2024 Away Game Guide: Austin

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If you’re heading to the Lone Star State for our game against the University of Texas Longhorns, here’s the perfect guide for recommendations on where to eat, where to watch, and what to do during your stay!

WHERE TO EAT

Austin is renowned for its diverse cuisine. A great, casual barbecue spot is Terry Black’s BBQ, known for their delicious pit-smoked meats and homemade sides. A cozy neighborhood bite is Home Slice Pizza, specializing in NY-style pizza. A delicious rooftop cantina, Arriba Abajo offers unique cocktails and Mexican-fusion small plates. For a divine evening culinary experience, The Roaring Fork is the place to go. It’s an Old Western themed restaurant that serves flame-grilled American dishes. And for your late night sweet treat, head on over to Amy’s Ice Creams to get a frozen treat of your choosing.

Terry Black’s BBQ

The perfect place to grab brunch is Paperboy, a welcoming, hip restaurant with an outdoor patio that offers various breakfast, brunch and cocktail options. Swedish Hill Bakery is the place to go for delicious, freshly baked pastries, bread and made-to-order sandwiches in the morning. Looking for a place to grab your morning coffee? Little Brother Coffee & Kolaches is a chic coffee house with simple coffee and tea options and kolaches, a kind of pastry that Czech immigrants brought to Texas. If you’re more of a tea person, be sure to look out for tea house Magick Matcha, serving inventive tea and matcha creations. 

Paperboy

WHERE TO WATCH

Austin has an amazing variety of bars and outdoor social spaces with different aesthetics to match your vibe. Kicking it back in time, Skinny’s Off Track Bar is a classic ’70s-style sports bar with specialty drinks, food and televised sports. On game day, you can go to The Pitch Austin, an outdoor entertainment space with a food court and several TVs to watch the game. 

The Pitch Austin

A low-key bar & grill with television screens and a stage for entertainment called Haymaker specializes in regionally-inspired comfort sandwiches and craft beer. A couple other bar options to check out over the weekend are The Bon Aire and Cover 3: Dining, Spirits, & Sports, which are both known for their appetizing burgers and cocktails. Want to watch with our Austin Alumni Chapter? Join us at Green Light Social!

WHAT TO DO

Austin’s oldest metropolitan park, Zilker Metropolitan Park, is home to Zilker Botanical Garden and Barton Springs Pool and has lots of hiking and bike trails to explore. Another unique activity is renting small boats at Retro Boat Rentals ATX, where you can admire the city landscape as you ride through Lady Bird Lake. 

Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Metropolitan Park

Explore art displays at The Contemporary Austin’s at the Jones Center and Laguna Gloria location, or the Museum of Illusions for a fun walkthrough of mind-bending art. And don’t forget to take a pic at the Greetings from Austin mural!

WHERE TO SHOP

Looking to do some shopping? Check out South Congress, a vibrant avenue known as one of Texas’ landmarks. It has shops, boutiques, eateries and art displays. Some additional shopping areas with brand name stores are Barton Creek Square and The Domain.

If you’re not planning on traveling for the game and still want to connect with Dawgs in your area, you can find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you!

Find Your Game-Watching Party

Bridal designer strengthens UGA historic clothing collection

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Tasty Tailgate: Barlow’s Foods’ Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

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No football tailgate is truly complete without a tasty dish to complement the gathering. Luckily for you, top Dawgs in the food and beverage industry have put together some recipes to enhance your tailgating experience.

Today’s recipe comes from 2023 Flavor of Georgia grand prize winner, Barlow’s Foods. Founder and CEO Tiffani Neal owns Barlow’s Foods, a beloved packaged foods company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Tiffani’s passion for food has been a lifelong journey since she was a child.

1 of 3 ways to use Barlow's Foods' 3-in-1 pancake, biscuit, and waffle mix. (Photo: Submitted)

1 of 3 ways to use Barlow’s Foods’ 3-in-1 pancake, biscuit, and waffle mix. (Photo: Submitted)

Barlow’s Foods, named in honor of Tiffani’s grandfather, Arthur “Barlow” Harris, is well known for its versatile 3-in-1 pancake, biscuit, and waffle mix. Additionally, their seasonal breakfast offerings include their award-winning Peach Cobbler Syrup, which pairs perfectly with their Southern Buttermilk Biscuits.

