Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Lara Ruth
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What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend a lot of time writing - some memoir and lately fiction. I've finished one book and am really close to finishing my second. I also have a food blog, Grits in the City, so I'm always snapping photos and writing content for that as well.
Do you have any secret talents?
You can find me flying through the air on the trapeze once a week. I also went to college on a music scholarship for flute, which used to be my life in high school. I also can do some spins out on the ice — I used to skate a bit back in high school as well.
What would your superpower be?
I'd like to be able to magically transport myself anywhere by twitching my nose. Yes, à la Samantha from Bewitched. I love roaming around to try food just about anywhere. I'd like to be able to hop around and try things like that without having to actually plan a formal vacation. I think that'd be a dream superpower for any true foodie.
Indulging in a late afternoon weekend brunch with friends. Or something as simple as raw cookie dough or licking the icing bowl. A bowl of peanut butter cream cheese frosting is especially dangerous.
If you were going to draw a Google Doodle, what would it look like?
I feel like it would involve flowers and cupcakes... cupcakes with flower icing would work. The kind that almost looks too pretty to eat, but you always eventually cave and enjoy.
What’s your favorite Google event you’ve been to and why?
Tough call. I really enjoyed the Pizza Bus because it finally got me to explore some areas of Brooklyn I'd yet to go to. I'm still dreaming about the pizza at Valentino's. I also really loved the Zagat dinner with Akira Back - flavorful food with a wonderful context provided by Chef Back himself.
What’s your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
I really enjoy highlighting the smaller businesses I enjoy so that other people know why they are so great. It's the local spots like that with owners that take every aspect of their business to heart that make the city for me.
If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Reese Witherspoon, because she's a fellow Southerner with class. Something comforting about getting inside tips from someone who grew up enjoying the same types of foods as you did. And Ryan Gosling, because he'd make it feel personal by starting them all with a comforting "hey girl." I like that. I feel like he'd appreciate the cozy spots that can often be hard to find in the city.
Haha, we can hear him saying “Hey girl” right now. Can you share with us some of your cozy local favorites?
Clinton St. Baking Co. & Restaurant - I love Clinton Street in the morning. I love Clinton Street at night. I love Clinton Street ALL day long! Ok, I do have to caveat I don't love the long wait for breakfast. I've been a couple of times. Once we arrived later than originally planned and they had a massive wait. We waited some hour and a half to be seated. Last Sunday we decided to be "smart" and head over there at 9:30, 30 whole minutes in advance of their 10am opening. We were greeted by a line and the wait time? Yet again, an hour and a half. Geez! But the food is fabulous. We always get one of their super big uber-fluffy biscuits which comes with the best raspberry preserves as we wait. I'm a big fan of their blueberry pancakes, which come with maple butter rather than syrup. And oh, it is yummy. I finally checked out Clinton for dinner, and was even more impressed. I had their fried chicken, which this lady from the Deep South will say was mighty fine indeed! It had this spicy honey for dipping that I wanted to take home with me. Perfect. We started with sides of fried green tomatoes and cheese grits. I was in heaven. And I'm a' comin' back, ASAP.
Taureau - Best fondue in the city. Quaint, personal, and takes reservations. Several prix fixe options allowing you to decide how much you want to commit to. Selling point here is their BYOB option — no corkage fee and they'll help you keep your second onward options chilling if you need. For cheese, the Devil's Whiff is amazing. It's a blend of peperoncino, red wine, and sharp cheddar. It's got a spicy unique flavor — but no worries. If you try and hate, they'll change it out. When has being adventurous ever been so safe?!? For chocolate, go with milk as the white chocolate here is room temperature. Service is super attentive.
Levain Bakery - If there ever was a cookie bomb, this is it. And oh yes, that's a good thing. You have to know this little place is tucked down from street level into a subterranean level of awesomeness. Walk down those stairs, and you won't be able to resist buying one of their cookies. Yes, know upfront they are $4 a piece. Yes, it's not cheap. And YES, it's so worth it. Some are purists and will only get their chocolate chip one. It has walnuts in it though and I'm a purist in that I don't want that in my chocolate chip cookie. I have lots of feelings when it comes to sweets. Instead, my favorite is the chocolate peanut butter. It's technically dark chocolate peanut butter, but there's nothing dark about the chocolate taste in my book. Not a fan of heavy chocolate? Don't be steered away. The peanut butter chips are so plentiful, that it's nearly impossible to take a bite, no matter how small, and not have at least four mini-chips in it. So good.
