Elevation Burger (9828 Great Hills Trail)

Where's the beef? If you are looking for 100% USDA certified organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, then drive on over to Elevation Burger in the Arboretum.  A simplistic menu with a build your own style burger, whether it be an all beef or veggie burger. I opted for the all beef cheeseburger with lettuce, pickles, caramelized onions, and mustard with a side of french fries that are cooked in 100% olive oil (which is healthier for the heart than vegetable oil).

 As you can see, one order of french fries is enough to feed two.  Everything was delicious.  The one drawback about Elevation Burger is the Coke Dream Machine, which is one machine that provides up to 160 different drink combinations.  Tried a Cherry Coke and it was way to sweet.  You have to run the water option beforehand to wash out any residue from the previous drink dispensed.  The "Dream Machine" is more of a dream for kids who love to make the "suicide drinks".  Luckily, I personally would rather have a plain ol' iced tea, which they do offer.

Another cool fact about Elevation Burger besides the healthier food options, is that the building itself is good for the environment.  It's LEED certified by the United States Green Building Council.  Their philosophy is to be environmentally sustainable on as many levels as they can be from the food they serve, to the Energy Star appliances, to the bamboo floors, to donating their used olive oil to be converted to bio-diesel for auto fuel.


2 locations now in Austin: 9828 Great Hills Trail and 2525 W. Anderson Lane

Elevation Burger website
http://www.elevationburger.com/EB.php

TARKA Indian Kitchen in Round Rock

So my wife and I had to make a trip up to IKEA this past weekend and we were in the mood for some good ol' Mighty Fine burgers.  It was about 1pm and the line was to the door.  We were hungry and didn't want to wait, even though they are some good burgers.  As we drove into the shopping center with IKEA, I had notice on the directory sign an Indian Food restaurant.  Located on the southeast side of the shopping center across from Mighty Fine and about 3 stores down from OfficeMax on the corner, stood TARKA Indian Kitchen, (same format as Pei Wei).  The place was busy but not overly crowded.  I went with the Combo Kabob (lamb and chicken kabob with grilled bell peppers and zucchini) ($9.00)

and my wife got the Aloo Ghobi (Braised cauliflower & potatoes cooked with a fragrant blend of spices. A traditional north Indian favorite!)($7.50).  We also ordered some Naan and soft drinks which made the total cost of our lunch $23. 98.  They sell soda from India, like a Thums Up, which tastes a lot like a Dr. P but less sweet.  The food arrived at our table in no time at all.  The kabobs were nice and juicy and the grilled veggies were perfect.  It came with a yummy mint-tamarind-yogurt chutney to dip in.  I thought the everything tasted great and will definitely go back when I am in the area again.




http://www.tarkaindiankitchen.com/