classic Carrot Cake with Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect ending to a Sunday supper.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 07, 2014 12:58

March 6, 2014

Rachael’s 11 Must-Visit Austin Spots

Feedback is Rachael Ray and John Cusimano’s signature festival celebrating the two things they love most: music and food! Be there March 15 at Stubb’s in Austin for an amazing event that’s free and open to the public! And if you can’t make it, don’t miss a beat on RachaelRay.comTwitter, and Facebook!


Ahh, Austin. The ATX. Live Music Capitol of the World. The Heart of Texas. Bat City. A city everyone’s actively keeping “weird.”


No matter how you describe Austin, it’s arguably a major cultural hub, and one of Rachael’s favorite places to visit. When she’s in town, here’s where you might find her:


Shopping on South Congress


Photo via Flickr/criminalintent

Photo via Flickr/criminalintent


South Congress Avenue (SoCo, to the locals) is one of Austin’s best shopping districts. With restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, music venues, galleries, food trucks, and more, it’s perfect for a long stroll on a sunny day. Check it out on First Thursdays, when stores stay open late, a block party breaks out, and shops might have a few sales (and drinks!) to enjoy.


Relaxing at the hotel


SanJose

Photo: Flickr/mkwilliams


Rachael’s a particular fan of the Hotel San Jose and the Hotel Saint Cecilia (named in honor of the patron saint of music and poetry, how fitting!) both also in the South Congress district. Delicious eats and dog-friendly rooms make these hotels great for Rach on-the-go!


Grabbing a coffee at Jo’s


Photo: Flickr/davidburn

Photo: Flickr/davidburn


Known for their Iced Turbo’s and inviting patio, Jo’s is another great spot in the SoCo area that embodies a signature Austin spirit – combined with a good dose of caffeine.


Breakfasting at Maria’s Taco Xpress


Photo: Flickr/T. Tseng

Photo: Flickr/T. Tseng


If you want tacos in Austin, Maria’s is the place to grab them. Migas are a tasty, classic TexMex breakfast, and one of Rachael’s favorites to grab at this local spot. You might also meet Taco Queen Maria Corbalan herself, and get a little love, too. “I don’t shake hands, honey. I give hugs,” she told Southern Living Magazine.


Reading at great book


Book People is a top spot in Austin not only for Rachael to find a new read, but to meet and greet her fans. A favorite place for book signings, she often stops by when she’s on tour.


Checking out vinyl at Waterloo Records


Photo: Courtesy Waterloo Records

Photo: Courtesy Waterloo Records


Did we mention that Rachael and John love music? Waterloo is a favorite Austin music store, which often features a wide selection of Texas-based artists if you’re looking to expand your collection. Built by music lovers more than 30 years ago, you can listen to any record in Waterloo before you buy it.


Having dinner at Sway Thai or La Condesa


Whether it’s vibrant Asian flavors or spicy Mexican fare, authentic food is the name of the game when Rach is in Austin. Restaurants like Sway Thai or La Condesa always hit the spot.


Grabbing a late-night slice


HomeSlice


If you’re looking for a “pie” of the savory variety, Home Slice Pizza is the place to grab it. Varieties change daily, and the restaurant even provides you a step-by-step guide on how to fold your piece of pizza if you’re not sure what to do with their extra large slices. We’re getting hungry…


Catching a flick at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema


Alamo


With a film selection ranging from current blockbusters to classic cinema and foreign language films, there’s always something fantastic going on at these Austin theaters. One of the best parts? Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas feature beer and food served during each movie, along with custom pre-shows. That’s service!


Want more? Check out Rachael’s favorite places on Pinterest!


Follow Team Rachael’s board Rachael’s Favorite Spots in Austin on Pinterest.




[Top image via Flickr/jdn]

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 06, 2014 07:51

March 5, 2014

How to Follow Rachael Ray’s Feedback

Feedback is Rachael Ray and John Cusimano’s signature food and music festival! Be there March 15 at Stubb’s in Austin for an amazing event that’s free and open to the public! 


Even if you can’t be at Feedback this year, there are so many ways to enjoy it and be a part of the festivities. If you love music and food, well, you’re already a part of the crowd!


Staying connected has never been easier. Not only can you track #RRFeedback across your favorite social media platforms to see what everyone’s talking about before, during, and after, but you can also follow the awesome artists that will be gracing Feedback’s stages – and even get a first listen to what they’ll be playing.


We’ve compiled a list of all the musicians from the Feedback festival and the Feedback House to make it easier-than-ever. Also, check out Rachael Ray and John Cusimano‘s official accounts to watch the festivities through their eyes, and you can stay in touch with official coverage via Team Rachael on Twitter and Facebook, where we’ll be taking you everywhere from behind the scenes to into the crowd.


If you’re joining us in person, make sure to use #RRFeedback so we see (and can share!) your updates and photos!


Tweets from https://twitter.com/TeamRachael/artists-of-feedback


[Photo courtesy of Brian Lahiere]

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on March 05, 2014 08:41

Rachael Ray's Blog

Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but they do have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from their feed.
Follow Rachael Ray's blog with rss.