Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway City Employee Art Show

July 19, 2026July 18, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

Today, we are going to the Lakeway City Hall to view an art exhibition by the city’s employees. We are catered by Fona San Miguel of Austin. Our entertainment is Nora Jones.

POLLO EN MOLE POBLANO – Smoked chicken breast with drumette in traditional Mole Poblano and a side of camote purée.

CHULETA DE PUERCO – Grilled premium Berkshire pork chop served with grilled vegetables and butternut squash purée. Served with salsa Macha.

COCHINITA PIBIL – Slow braised marinated pork, covered in banana leaves for rich flavor. Served with almond pepita habanero salsa and a side of fried plantains.

ADOBO NEGRO RIBEYE – 12 oz. dry-aged prime ribeye served with adobo negro and topped with wild mushrooms. Served with nopal salad and heirloom corn tortillas.

CARNE ASADA A LA TAMPIQUEÑA – Grilled 7 oz. beef tenderloin with guacamole, rajas, refritos negros, and a cheese enchilada with choice of verde, suiza, or mole poblano sauce.

PESCADO VERACRUZANO – Grilled Gulf of Mexico white fish in Veracruz-style tomato sauce with capers, onions, and Spanish olives.

PESCADO A LA TALLA – Whole grilled Branzino (in season) in rojo and verde Guerrero-style (Northwest African influences) marinades. Served with a side of escabeche, herbs, house-made heirloom tortillas, arroz blanco y refritos negros.
CAMARONES CON CHIPOTLE – Large Gulf of Mexico shrimp (6) in a spicy cream chipotle sauce with fresh tomatoes.

PRAWNS ZARANDEADO – Grilled tiger prawns (4) served with epazote aoli, onion, cilantro with lime wedge. Side of house-made heirloom tortillas, arroz blanco y refritos negros.

Let’s go

Here is the full collection.

Amy Burr – Parks and Recreation

Jacquie Banks – Building and Development

Paul Duncan – Building and Development

Kathryn Chalfant – Activity Center

Dallas Gorman – Activity Center

Ruena Victorino – Parks and Recreation

Now that we have seen the lovely exhibition, it is time to relax with food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the neighborhood – Lakeway – Butler Rough Hollow Park Groundbreaking

July 12, 2026July 11, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today, we are attending the groundbreaking for the new Butler Rough Hollow Park in Lakeway.

The new park will include an amphitheater featuring limestone-block seating built into the hillside, facing a concrete stage area. Other features include a mountain bike course, bank-shot play court, multisport field, playground, ninja course, pavilion, restroom facilities, picnic tables, and benches.

A backstop and fence, baseball bases, portable benches, and portable soccer goals will be installed in the multisports field. The playground will include integrated shade, roller slides, swings, and multiple play levels for all ages. We are catered by Jefferys of Austin, and our entertainment is Spanky and Our Gang.

Veal medallions américaine – crawfish in sauce américaine fava beans, lardo & onion soubise
Roast guinea fowl – truffle mousseline, morel mushrooms, fiddlehead fern & buttered herb jus
Long Island Duck breast – sweet red California cherries, hakurei turnips, Moroccan spiced sauce
Alaskan halibut – spring ramp nage, beech mushrooms, caviar, crème fraîche
Red snapper â la barigoule – chorizo-encrusted snapper, poached fennel & spring vegetables
Roasted turnip – wood roasted turnip, kale furikake, carrot ginger-miso broth

16 oz Colorado rack of lamb, served with mint jelly
16 oz tomahawk pork chop, served with truffle butter

Let’s go

The welcome tent.

Visitors to the event can take a sapling home.

Cookies and water.

The shovels are waiting for the official moment. The big guy on the right has the day off.

Good attendance.

The gang of seven. From left, Parks and Recreation Director Andrea Bennett, City Manager Joseph Molis, City Council Member Kent O’ Brian, Mayor Tom Kilgore, Forester Richard Leon, Council member Wes Hook, Assistant Director Parks and Recreation Ricky Gavett.

The ground is broken.

The map of the finished park in the summer of 2027.

We have our red oak tree, and now it is time to relax with music and Food. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the neighborhood – Summer blooms

July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today, we are cruising the neighborhood to view the crepe myrtles and a few other flowers. We are catered by Ember Kitchen of Austin, and our entertainment is Glenn Frey.

