Winter has finally arrived in Austin—and there’s no better way to stay warm than with a hot bowl of aromatic pho. Thankfully, the newly opened PhoNatic is serving up a menu chock full of Vietnamese classics, including the noodle soup that gave the restaurant its name. For the aficionado and the novice alike, PhoNatic offers a delicious journey eastward into the rich flavors of Vietnam.

As we ring in the new year, we’re partnering with TRIO at the Four Seasons to grant one lucky reader an unforgettable theatre experience, complete with dinner for two at TRIO, valet parking at the hotel and two orchestra-level tickets to Disney’s The Lion King at Bass Concert Hall. This is one night at the theatre you won’t want to miss!

Image Courtesy of Project Nursery.

Whether you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a lively Irish pint-drop or an elegant evening out, Austin’s favorite hangouts, restaurants and lounges have a New Year’s Eve celebration for everyone.

Indulge in a little winter-weather pampering this season at two of our favorite spa destinations in the city: Spa Réveil and AWAY Spa at W Austin, whose sumptuous treatments are the perfect holiday gift, especially for yourself!

It’s been a few weeks since Formula One weekend, but we still have race fever—and ecurie25 has just the cure. Founded in London seven years ago, Texas’ first exotic car time share opened its Austin branch this fall with a stunning fleet of Ferraris, Dodge Vipers and more. Have you ever envisioned speeding down MoPac in a Lamborghini or along I-35 in a McLaren? Ecurie25 is your dream come true.

Every foodie has his or her go-to recipe source, whether the inexhaustible archives of Epicurious or that trusty Alice Waters tome. Allow us to introduce the next great addition to your culinary arsenal: Cook Happy, an iPad app reviving the art of the cookbook with mouthwatering, step-by-step video illustrations for each recipe.

With a new winter chill in the air, there’s no better way to ring in the holidays than a toast to the season. Whether you’re looking for a delicious drink on your night out or whip one up of your own at home, we’ve rounded up the city’s favorite cocktails and recipes to make your winter merry.

icenhauer’s
83 Rainey St.
(512) 473 0005
Head to Rainey Street for icenhauer’s signature yuletide libations. From the Griswold’s Eggnog—spiced rum with eggnog and freshly-grated nutmeg—to the Carence Oddboddy, a chai tea-infused vodka laced with apple cider, these cocktails are sure to turn any Scrooge into the epitome of holiday cheer!

As the weather grows colder, the Second Street District is whisking shoppers away to an enchanting winter wonderland. Illuminated with twinkling lights, the entire neighborhood will come to life with an array of breathtaking window displays inspired by classic fairy tales and designed by local university students. There’s no better place to ring in the season, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite holiday happenings in the 2SD!

On December 14, only seven days after the showcase in New York, Cinedigm and Flatiron Film Company will join together for the Austin release of In Our Nature at Regal Arbor, a film premiere that realizes the city’s blossoming reputation in the film industry. Director Brian Savelson and Producer Anish Savjani will both be in attendance at the 7:30pm screenings on December 14 and December 15  to participate in post-film Q+A sessions.

In Our Nature explores the dynamics between father and son and the unexpected revival of family bonds provoked by significant others and the great outdoors.