Ingredients

1 bag / 3 cups Barlow’s Original Pancake Mix

1 1/4 cup buttermilk

3/4 cups butter, cubed and chilled

1/4 cup egg wash (optional)

1/4 melted butter

Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Set oven to 450 degrees and place your mixing bowl in the freezer approximately 10-15 minutes prior to using. Do not freeze butter but make sure that it keeps a very cold temperature.
  2. Cube butter, cut into small squares. Once the mixing bowl is nice and cold, pour the Barlow’s Original Pancake Mix into the bowl.
  3. Put butter into the bowl and combine flour and butter with your fingers. The goal is to combine without melting – you still want to see pieces of butter.
  4. Pour buttermilk into the bowl and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  5. Scoop dough onto a floured surface or parchment paper and fold over 3 times.
  6. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1″ flat and cut out circles to the size of your choice. 2 1/2″ is a great size.
  7. Lay rounds on a non-stick pan or parchment and place in the freezer about 10-15 minutes.
  8. (optional) Brush top of biscuits with egg wash.
  9. Pop into the oven for about 15 minutes or until high and golden brown.
  10. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and enjoy!

Tips

When making biscuits, you want to keep everything as cold as possible for as long as possible.

Barlow's Foods Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, perfectly complemented by their award-winning Peach Cobbler Syrup. (Photo: Submitted)

Barlow’s Foods Southern Buttermilk Biscuits, perfectly complemented by their award-winning Peach Cobbler Syrup. (Photo: Submitted)

Enjoy more of Barlow’s Foods recipes at https://barlowsfoods.com/pages/recipies.

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Tasty Tailgate: Erica Davis’ “The Lowcountry” Crab Dip

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Tasty Tailgate is our series that brings you delicious dishes to enjoy while watching the Dawgs play this season. UGA alumni, like Erica Davis (BSED ’99), are sharing their favorite recipes for you to add to your own tailgating spread.

Erica is carrying on the seafood legacy of her grandparents in Savannah at the Erica Davis Lowcountry, a 2024 Bulldog 100 honoree. Seafood has been part of Erica’s family for over 75 years, and now she is sharing one of her tastiest recipes.

Her “The Lowcountry” Crab Dip is sure to go great with any game-day buffet.

The Lowcountry Crab Dip (submitted photo)

Serves: 10 people

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh blue crab claw meat.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese.
  • 1 stick butter.
  • 1 small, sweet onion, diced.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced.
  • Salt to taste.
  • Wonton chips or your favorite cracker.

Directions

  1. On medium heat, melt butter, then sauté garlic and onion.
  2. Remove from heat, add room temperature cream cheese.
  3. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Gently fold in the crab meat.
  5. Serve with fried wonton chips or your favorite cracker.

Tip: it can be served hot or cold!

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Tasty Tailgate: Andouille Hot Dogs

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Football season is upon us once again, and with it comes tailgate gatherings. We have brought back our Tasty Tailgate series for another year, sharing recipes from top Dawgs in the food and beverage industry.

Today’s recipe comes courtesy of two Bulldogs: Matt Moore (BBA ’05) and Davis Knox (BBA ’98). Matt creates updated Southern dishes with influences from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. In addition to being a chef and author, he is also a pilot, entrepreneur, musician and adventurer.

These hot dogs are great on a HERO grill (PHOTO: Fire and Flavor blog).

Davis Knox (BBA ’98), founder and CEO of Fire and Flavor, makes grilling products found in national retail chains like Walmart, Lowe’s and Publix. Davis and Matt partnered on this recipe to create a fantastic tailgate dish that features Fire and Flavor products like the HERO grill.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Yields: 4 main course servings

Ingredients

4 andouille sausage links, sliced vertically in half (careful not to pierce casing on bottom) side.
1 Vidalia onion, cut into ½ inch slices.
1 green bell pepper, cut into ½ inch slices.
1 tablespoon canola oil.
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning.
4 hot dog style buns.
1 cup Creole mustard.

Instructions

  1. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag and toss to coat.
  2. Store in a cooler until ready for use.
  3. Using your HERO Grill instructions, light charcoal pod and prepare grill for cooking.
  4. Onions and peppers on the grill first. Cook for 6 – 8 minutes per side until evenly charred and tender.
  5. Place sausages cut side down and grill 5 minutes, undisturbed, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes.
  6. Remove onions, peppers and sausages from the grill.
  7. Place buns, cut side down, on grill and toast 1 – 2 minutes.
  8. Assemble hot dogs by generously coating grilled buns with Creole mustard.
  9. Add sausages and top with onions and peppers; additional mustard can be served on the side!

A delicious addition to any spread (PHOTO: Fire and Flavor blog).

You can enjoy more of Matt’s recipes by checking out one of his bestselling cookbooks!

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2024 Away Game Guide: Tuscaloosa

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The Dawgs are taking on the Tide in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 28, 2024. Heading to Alabama to watch the game? Here are all the best places to eat, sightsee and watch the game based on our research!

WHERE TO EAT

Half Shell Oyster House boasts a menu of fresh seafood, namely oysters prepared several different ways. They have Charbroiled, Bienville, Rockefeller and Chef Special Oysters, offering a flavor for everyone. The menu features several other seafood options, and they have non-seafood choices if marine life isn’t your thing.  