Plantain Stack -Buttermilk Pancakes, Plantains, Whipped Cream, Plantain Pecan-Infused Syrup

Churros Toast – Dulce de Leche French Toast, Brioche Bread, Candied Pecan Multi-Grain Crunch, Piloncillo Strawberry Syrup, Fresh Strawberries, Mint

Ember Steak & Eggs – 8 oz Filet Mignon, Enchilada Sauce, Eggs “Your Way”, Black Beans

Chorizo Hash – Ground Chorizo, Diced Red Peppers, Poblano Peppers, Shallots, Beef Fat Potatoes, Egg, Salsa Dona, Hollandaise

Chilaquiles – Red Chile Sauce, Corn Tortilla Chips, Lime Crema, Eggs, Cilantro, Avocado

Wagyu Steak – 10 oz Market Cut, Ember Tortillas, Grilled Fennel & Onions, Salsa Dona

Josper Chicken – Orange and Guajillo Brine, Pollo ala Brasa, Achiote Chimichurri

Josper Burger – 8 oz Akaushi Wagyu, Oaxaca Cheese, Escabeche, Chipotle Aioli, Pork Belly, Brioche Bun

Come on. We have commandeered the Windsor Fife and Drum Corps bus.

The Producer’s photo of a gardenia while walking with Twiggy.

Red and purple crepe myrtles.

A while crepe myrtle.

A pink crepe myrtle (R), esperasza (L), baby sage (lower R), and magnolia (background)

Another pink.

A beautiful white.

The sage beside our driveway.

The Producer’s hibiscus (R) and cone flower (L) with vinca in the middle.

Okay, how did she get in here? Shussssh. Let sleeping dogs lie.”

A giant purple crepe myrtle.

A large lilac-colored crepe myrtle.

A beautiful pink crepe myrtle.

Time now to enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a lovely week.

Views of the Neighborhood – 4th of July Decorations

June 28, 2026June 27, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

SHRIMP SCAMPI – linguini noodles, shrimp stock, butter, herbs, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, breadcrumbs

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS – spaghetti noodles, pork, veal, and beef meatballs, marinara, parmesan, herbs

BOLOGNESE- tagliatelle noodles, brisket, bacon, tomatoes, parmesan, herbs

CHICKEN PARMESAN – spaghetti noodles, marinara, mozzarella, herbs

PAN SEARED RED FISH – roasted cauliflower, roasted corn, heirloom grape tomatoes, castelvetrano olives, chimichurri

ROASTED CHICKEN – romesco sauce, brussels sprouts

Everybody board the bus.

Here is a double-duty decoration.

Little flags around the flower bed.

Full house display.

Flags in the rocks.

Bunting on a fence.

Flags in the beds.

More bunting and a flag.

Some bunting and little flags

Very curious. Small flags with individually solar-powered lights.

A pretty crape myrtle and tidy bow.

Well, that about does it. Time for food and music. I hope you have a great week and happy 4th.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Municipal Utility District – Bees

June 21, 2026June 20, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Today, we are going to the Lakeway Municipal Utility District (LMUD) for a class on all things bees. We are catered by Canje Caribbean Restaurant in Austin, featuring their appetizer menu. Our entertainment is Jimmy Rogers.

Plantain Chips – Mango Calypso, Epis Aioli

Coco Buns – Toasted Coconut, Thyme Butter

Smoked Avocado Choka – Mango, Lime Vinaigrette, Pickled Onions, Tostones

Pink Pineapple – Passion Fruit, Basil, Aji Amarillo

Ceviche – Sour Orange, Peanuts, Sweet Peppers, Taro Chips

Hushpuppies – Salt Fish Salad, Citrus Scotch Bonnet Aioli

Jerk Beef Patties – Pineapple Pique

Wagyu Beef Suya – Suya Skewer, Peanut, Onion

Pepper Shrimp – Scotch Bonnet, Epis Vinaigrette

Let’s get rolling

The Lakeway Municipal Water District.

Mushroom block giveaway. They can be added to the garden to conserve water and improve soil health.

The seed library. Take some, plant them, and come back with seeds from the plant.

We are in the right place for the presentation.

A backyard refuge for butterflies and bees

More about the refuge

Coffee and water.

Beekeepers’ tools: prybar, gloves, smoker, and hive.