Black Mountain - I came here on one of the first chilly days in fall — by the time I made it here, I could barely see since my hair was all across my face. I was so excited to see the blazing fire and find the interior slightly dark, warm and inviting. There's lots of variation in seating options - lots of space at the bar, standard two- and four-top tables, as well as some sofas over by the fire (as to be expected, those were never vacant). I found their Gruner Veltliner to not be as tasty as their Finger Lakes Riesling. They also have cocktails and many craft beers from which to choose. Their cheese selection, though small, was excellent - paired with bread slices and spreadable preserves. Their food options are decent but not extensive - however, they do have quite a few additions per day as specials. Next time, their pumpkin soup will be mine.
El Quinto Pino - This is one of my favorite hidden gems. Their wine selection though small is carefully chosen. If wine's not your thing, check out one of their cocktails. For food, don't miss the Lomo — it's their take on a Cuban sandwich. And it's AMAZING. The gambas (shrimp) are also unique — garlic and jalapenos. Super cute!
Posted by Topher Ziobro, New York City community coordinator
Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Amanda Foley
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Amanda may be a London newbie but since moving to the capital from Canada three months ago, she’s clocked up plenty of hours seeing the sights. We spoke to the blogger and self-confessed “internet nerd” about London’s best pulled pork sandwiches and the new places she’s discovered.
When did you move to London?
I moved here three months ago because my partner is here (yes, I moved for a boy). I live in Maida Vale but tend to spend most of my time in Shoreditch and Angel because that’s where my friends live. I don’t consider myself a Londoner just yet - I’m still very much a bright-eyed tourist!
What do you in your spare time?
One of my best friends is a real foodie, so we love checking out American-style restaurants for mac ‘n cheese and hamburgers. I loved Byron in Hoxton Square where I had bourbon for the first time and the pulled pork sandwiches at Red Dog Saloon didn’t disappoint. Meat Liquor is next on my list.
Do you have a secret skill?
I used to do stand-up comedy - I really suck at it! So surprised I wasn’t booed off the school stage. Oh, and I also make really good peanut butter sandwiches.
And the five places you love in London?
Let it be known that after only 3 months on this side of the pond, I am still a London newbie. Don't judge me on my oh-so-mainstream choices!
The British Museum - Always the perfect place to while away a few hours and learn a little more about the world.
Monmouth Coffee - Whenever I'm in SE1, I have to visit this place.
Byron - Best burgers in the city, hands down. Friendly staff and incredible courgette fries too.
Electricity Showrooms - Probably my favourite place in the city to drink, dance and be merry.
Southbank - Walking past some of the most famous sights in the city (like London Eye, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament) on a sunny day absolutely cannot be beat.
Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Marc Van-De-Cappelle
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Apart from four years spent studying in Plymouth, our latest Google Places neighbour Marc has lived in London all his life. So of course we had to ask this life-long Londoner (who is also a fan of boxing, pilates and Gordon Ramsay) his tips for enjoying the city.
What’s your favourite thing about reviewing on Google Places?
I love that it’s the modern version of word of mouth. How else can you find out about the good places to eat?
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Indulging my girlfriend too much.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To be able to control time, space, and matter.
And what five places should every Londoner visit?
Paramount - This bar is at the top of the Centre Point building and recently opened to the public. Best view of London, period.
Dim T - Ticks all the boxes! Great view of Tower Bridge at night, delicious food and good service.
Willie Gunn - Love the British food at this south London pub.
Gaucho Richmond - The quality of food and service here makes a visit to this restaurant perfect for a treat.
The Leather Bottle - Good roast lunch, friendly staff and a pleasant place to be on a Sunday.
Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Topher Ziobro
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Drawn by the creative vibe and friends in the area, Topher stepped off the train and made New York his home about four and a half years ago. A marketer by day, he spends off hours working in the arts (he helps run the Arts, Culture, & Technology meetup), watching buskers in the subway system, snapping photos and trying out new food. Usually these pursuits find him exploring Williamsburg and Greenpoint in Brooklyn, the Lower East Side and Chelsea in Manhattan, and Jackson Heights and Woodside in Queens.
Do you have any secret talents?
Haha, I actually was in a show about PT Barnum in college where I learned how to juggle, stilt walk, walk on a high wire, and some acrobatics.
What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
The Akira Back Zagat dinner at the David Bouley Test Kitchen. The wine paired perfectly with the food, the bites were simple but unique, and Akira was just a really nice guy. Getting to hang out with the chef and meeting some of NYC’s restaurateurs was just a lot of fun and we felt like we were let in on a secret location in the city.
