Trudy's Austin

I spent part of the weekend in Austin helping my daughter move in to pretty nice digs near campus.

University of Texas. Go Longhorns.

Apparently, that's something I've gotta do every time I mention UT. Go Longhorns.

This is a test: UT. Go Longhorns.

I guess I'm configured correctly.

Before I get to Trudy's I've got to describe my experience at Target or as we upscale people are fond of saying "Tar-zhay."

There I am at Tarzhay in the computer furniture section looking at the " 'puter Hutch" and wondering if I really want to spend ninety bucks on a collection of faux teak pressboard when The Little Guy comes up and stands next to me.

Together we admire the Hutch.

"She's a beaut," says TLG, "Yep, 100% made. Somewhere."

TLG rocked back on his heels and continued, "You know, I got one for Thelma Lou."

"No, I didn't know that," I replied taking a step to the right.

"Yep, you gotta know women. You gotta know women," TLG inhaled importantly and rocked a little faster.

"I guess," I answered weakly.

"No guessing about it," TLG pressed, "Women have a Sixth Sense about quality stuff. They aren't impressed by a bunch of flowers or diamonds or stuff like that! Why, anyone could cut some plants or dig up some rocks. No, sir-ee, you show up with a Gen-U-Ine 'puter Hutch and she'll be all over you. If you know what I mean. You know what I mean, don't cha?"

I nodded. Then as TLG appeared to clarify his last statement I nodded vigorously and exclaimed, "Yeah, dude, I'm with you. Hutch. Yeah, I see the light."

"So, what's it going to be, man," TLG held out his left hand for emphasis, "hutch?" He held out his right hand, "Or eternal loneliness?"

I paused. TLG swallowed hard. I squinted into his beady eyes, leaned forward and in a raspy whisper said, "Hutch."

Soon we were wheeling the cart to the check-out lane, through the check-out lane and into the back of the truck. As TLG headed back across the parking lot he paused, turned to look back at me and shouted, "Wise choice, Grasshopper!" and disappeared into the ever-opening doors of Tarzhay.

Moments later my daughter met me in the parking lot.

"Did you get my computer desk, Dad-0?" she inquired.

"Yep, it's in the truck and it's a good one. One Hundred Percent Made Somewhere. Top of the line."

"Well," she went on, "I'm glad. 'cause, like, you said you'd get a desk and if you hadn't I was going to be, like, all over you. Know what I mean? All over you. So, looks like your job is done. Time to take the Princess home. Let's go."

And off we went.

Much later, 'puter Hutch delivered, we went out for a meal and ended up at Trudy's which is a rambling house-turned-restaurant that serves great food and great drinks. Perhaps I should invert those.

I started with the Margarita Martini which is a margarita served martini style out of a shaker with olives and a wedge of lime. The menu states a patron limit of two. I agree with that! Three would definitely be harmful.

The food menu is varied and interesting. I chose Chicken Chapotle with spicy black beans. Princess picked beef fajitas. The enchilada menu distinguished itself by not being an enchilada menu. Design your own was the mode. Pick the ingredients, sauce, tortilla type (corn or flour), and toppings. Fun with enchiladas; I'll have to write more about that.

Although we arrived for a somewhat late dinner, 8:30 pm, as we were leaving the third or fourth sitting was just arriving. College students! Don't they own watches? I think Trudy's was just warming up for the night.

I'm looking forward to my next trip to Austin. I'll take in Trudy's for sure to explore the menu.