Stephanie Threinen, CPC – Public Information Liaison, introduces Michael Halprin, beekeeper.

The presentation begins.

A rapt audience.

The last time we were here, some plants were laid out ready for planting.

As you can see, the plants are doing very well.

Time now to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a terrific week.

Views of the Neighborhood – In Search of Blooms

June 14, 2026June 13, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Happy Flag Day.

Today is a cruise of the neighborhood in search of blooms. We are catered by The Kimberly of Austin, and our entertainment is the Statler Brothers.

T H E 16OZ BONELESS TEXAS WAGYU RIBEYE

10OZ CENTER-CUT FILET

10OZ SLICED FILET CARPET BAG STYLE

BATTER FRIED OYSTERS – sauce bearnaise

C L A S S I C B E E F T E N D E R L O I N F I L E T W E L L I N G T O N – in crisp puff pastry, applewood smoked bacon, natural jus, wild mushrooms a la crème, sauce bearnaise

F R E S H G E N U I N E D O V E R S O L E – lightly sautéed with jumbo lump crab, or brown butter almondine, or caviar and fresh dill butter sauce

S A U T É E D G E N U I N E A M E R I C A N R E D S N A P P E R – fresh jumbo lump crab, fine cut vegetables, shellfish curry broth, ginger vinaigrette

S E A R E D N O R T H A T L A N T I C S C A L L O P S – citrus filets, brown butter roasted macadamia nuts, micro cilantro

W O O D R O A S T E D D R Y A G E D D U C K B R E A S T – spice crust, potato and leek gratin, black currant jus

W O O D R O A S T E D D O U B L E B R E A S T O F C H I C K E N “ A L A G R E Q U E ” – campari tomatoes, artichoke bottoms, roasted potatoes, mediterranean olives, yogurt crema

1 6 O Z V E A L C H O P L I G H T L Y P O U N D E D “ A L A P A R M I G I A N A ” – crushed san marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, spaghettini cacio e pepe

M A F A L D I N E “ C A C I O E P E P E ” – pecorino, chives

S A N D A N I E L L E P R O S C I U T T O CAPPELLETTI ALLA PIEMONTESE – braised beef and parmigiana filling, butter, veal jus, fresh truffles

Let’s go.

The first crape myrtle and some salvia on the right.

We can always find Lantana.

More lantana. Love the red.

More lantana and a piggy on a rope.

White plumbago.

Mexican birds of paradise.

Salvia.

Morning glories in the afternoon.

More Mexican birds of paradise.

Large salvia.

That concludes our tour for today. It is time to enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a great week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

June 7, 2026June 6, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Today we are visiting Lakeway and seeing what we can see. We are catered by Serenade American Brasserie restaurant, and our entertainment is James Taylor. The producer took all the photos except a few. Hers are the most beautiful

CONCHIGILE ALLA VODKA – Alla vodka, stracciatella, red pepper, chili, basil
SALMON – Olive oil potatoes, heirloom relish, fried caper
HALIBUT – Brown butter endive, coconut corn puree, lacinato kale
CHICKEN ROTI – Citrus brine, seasonal vegetable, jus de poulet
DUCK BREAST – Braised lentil, spinach emulsion, crackling, citrus, sauce de canard
PORK CHOP – Apple cabbage, spring onion gremolata, mustard jus
STEAK FRITES – Frites, pink peppercorn, pickled onion
BRASSERIE BURGER – Fontina, caramelized onion, pancetta, dijonnaise, frites

Let’s go

Our first sight is a mailbox topper. Say howdy, Dog.

Texas Longhorn fan.

A Chinese warrior.

A magnolia bloom on my 80th birthday tree.

A mushroom with a screwdriver companion.

A ceramic elephant.

Mama deer with two fawns.

Passed out, skelly.

Rainbow over our garage.

These photos were taken by me. Lizzie on a pole.

T. rex guarding the mail.

Tempeste with a hot dog.

Twiggy is enjoying avocado toast.

The purple sage in bloom forecasts rain, and the wildflowers are blooming.

That is the tour, and it is time for some food and music. I hope you have an enjoyable week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Texas Flora Walk – Part ll

May 31, 2026May 30, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today, we are going back to view the remaining Texas flora. If you missed last week, you can go HERE. We are catered by Roaring Fork of Austin, and our entertainment is The Proclaimers.