If you were going to draw a Google Doodle, what would it look like?
It might include Batman...or a wheatpaste in collaboration with Swoon. Actually, let’s be honest there would be lots of bacon.
What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
I could spend hours wandering the city, headphones in and tunes blasting, as I take photos with my iPhone or Nikon.
Have any embarrassing moments you'd like to share?
Haha, let’s just say I can be a giant klutz sometimes.
If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Hmm, probably Sir Ian McKellen to learn about great theatre places and book shops, Charlize Theron because she seems to be very adventurous with the food spots she tries out, Jimmy Fallon because he seems very genuine and would know good comedy and comfort food places, and Jason Statham who seems like he would know the best places to stay fit and also where to grab a drink.
We could go for a dinner with Gandalf and Tebowie! What are some local favorites you could share with us that are unique like them?
Fish - Old Bay and fresh seafood, one of the best combinations and it speaks to my heart having grown up near the Chesapeake Bay area. Fresh oyster bar in this cozy place and beautiful pictures on the wall make you feel right at home. Specials include the Red, White & Blue: 8 oysters or clams and red/white wine or a Pabst Blue Ribbon for only 8 dollars. Fun dishes, good service, no wonder this place is usually full
Cuckoo’s Nest - Comfort food and live music. Come on Sundays to listen to Irish music from the jam band that meets to play and drink together all afternoon/evening. Some other nights of the week it almost turns into a dance club later at night (so it's better to go earlier). After a brief stumble last year with a temporary cook, they are back to their old ways making simple Shepherds Pie, good burgers, and more. Great place to grab a pint, watch some Rugby or the Premiership and argue the merits of certain players with some of the regulars or international visitors.
Pepolino - One of the best Italian places in the city. They make you feel like part of the family with wonderful service, classic dishes expertly prepared and a simple but good wine selection. Come with a few people and get several dishes to share so you can try more of the delicious options.
Fette Sau - Melt in your mouth BBQ w/ huge flavor and a whiskey bar attached? Oh yes. This is a must go if you want quality BBQ. Order by the 1/4 pound of local farm-sourced meats delivered each day (meaning popular items run out, so get there early) and grab a few sides like German potato salad. Need a drink? They have that, from craft beers to sampling flights of whiskeys from around the world.
Robicelli’s at DeKalb Market - Best cupcakes ever. You will not find two more adventurous and ambitious pastry chefs than the Robicellis. With over 150 flavor options (not to be excessive but because they genuinely enjoy experimenting to make great new options) nothing in this store is typical and most can't be found anywhere else. From the Elvis to Chicken & Waffles to Horchata, it's worth getting off the subway even if you're in a rush just to sample their wares.
Photos courtesy of Clay Williams
Posted by Esther Brown, New York City community manager
Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Rebecca Millette
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For Rebecca, Boston was love at first sight. Ten and a half years ago, she came to a Red Sox game one day from her home in Pawtucket, RI, walked through the Northeastern (NU) campus, and ended up applying and moving in six months later. Since then, she’s lived at NU by Fenway, in Southie, back to the NU area, and finally settled in Brookline three years ago. When she’s not working diligently in the Concert Operations office at Berklee College of Music, you’ll find her with beer-in-hand—which makes perfect sense, since Rebecca runs the local chapter of ladies-only beer-enthusiast group, Girls' Pint Out.
What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
I love finding new spots based on other people. I'm typically the friend to introduce folks to new places, but sometimes it's nice to open the app and just let it guide me to the next (beer) bar.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
If the sun is out, there's a good chance you can find me on a patio, with a beer, being the obnoxiously loud-laugher. I've been known to be on the Eastern Standard patio with the heaters well into November. I also run the local chapter of Girls' Pint Out, where I plan social and educational events for women (we include the boys sometimes, too!) to learn about and try new craft beers with an emphasis on local breweries. We've been around about a year and a half now and it's an incredible time.
Share an ultimate insider tip for your city:
Avoid the tourist spots. Go to the bars where you'll find the owner behind the bar, where they go out of their way to shake your hand, where the menu is local, the beer is local, and the music is cranked. Hit up the random spots near DTX, away from the hustle of Newbury Street.
If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Julia Child! If I could go everywhere she did while she lived in Cambridge, I'd feel a bit more complete at the end of the day.
Do you have any secret talents?
Other than invisibility and time travel? Sadly, no.
