Writer's Block Awareness Week

When I started this blog I vowed to never begin any post with the phrase, "I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while..." So, I won't say that. Besides, nine days isn't really that long, right? Hello? Where did everybody go?

Rather than make excuses, I've decided to dedicate this past week to Writer's Block awareness. Coincidentally, one of the best cures for writer's block is perusing the Official Calendar of Awareness Days. Okay, it doesn't really cure the block, but it adds another diversion to my online adventures, while giving me a full week of content to lure you back into my Google Analytics lair.

I have compiled an Austin dining guide to help you observe these important days of national awareness:

February 20 - Clam Chowder Day!
Austin is pretty far away from New England, Boston and Manhattan making it a challenge to find clam chowder. There are a few options, though.

• San Francisco Bakery & Cafe - 2900 W. Anderson Lane  Voted Austin's best New England chowder. 
• Manny Hattans - Gateway Shopping Center Serves clam chowder on Fridays and Sundays which is kind of a problem since Feb. 20 is a Saturday. You'll have to figure this out on your own. Altering time is not within the scope of my blogging responsibilities. 
• Quality Seafood - 5621 Airport Blvd. Serving clam chowder as the soup of day. Call and remind them that it's Clam Chowder day and they will probably make up a special batch.

February 22 - Single Tasking Day!
This is open to interpretation, but why not honor this day by hitting up Austin's one-hit-wonder restaurants. I've listed some of my favs, but if you need more ideas, check out the dish roulette feature at Dishola.com.

• Etouffee at Shoal Creek Saloon 909 North Lamar
• Pork Belly East Side Showroom 1100 E. 6th St.
• Tenderloin Sliders Cover 3 2700 W. Anderson Ln.

February 23 - Curling Is Cool Day!
Watch the extensive Olympic coverage of the women's competition at one of these fine establishments.

• Cool River Cafe - 4001 W. Parmer Ln. Cocktails, curling and cougars at Cool River. Too bad it's not Alliteration Day. 
• That's all I got.

February 24 - Inconvenience Yourself Day!
The three biggies when it comes to inconvenience - crowds, driving distance and expense can be met with these Austin spots. 

• Jack Allen's Kitchen - 7720 Hwy 71 W. Located at the Y in Oak Hill, it's a bit of a drive from Northwest Austin, but judging by the crowded bar and the hour long wait, it must be worth the inconvenience.
• Justine's Brasserie - 4710 E. 5th. Drive to far east Austin, wait two hours for a table in a crowded bar and you will have paid tribute to this auspicious day. Expense-wise, it's not too bad. Unfortunately, that applies to the food, too.
  

February 25 - National Chili Day!
When I think chili, I think chili dogs. 

• Frank - 407 Colorado Choose a chili cheese dog or chili cheese waffle fries. Don't forget the cold beer. 
• Man Bites Dog - 1311 S. First St.  Chili Cheese Dog 
• Texas Chili Parlor - 1409 Lavaca  Pick your poison; Mild, Spicy or XXX chili. No dog.

February 26 - National Personal Chef's Day
What a great excuse to try a different type of dining experience. Austin has lots of personal chef and meal delivery services. Try one of these.

• Chef Veggie - Happy and healthy eating by Cristina Carolan
• Bella Food - Catering, personal chef service, and meal planning. 
• Urban Gourmet - Personalized menu plan and chef service

February 27 - Open That Bottle Night
Plenty of options for this one. Take your pick. 

• Apothecary Wine Bar - 4800 Burnet Road. A great addition to SoBur. Coffee and wine bar with wi-fi, live music and sandwiches. 
• Simplicity Wine & Eats - 4801 Burnet Road. Right across the street, serving wine and excellent tapas. 
• House Wine - 408 Josephine St. Great wine and cheese plates.