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Clean Fun in Austin's East Side At the end of March, I enjoyed an early birthday outing, with some pretty fine folk.  My daughter Heidi gave me some restaurant options. I chose Launderette. This wouldn't be my first dining adventure in a restaurant housed, in an old laundromat! Las Vegas, New Mexico This is the first laundro-restaurant!  Very different food and atmosphere, at Charlie's Spic & Span! Posing With Signs The Launderette sign didn't have my granddaughter's name on it, but Charlie was happy to pose with me.
Actually she wasn't interested in the brown sign. She wanted to pose with the stop sign, that I now see has 1 changed letter. "STOP ALL WAR" Is this a trend in the Holly Neighborhood area? Or is this a one of a kind? Boxy Building Our posing made us few minutes late for our 7:00 reservations. But I just couldn't pass up the photo op before nightfall.  As we moved towards the flat roofed building I was excited to see if I could recognize any bits of the old washeteria, from pre-restaurant days. No Machines Once inside I could see they were not spotlighting the washing machine history. Although the concrete floors did have a sudsy green appearance.  The curved wood bar, with white wire chairs and mid-century lighting was pretty and clean as a whistle. Patio Seating We reserved an outdoor table, which was much quieter and pretty comfy.  We had a table under the roof, with chair or bench options. Pillows made things cozy on the wood bench. Laundromat History I was curious to ask our server if this building had truly once been a laundromat. Yep! Not just a gimmick. It was a neighborhood laundromat just before it became a restaurant, about a decade ago.  I told her I was actually glad to hear that. Then I wondered aloud if any of the guests or staff (on the property, right at that moment) had ever once washed clothes at a laundromat. She chuckled, but didn't give me her answer. I might have been the only person who could have answered yes. Fun Stuff The kids' menu came along with crayons and "Wikki Stix". The bendable wax sticks were a hit with Charlie... and Gramma.  The colorful sticks kept Charlie occupied, as I secretly cleaning a surprise that had appeared on her shoulder. There was a bird roosting above! One of the dangers of outside dining. Snacky Bits! I love a menu that has some options for "Snacky Bits". I love that playful term.  We didn't actually order any Snacky Bits, but Heidi and I chose a few vegetable sides that were unusual and fun for sharing. The Acorn Squash above, was very yummy. (sumac chèvre, cherry mustard, sunflower sukkah, smoked ricotta) I could have eaten a loaf of that crusty bread. An order of Frites with mazano sauce and garlic aioli, was Charlie's favorite veggie!  Shawarma Cauliflower! There was a lot going on with this veggie plate. I almost couldn't find the cauliflower.  But it was there! Along with pickled golden raisins, hummus, cabbage escabeche and arugula! Yum! Don ordered one of the 4 Specialties. The Texas Redfish with Trout Roe (fish eggs) was tasty, but the portion was small. I didn't steal a bite.  Don was okay with me stealing his broccolini. Charlie tried a bit, but it was too smoky for her purist tastebuds. Dessert! We ate lightly for 2 reasons.  1 - We'd eaten a very, very late lunch. 2- We wanted to sample some desserts! Two Out of Four We chose 2 of the 4 dessert options.  The Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich was a must. It arrived with a lit candle, but no song. The fam sang a very lovely (and soft) Happy Birthday. Then Charlie and I puffed out the candle together. I'm always happy to get a little help. Besides, we were celebrating in March. The month between February (when Charlie turned 4) and my April birthday.  The ice cream with sprinkles was heavenly, between doughy sugar cookies.  We also shared Chocolate Cremelux, with marshmallow fluff ice cream and "cocoa nib soil" ? I liked the little triangles of meringue. Lots of textures and temperatures on that plate. Restroom Adventure I often enjoy a restroom adventure when I'm at a new restaurant. It's always a chance to explore and do some people watching. Not in the bathroom.  Charlie was excited to check out the Women's Room with me. We got to see some different kinds of chairs and artwork, on our way coming and going.  Charlie absolutely adored the hummingbird wallpaper in the Women's Room. Her voice offered a fair amount of entertainment for the other Ladies waiting their turns, as she described the tropical colors and birds. Then she counted them. There were a lot. The restaurant was a little more hopping when we headed out around 9. I made a quick dash to check out the illuminated sign.  What a fun dining adventure on a lovely spring evening... with family!
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The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
April 2025
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