What would your superpower be?
Being in two places at once! This city is incredible for events
Do you have any pets?
I do! An absurdly bratty cat, Sophie, who spends her time pretending to be a dog and playing fetch.
What’s your ultimate guilty pleasure?
A night off, a terrible Bravo tv show, a Narragansett lager, and Cheerios.
What are some of your local favorites?
Stoddard Fine Food & Ale - I stumbled upon this spot for a beer event and haven't stopped making the trip back as much as I can ever since. Delicious food (the lobster scallion hush puppies are magic), always changing beer list (great focus on local breweries), and the staff is just incredible. A great spot for after work, weekends, or if you're me - any time.
Vee Vee - Incredible spot with a seasonal menu (kudos for so much local food) and delicious beers on tap. The staff is friendly and welcoming.
The Haven - I can't tell you enough about how you need to get here immediately and eat the burger. Great spot, cozy decor (favorite winter spot), and an incredible staff.
Samuel Adams Brewery - Great tour. The cost is free, but a suggested donation which goes to local charity is $2. It's great to learn about the brewing process and try some beers on tap that you may not be able to find anywhere else. Great store inside to pick up some Sam swag (totes, tees, Barrel Room Series beers). Hop on the trolley to Doyle's after, order a Sam and get a free Perfect Pint Glass.
Salty Pig - Salty meat, stinky cheese, delicious beer. Bonus points for housemade pickles.
Posted by Adri Cowan, Boston community manager
Get to know any neighborhood like a local
When you're in a new place, your first question is likely: What's good here? That's why we recently redesigned the Places homescreen on Google Maps for Android to include "In This Area,” a list of the most common types of places around you.
Along with the more general searches — for things like restaurants and cafés — you can also click on the "In This Area" keywords and use them to search for places nearby. Here’s just some of the stuff you’ll find if you access the Places app in one of the following cities (or use the pulldown at the top to choose a location):
- Buffalo, NY: "wings". Results include Anchor Bar, the birthplace of the Buffalo Wing.
- Mission District, San Francisco: "burrito". Results include Papalote Mexican Grill — don’t forget to try their hot sauce.
- Chelsea, New York: “art gallery”. This neighborhood’s full of great contemporary art at galleries such as Gagosian and Matthew Marks Gallery.
- Seattle, WA: "coffee shops". Victrola Coffee, Espresso Vivace, and Bauhaus are known for their great Seattle coffee.
- Kansas City, MO: “bbq restaurant". Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque serves some of the finest "burnt ends" in all of the U.S.
- East Village, New York: “japanese restaurant”. Results include some of the best sushi and ramen places in the city.
We also improved the search interface to provide you with better, more relevant refinements. Clicking on “japanese restaurant” will show you the best Japanese restaurants around you, but you’re also given suggestions for more specific searches like “sushi”, “ramen” or “yakitori.”
These refinement suggestions are also specific to your location. If you search for "bars in the East Village” after your delicious Japanese dinner, we'll suggest "hookah bars" — one of the specialties of this New York City neighborhood.
Note that these features are available in the U.S. and in English only for now.
What types of places are you discovering as you travel to new neighborhoods? Share with us in the comments.
Posted by Gergo Varady, Software Engineer
Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Manish Sahai
And what’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. Cliched as it sounds, the sight of it makes me weak at the knees.
What advice would you give tourists?
As much as Londoners hate the hustle and bustle of Central London, that area has the most to offer in the city!
And what five places do you think every Londoner should visit?
Amaya - The best Indian food I’ve had in London. The meat melts in your mouth and you have to try the Berry Mojito - I could have drunk a hundred of these!
Green Carnation - I absolutely love this bar’s ambience. The bartenders are very friendly, and the general vibe here is awesome. There are small rooms for groups as well.
The Pepper Tree - My favourite Thai restaurant is always busy, but the service is quick and the waiters are really helpful. The lamb penang curry is the yummiest of them all!
The Loft - Lovely Clapham bar with comfortable seating, excellent cocktails and great service. Also, they have pigs in blankets on the menu!
Dishoom - Awesome food, especially the daal and the roomali roti - definitely worthy of 5 stars.
Posted by Sarah Drinkwater, London community manager
Introducing our Washington, DC Community Manager, Corrie Davidson
But we are so much more.
Yes, we have the Washington Monument, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Zoo, but we also have volleyball on the Tidal Basin, drag queen races in Dupont, the stairs from the Exorcist movie in Georgetown, burlesque shows at Red Palace, and the big green chair at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Yes, the President of the United States and his family live (and eat and shop) here, but so does that dancing guy in Chinatown.
