Lick Honest Ice Creams

 A buddy and I were out on Burnet one night waiting to go meet-up with our crew for a few beers, when he says "I'm in the mood for ice cream". He did a quick search for places close by, expecting to find a Baskin Robbins or Dairy Queen. Instead, he found a place called "Licks".

 How could you not go to a place called Licks?

 I have found the sweeping changes in the Austin Market fascinating. Nothing is simple anymore. You cannot just open a burger-joint in Austin; instead it either needs to be "gourmet" or "retro". Pretentiousness has become a gimmick. It was a bit of a cultural jolt to find a specialty ice cream place sandwiched between two very classy restaurants and in a strip-shopping center including a couple of high-end furniture stores next door to one of the newly built apartment/shopping structures. Not long ago, this same area is where one would go to visit local comic-book stores, tattoo-studios, and head-shops. 

 Austin is changing.

 Licks is closer to a European ice cream shop than the traditional American shop, primarily in that the scoops are smaller than what you might expect. The distinction that Lick wants you to recognize is their use of all-natural ingredients and artisan ice creams. You don't just get vanilla, you get "Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans enhanced by the sweet, complex notes of local Good Flow Honey". You don't get chocolate, you get "buttery notes from SRSLY Chocolate and Texas Olive Ranch olive oil shine through this dark chocolate and sea salt flavor".

 That is what I got. Two scoops of that in a chocolate-waffle bowl. As weird as chocolate, olive-oil, and sea-salt ice cream might sound, it was very good. There was just a hint of salt in this very chocolaty ice cream. Service was friendly, even though it was a busy night. seating was limited, as was parking (half the 20+ spaces lot was closed off for the valet parking being offered by one of the restaurants). 

 The price was very reasonable. My two scoops of specialty ice cream with a chocolate waffle bowl was right around $4.00. 

 The crowd at this place on the night I visited matched the decor. Definitely the "in" crowd or those desperate to be seen that way. My friend and I stuck out like two sore thumbs. Lick Honest Ice Creams appears to be a favorite of the Hipster-Elite in Austin, but don't hold that against it.

 Next time I visit, I am trying the Goat Cheese, Thyme, and Honey ice cream.

Your Mom's Burger Bar, Home of the Stuffed Burger

 Unfortunately, Your Mom's Burger Bar has closed.  I hope Ryan and Gina give it another shot sometime soon.

-J

So, here's a little story.

 Last Saturday, my wife and I were on our way to take me to work.  We decided to get a little lunch on the way, and not feeling like eating at any of our usual spots I suggested we visit "Your Mom's Burger Bar" on Airport Blvd.  It was on the way and I had been wanting to check it out since it opened.  My wife suggested that the only reason I wanted to check it out was because of the "tattoo vibe".  The logo features a woman with a tattoo on her wrist and the building is painted black.  I pointed out that the name is clever as well. 

 When we pulled-up Saturday, it was about 11:15 in the morning.  At the door was a woman who I assumed was a waitress who turns out to be Gina Blackmore, one of the owners.  She informed us that the restaurant did not open until noon, but if we were willing to stick around until 11:50 she could get the chef to start out orders early.  Despite this kind offer, my wife and I both had places to be ( I work at a tattoo studio that opens at noon).  I took a menu and said we would come back.  Feeling bad, I even called the owner on my way to work and told him that my wife and I would be in for our "date night" Monday.  I just wanted to let him know he had not lost a customer.

 True to my word, we pulled up to the restaurant Monday night around 8pm.  It had been a slow Monday for Ryan Blackmore, the owner, and he had just closed the shop and was in the process of turning another diner away we he saw us.  He was excited to see us, and invited the other diner to come back in.  Inside, he told his step-son to fire up the grill and asked us all for our orders. 

 My wife was correct about my being attracted to the vibe.  The interior was decorated with kitchy signs and stencil art work.  Punk rock music played on the stereo.  We sat at the bar and chatted-up Ryan while he cooked.  Ryan is easily the most gracious host I have ever met at a restaurant.  He truly has a passion for making a great hamburger and making the experience a great one. 

Oh!-rings.  Had to pull an image from Your Mom's FB page.

 We ordered the Oh!-rings, Elvis Fried Pickles, the Willie Nelson Burger and the Robert DeNiro Burger.  I love onion-rings, and the Oh!-rings were hands-down the best I ever had.  The 1/2 pound stuffed burgers were incredible, and worth every penny at about $8.00 each.  We were lucky enough to catch Ryan experimenting with a new menu item, which he treated us to.  The Cupcake Shakes sound awesome, but if we are lucky he will add the Cheesecake Cupcake Shake to the menu.

 All-in-all, Your Mom's Burger Bar is a great dining experience.  Ryan and Gina Blackmore have added something special to eclectic mix of venues and eateries that are enhancing the section of Airport Blvd west of I-35.  Swing by and get a burger at Your Mom's... You will not be disappointed.

 Your Mom's Burger Bar

 5001 Airport Blvd

 Austin, TX, 78751

 512-454-MOMS (6667)