So you want to go to happy hour?

Because I’m thinking of it today.

Gingerman

Through my exhaustive (and exhausting) SXSW research, I stumbled upon a party serving Vermont’s Magic Hat beer–to which I got super-excited, Twittered about, turns out Magic Hat is ON TWITTER, found me, and let me know that they actually already distribute Magic Hat down here! So some research revealed that Austin’s venerable fave the Gingerman has it ON TAP. The place moves into its new digs (a block away) March 21, so a cold Magic Hat could be the perfect farewell.

Others serving Magic Hat: Dog and Duck, Lovejoy’s, Jackalope, Red Eyed Fly and Stubb’s.

FINO

Appetizers are divine. I had heard such a thing, but after the food blogger happy hour, am totally convinced. Fried goat cheese balls with some sweet onions and honey on a little stick? Explosions of deliciousness in my mouth. My first taste of foie gras? [Don’t worry, my foodie friend assured me that I am morally okay on eating it, because it’s imported, and the ducks in France like being overfed]

A sweet, peanut-buttery-consistency smeared on baguette … far different than I imagined it tasting, too sweet almost, but I was glad to take the nibble.

And the smidgeon of food that might be an entree: a braised lamb on a celeriac puree with arugula microgreens in a cup, here’s a Before:

And after:

Yep, it was that good. And the coriander crusted tuna with mint tatziki? I nibbled on way more slices than is socially appropriate–I even tried to snag a slice without a fork.

The drinks were tasty, but only the Paloma Flower, a tequila, grapefruit, egg-white mix stood out from the pack–surprising, given that FINO’s bartender is a world-renowned bartending competitor.

So I feel that I need to go back to make sure all of this deliciousness is still delicious. The owner talked to me extensively about local sourcing, and they try to do it as much as possible. Most of their chicken is free range, as is their pork. Their beef is not usually, but lucky for me, there wasn’t any beef on the tasting menu!

The Belmont

Tried and true, simply one of the best patios in Austin … not that it matters much today. I have a gift card that expires today?

III Forks

As I contemplated the Happy Hour list, a press release landed in my inbox announcing the arrival of happy hour at III Forks! Perfect. Details:

Now open for happy hour Monday through Saturday from 5 to 7pm, Sommelier Danny Payne will offer up some of his favorites from the 4,000-bottle cellar with a Sommelier’s Pick of the Cellar ($5/glass). Happy hour appetizers include Blue Cheese Beef Croustades ($5) with sliced USDA Prime beef; glazed, sesame-topped Ahi Tuna Skewers ($6); house-made III Forks Chips ($5) topped with sautéed onions and herbed blue cheese; Cured Blackberry Duck ($6); and seared Golden Sea Scallops ($6) with fresh herbs, toasted peanuts, coconut and shallots. Also look for cocktail specials and $5 martinis, including the Capital City Martini. 111 Lavaca St.