It’s easy to forget or miss the places and people that make us who we are. So I am making it my mission as the Washington, DC community manager here at Google to highlight the local places, the neighborhood haunts, the foodie havens, the dive bars, and the spots that make our city great to live, work and thrive in. (And not just the touristy spots, like TLC’s “DC Cupcakes” star Georgetown Cupcake - though their Girl Scout inspired Thin Mint cupcake will have you in a sash and earning merit badges!)
I want to know your plans, where you like to go and what you want to do. Are you like me and love to stroll through Founders Park on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront with your dogs, stopping in The Torpedo Factory for an art fix? Or maybe interested in playing a game of kickball while you watch the planes land at Gravelly Point?
When my ears need a little lovin’ I like to catch a show at the Rock N Roll Hotel or the Black Cat (RIP Kansas House). While record stores seem to be closing faster than metro doors, you can still browse for vinyl at Som, Smash, Red Onion, and CD Cellar (and grab a sandwich at Earl’s while you’re there).
Cheering on our major league baseball team, the Washington Nationals, has also become a new passion of mine, but the ballpark’s food is worth the trip on its own. No game is complete without an Elote from El Verano Tacqueria, or maybe parmesan crusted fries from Box Frites, or even the classic chili cheese fries from DC’s own Ben’s Chili Bowl (also an Obama haunt).
When I’m in the mood to re-visit Thailand on the cheap, I grab some street food style cuisine from Thai Curry in Arlington - the most authentic I’ve had outside of Thailand. If you’re feeling stressed, stop by the Thai Institute of Healing Arts for a discounted Thai Massage from a student - it’s where I got certified! Of course you could always go the traditional de-stressing route with a glass of wine from Screwtop (try the wasabi cheese) or a beer from indie haunt Galaxy Hut (tater tots for all).
In Dupont I love ducking down an alley to snag a Well Dressed Burrito. If you can find it, you’ll get a magnificent burrito the size of your head. On the rare occasions I have cash, I like to hit up Julia’s Empanadas and wash them down with cheap happy hour booze at Lucky Bar next door. For special occasions, always recommend Cleveland Park gem Palena - their Chef’s tasting menu is a tongue-tickling culinary adventure!
But as you know, DC is more than just great places to eat, shop, rock out, and work, so I do other things as well. I love to watch movies, travel, and hang out with my two rescue dogs, Benny and Joon. A social media fiend, you can always find me tweeting at @corrietweets and @corriedavidson, or posting fun stuff on Pinterest.
I’ve lived and worked in DC, VA, and MD my entire life, but I still haven’t been to half of the places out there just waiting to be discovered. I hope you join me as I explore and showcase all the unique parts of our city. Attend activities, write reviews, and let me know places I should go! And I promise to do the same. Follow me at @GoogleDC, connect with me on Google+, and share your discoveries and reviews!
Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Emily Hanhan
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Emily came to New York almost 3 years ago from North Carolina in search of better job opportunities. A creative by day, she likes to cook (she helps run a supper club, Whiskey & Salt), bake, people watch and go to museums, plays and concerts in her spare time. A resident of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Emily works in Manhattan’s Garment District and likes to hang out in Clinton Hill, Cobble Hill, Fort Greene, Brooklyn and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn-- as well as Manhattan’s East Village (for the food!).
Do you have any secret talents?
I can read a lot about someone's personality by the way they order food. Whether it's a large group, family-style dining or single dish ordering, personalities reveal themselves easily. I can also whip up one of the best homemade marshmallows in the city. There are so many great little places in this gigantic city. I love sharing my finds, quickly and easily, in hopes that it then becomes someone else's finds.
What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
I really enjoyed the Pizza Bus tour of Brooklyn. Not only did we eat some rather amazing slices, but the Levys were so full of interesting stories and facts, about Brooklyn, pizza and everything. They were entertaining and a lot of fun.
If you were going to draw a Google Doodle, what would it look like?
It would be painted with spices and sauces, condiments and jams. It would be Google, but edible!
What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
It's a whole day event - a long, lazy brunch, manicure, pedicure and massage, more drinks, a cupcake or two. With friends, of course.
Have any embarrassing moments you'd like to share?
I've had Marilyn Monroe over the subway grates moment (but way less glamorous)... more than once.