BIG ASS BURGER – poblano / cheddar / bacon / lettuce / tomato / onions / pickles / chipotle mayo
served with French fries
SHRIMP AND GRITS – cheddar grits, sweet corn butter, chorizo, fried egg
RAINBOW TROUT – green beans, fried capers, toasted almonds, brown butter, grilled lemon
CEDAR PLANK SALMON – teriyaki glaze, chilled green bean salad, soy butter
ROTISSERIE CHICKEN – cornbread sausage stuffing, green beans, lemon garlic jus
ROASTED DUCK – sugar chile cured, brussels sprouts, sweet onion jam, cherry mustard sauce
DUROC PORK CHOP – maple mustard glaze, sweet potato mash, apple chutney
BACON WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN – poblano grits, charred corn, cotija, chipotle balsamic reduction
AHI TUNA – seared rare, chimichurri, marinated tomatoes and avocado salad, citrus vinaigrette

Let’s get going.

Here is a photo of how the walk looks. These boards describe the flora found in Texas and not necessarily on the walk.

American Beautyberry.

Texas Lantana.

American Sycamore.

Texas Red Oak.

Chinese Privet.

Salt Cedar.

Heavenly Bamboo.

Ash Juniper is commonly called a cedar.

Bald Cypress.

It is time now to relax with the food and music. I hope you have a super week.

Views of the Neighborhood – Texas Flora

May 24, 2026May 23, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Today, we will view the Lakeway Walk of Texas Flora. There are 26 stops, so we won’t make all of them today. We’ll do half this week and the rest next. Also, the display cards are under glass, so the photographs are as good as I could make them. We are catered by Embers of Austin, and our entertainment is Johnnie Lee and Lane Brody.

Plantain Stack – Buttermilk Pancakes, Plantains, Whipped Cream, Plantain Pecan-Infused Syrup

Churros Toast – Dulce de Leche French Toast, Brioche Bread, Candied Pecan Multi-Grain Crunch, Piloncillo Strawberry Syrup, Fresh Strawberries, Mint

Ember Steak & Eggs – 8 oz Filet Mignon, Enchilada Sauce, Eggs “Your Way”, Black Beans

Chorizo Hash – Ground Chorizo, Diced Red Peppers, Poblano Peppers, Shallots, Beef Fat Potatoes, Egg, Salsa Dona, Hollandaise

Chilaquiles – Red Chile Sauce, Corn Tortilla Chips, Lime Crema, Eggs, Cilantro, Avocado

Wagyu Steak – 10 oz Market Cut, Ember Tortillas, Grilled Fennel & Onions, Salsa Dona

Josper Chicken – Orange and Guajillo Brine, Pollo ala Brasa, Achiote Chimichurri

Josper Burger – 8 oz Akaushi Wagyu, Oaxaca Cheese, Escabeche, Chipotle Aioli, Pork Belly, Brioche Bun

So, let’s get going.

Here is what the path looks like with the stations on either side. Let’s walk.

Texas Sage.

Agarita evergreen.

Mountain Laurel.

Yaupon Holly.

Lacy Oak.

Flame Acanthus.

Chinaberry.

Texas Persimmon

Texas Ash.

Pecan.

Cedar Elm.

Southern Live Oak.

Golden Bamboo.

Escarpment Live Oak.

Shin Oak.

Texad Redbud.

Turk’s Cap.

Time now to relax with food and entertainment.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Photographer Debbi Varela

May 17, 2026May 16, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway City Hall Art exhibit. There is an exhibition by photographer Debbi Varela of Lakeway. We are catered by Rough Creek Lodge Restaurant of Glen Rose, Texas. Our entertainment is Survivor.Menu

California White Bass – Santa Barbara Mussels, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Chef’s Salami, Garlic Toast & Shaved Burgundy Black Truffle Salad
Red Chile Glazed Swordfish – Shrimp Quesadilla, Wilted Beet Greens, Toasted Pepitas & Butternut Squash Sauce
Skillet Roasted Chicken Breast – Creamy Wild Rice, Pancetta, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash & Pan Mushroom Gravy
Locally Raised Red Wattle Pig -Sampler For Two, Grilled Chop, Seared Loin, Smoked Shoulder, Rutabaga Puree, Pomegranate Sauce & Garlic Sautéed Dandelions