Rama Jama’s is a Tuscaloosa classic. They are located right outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium and serve a hearty Southern breakfast surrounded by University of Alabama memorabilia. 

Rama Jama’s has been open since 1996. (Photo/TheBamaBuzz.com)

River is located, you guessed it, on the river. They serve dinner Tuesday through Saturday and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. River offers an elevated menu, with delicious Southern dishes such as Alabama catfish, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and more.  

Moe’s Original BBQ is exactly what it sounds like: a Southern barbecue joint that has pulled pork and sides. They feature two main sauces, the red sauce and the white sauce, and say they are both good on everything. Moe’s also has smoked chicken, fried shrimp and fried catfish if you want something other than pork.  

WHERE TO WATCH  

Gallettes is a staple in Tuscaloosa for game day activities. They have television screens on every wall and offer a fun game day atmosphere close to Bryant-Denny Stadium. They stay open late so you can keep celebrating with your fellow Dawgs.  

Innisfree Irish Pub comes highly rated and is a great place to spend game day. They offer an extensive menu of food and drinks to snack on while watching the Dawgs. Innisfree is located just north of downtown Tuscaloosa.  

WHAT TO DO 

The President’s Mansion is on the National Registry of Historical Places. Completed in 1841, all of the University of Alabama’s presidents have called it home since then. 

The President’s Mansion is a historical landmark in Tuscaloosa. (Photo/uajeffco.org)

Tuscaloosa has several lakes nearby, including Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Harris and Lake Nicol. All of them offer fun outdoor recreation. Lake Tuscaloosa is known for being good for fishing, while Lake Harris and Lake Nicol both have hiking trails of various difficulty.   

The Gorgas House is the oldest building on the University of Alabama’s campus. It was originally built as a dining hall and steward’s residence and now houses a museum dedicated to its history. The Gorgas House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. 

The Gorgas House first opened as a dining hall. (Photo/Madison Leavelle)

WHERE TO SHOP 

If you are at all familiar with “Bama Rush Tok,” the Pants Store is a name you might recognize. Several sorority girls shop there before and during rush. They are on University Boulevard. 

The Golden Hanger is another boutique located on University Boulevard. They have everything from dresses and rompers to sweaters and sets to look your best.  

Onward Reserve is located in nearby Birmingham. Onward Reserve is UGA-alumni owned, and they have several locations throughout the southeastern United States.

Onward Reserve was founded by UGA alumnus TJ Callaway IV. (Photo/The Scout Guide)

Tuscaloosa Midtown Village is your all-encompassing shopping mall. They have favorites such as Ulta and Old Navy as well as plenty of dining options for everyone.  

Not going to Tuscaloosa to watch the game? Connect with other Dawgs and find a game-watching party near you! 

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Tasty Tailgate: Kelly Chasteen’s ASW Distillery Tea

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Delicious snacks and drinks are a staple of tailgating, and this football season, University of Georgia alumni are sharing some of their favorite recipes with fellows Dawgs through our Tasty Tailgate series. Kelly Chasteen (BSED ’00) with ASW Distillery is here to showcase one of her game day favorites: Tailgate Tea.

She is a partner at Atlanta’s ASW Distillery, which was co-founded by her husband, Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson in Jim and Kelly’s home. After developing curricula in the Fulton County School System, she became head of private events at ASW Distillery. Kelly is now a partner and chief HR officer and has helped the distillery earn multiple awards — including being named a Bulldog 100 business — since 2018.

Kelly Chasteen holding a glass of Tailgate Tea (PHOTO: Edwin Hammond)

This unique drink uses Tazo tea bags and can be ready to serve in around 45 minutes. It is sure to be a refreshing addition to any tailgating spread.

Tailgate Tea Ingredients

1 large pot of water (think about a bit less than a pitcher size)
4-8 hibiscus tea bags (I like Tazo’s Passion Tea, and I use 8 to get that deep red color)
1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup of rosemary simple syrup (see recipe below)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil (around 10-16 cups depending on the size of your pitcher).

2. Add 4-8 hibiscus tea bags to the pot and cover.

3. Remove from heat and allow it to steep for at least 7-10 minutes. You don’t have to worry if it’s longer, as hibiscus tea doesn’t turn bitter if over-steeped.

4. Discard tea bags. Set tea aside and let cool to room temperature.

5. Once cooled, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of rosemary simple syrup. Stir well and pour over a tall glass of ice.

6. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon or fresh lemon slice and a sprig of rosemary.

Tip: if you clap that rosemary sprig between your hands, you’ll release the essential oil, allowing for a beautiful aroma while enjoying your tea and leaving your hands smelling nice, too!