Share an ultimate insider tip for New York City:
The outer boroughs are amazing. If you live in Brooklyn - explore your borough more. If you live in Queens - do the same! If you live in Manhattan - make the trek across the bridges more often. There are so many amazing small businesses, restaurants, shops, beautiful streets and parks. I live in Brooklyn and I'm amazed at how much there is to do and see in my lovely borough.
There ARE a ton of great places in the outer boroughs. Speaking of great places, how about sharing some local favorites with us?
Clover Club - Fantastic drinks: check! Delicious food: check! Amazing atmosphere: check! Holy cow, I love Clover Club. Whether you cozy up to the bar and watch the tenders to their job or cozy up to your boy/girl on one of the comfy banquets, there's no bad place to sit here. Drinks are strong and awesome and lamb burger is crazy good.
Culture Espresso - Lovingly made espresso drinks, strong and delicious iced coffee, interesting and yummy (albeit a little overpriced) sandwiches, warm out of the oven chocolate chip cookies. Yes, you're in Midtown! It's my one saving grace of working in the Garment District.
Sahadi Importing Co. - If you live in Brooklyn and don't shop at Sahadi's, you're completely missing out on a gem of a store. Bulk nuts, dried fruits, olives, cheeses, coffee, spices, along with all the house made foods. Prices that really can't be beat (not even by that big store across Atlantic). Friendly and helpful employees make it worth the madhouse.
Brucie - This restaurant, woo boy, is a keeper. Go with a group so you can eat as much of the menu as possible. Lard bread, charcuterie, house made pasta, just about everything I tasted was deeelightful! Amazing owners who are welcoming and friendly, make yourself at home and come back often.
Greenlight Bookstore - So you live in the neighborhood, walk by the store, maybe even peaked in the window and haven't been inside yet? What the HECK are ya waiting for?! It's a cute shop, bigger than expected, with great employees. If they don't have a book you're looking for, they'll order it for you. Book signings, readings, awesome events happening too. Shop local. You'll love it.
Posted by Esther Brown, New York City community manager
Meet Your Google Places Neighbor: Mike Graupmann
How long have you lived in Austin & why did you move here?
I moved here in 2001 to attend graduate school at UT. During that initial two-year stint, I was stuck on campus all day and night, and I rarely experienced the joys of this city. (I think I went to the Alamo Drafthouse twice in as many years.)
When I needed a new start on life in 2008, I looked back at Austin because my closest friends from across the country had all gravitated here. I wanted to give the city another shot since I was such a lame Austinite before. Within two weeks of moving back, I decided I was never leaving again.
What do you like to do with your spare time?
When I'm not at work, I am a theatre producer and a community organizer. I love live performance more than anything in the world, so I'm currently involved in three ongoing performance series (The Encyclopedia Show, Mortified!, and the East Side Performance Network). I also like to see as much live theatre, improv, comedy and film as possible; and that's a LOT in this city.
Do you have any secret talents?
I'm incredibly limber for my height, which makes me quite good at dancing and yoga. I'm an armchair psychologist. I can get just about any animal to like me. I'm a great interior decorator. Oh, and I've been told I'm the "perfect first date" — which is actually an incredibly backhanded compliment, I realize as I type this...
Working at CultureMap, you must be gearing up for South By Southwest?
Yes! And that’s why we’ve partnered with Google Places to do a SXSW music badge giveaway for one of our readers. The contest just launched today, and is open to Austinites only--we want to give our locals the real VIP experience! Click here to enter.
Speaking of SXSW, what are your favorite places around town that you’d recommend to people coming in for the fest this March?
The 501 Studios - 501 Studios is home to the up and coming ND. This is my favorite place to catch live bands, dance parties and weird variety shows like The Encyclopedia Show. The staff is incredibly friendly, the drinks cheap, the crowd eclectic, and the food from Tamale Molly's incredible.
The Paramount Theater - Besides offering one of the best stages in town for awesome touring shows the rest of the year, The Paramount Theatre is my favorite place to watch films during SXSW. The historically ornate decor makes every show there feel like a real event. I don't even mind sitting in the highest balcony because the accompanying view is so amazing.
Rio Rita - Rio Rita is my favorite any-time-of-the-day bar. Whether it's food, coffee or cocktails you're looking for, the good folks at Rio Rita will happily meet your needs. The crowd is hipster and happy, slinking in all day and night, to post up in the numerous couches, benches and bar stools that fill the indoor and outdoor sections of this East Sixth hangout. Favorite local bar, hands down.
Posted by Whitney Francis, Austin community manager
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