As a college student at the University of Texas I realize how impossible it is to find food in this city for less than $10. Living on a student budget often consists of debating whether it would be better to eat, or to pay for that scantron you need for your next test. However, you lucky reader, are about to get the scoop on where you and your friends can dine like true Austinites, but still have enough quarters to do your laundry!
Located across from Central Market, Banzai offers ridiculously fresh and authentic Japanese food in that cool and just-enough-hipster setting that you would imagine for a Japanese restaurant in Austin. Lunch and dinner specials are offered daily and I recommend the beef teriyaki combo, which includes miso soup, salad, a california roll, and an iced tea for $7.99.
This little Indian food restaurant is located right on the drag and if you haven’t noticed it before, you will now. Teri’s offers a huge menu that is super authentic in flavor. The Tandori Chicken is a favorite, but don’t be afraid to try something a little adventurous on their wonderfully expansive menu.
Photo courtesy of Teji’s
An absolute Austin favorite, Upper Crust is the the best place in town for the perfect slice of cake or cinnamon roll. Every single pastry at Upper Crust tastes like it has been blessed by the flavor gods, and conveniently this place is not too far from campus. A coffee and danish is perfect for a mid-day snack, but Upper Crust also offers a lunch special under $7.
Calling all hipsters and coffee lovers, La Tazza Fresca is your new home! La Tazza Fresca has everything you could possibly want and need from a coffee shop. Wifi, check. Pastries, check. Tomato soup (yes this is essential), check. Unlimited latte flavor options (including cheesecake and s’mores), check!
Right on the outskirts of campus lies this little bitty coffee/popsicle shop that absolutely excited me the first time I stumbled upon it. Mary’s Pop Shop specializes in driving your sweet tooth crazy, so come in ready for a warm cappuccino, a insane waffle, and a cute Pinterest-worthy popsicle!
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