A brewing pot of Tailgate Tea (PHOTO: Edwin Hammond).

Kelly also shared her recipe for the rosemary syrup she uses in the tea.

Rosemary Simple Syrup Ingredients

1 cup of granulated white sugar
1 cup of water
2-4 large sprigs of rosemary

Instructions

1. Bring 1 cup of water to boil.

2. Add 1 cup of granulated white sugar and stir until dissolved.

3. Remove from heat.

4. Add 2-4 large sprigs of rosemary and set aside for 30 minutes.

5. Strain rosemary from the simple syrup into a mason jar or glass container.

A pitcher of Tailgate Tea and a jar of rosemary simple syrup (PHOTO: Edwin Hammond).

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Road to Sanford

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Cassandra Cannon: The Pajama Game

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This story, written by Heather Skyler, was originally published on UGA Today on May 23, 2024.

When Cassandra Cannon was a new mother, she and her friend, Anne Read Lattimore, decided to start a pajama company.

Both women were spending a lot of time at home with their babies, and they wanted something to wear that was more comfortable but also a little nicer looking than the oversized T-shirts and boxer shorts they often wore around the house.

“All of the pajamas we saw were either the traditional, button down, boxy menswear style or lingerie inspired. We wanted something more comfortable and put together,” says Cannon (BS ’08).

Inspiration hit one day when the two women noticed their infants’ clothes were incredibly soft. “We saw that our babies wore mostly Pima cotton, and we realized it is the softest thing ever and we should make pajamas out of this for adults,” says Cannon.

Two years later, after extensive research, Lake Pajamas launched in 2014. The founders’ idea was to make very soft pajamas with a classic American style and a nautical look. Today, the company is thriving, with its headquarters in Savannah and storefronts in Atlanta and Charleston, South Carolina.

Born and raised in Savannah, Cannon attended the University of Georgia where she majored in biology and psychology, with a tentative plan to go to medical school.

But then she had second thoughts.

Back in Savannah she tried a few other options: an anesthesia assistant graduate program and a year of art classes at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Then she did clerical work for her parents’ industrial contracting business.

In her mid-20s, she decided to apply for medical school and was accepted at Mercer University.

At the same time, she began talking to Anne Read about starting a business. Being a new parent made her realize med school wasn’t the best option now. So, she took a leap of faith in her entrepreneurial skills and started a business with Lattimore.

“We had a product, and we knew our audience, and we were making it for them.” — Cassandra Cannon (BS ’08), co-founder of Lake Pajamas

In the beginning, Cannon and Lattimore didn’t really know how to make clothing. “It’s crazy looking back how we made it all happen. We searched online for suppliers, drawing the designs on paper. We were scrappy that way,” says Cannon.

Cannon provides the creative vision for Lake Pajamas, and Lattimore handles the business side, though during the first four years they each did a little bit of everything, working together from home with their kids running around them. Now they have an office in Savannah with close to 70 employees.

One key to the company’s success is being savvy on social media. “Instagram was fairly new when we started, and it allowed us to connect to an audience inexpensively,” Cannon says. Lake Pajamas has worked with a few influencers, and the company’s pajamas have been seen on celebrities including Jennifer Garner and Jenna Bush Hager.

Lake Pajamas has expanded its clothing line to include dresses, pajamas, men’s robes, and clothes for kids. Cannon, who is married to UGA alumnus Pierce Cannon (BSFCS ’06), now has four kids under 10, and she said they wear the pajamas as do some of their friends.

Cannon says filling a specific niche was also a big part of the company’s success. “We had a product, and we knew our audience, and we were making it for them. It grew organically by word of mouth in a way we didn’t expect.”

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2024 Away Game Guide: Lexington

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The Dawgs will play the Kentucky Wildcats in an SEC matchup on Sept. 14, 2024, in Lexington, Kentucky. If you are heading to the Bluegrass State to cheer on the Dawgs, here are some of our Lexington alumni’s favorite places to eat, shop and sightsee.  

WHERE TO EAT

Josie’s and Ramsey’s serve breakfast all day and feature a Southern-inspired menu with entrees such as fried chicken and pot roast and sides including green beans and stewed tomatoes. Both are favorites among the locals and close to the university. 

Ramsey’s has been open since 1989. (Photo/Lexington Herald-Leader)

If you are looking for a steakhouse dinner, Malone’s is the place for you. They have sushi rolls like the Baked Lava Roll, Seared Ahi Tuna roll and Crab Rangoon roll, they offer steaks in an assortment of cuts, and they serve a wide variety of seafood.  

WHERE TO WATCH 

Winchell’s boasts 30 flatscreen televisions and a “huge variety of specials,” making it an ideal place to watch the game with your fellow Dawgs. Winchell’s has been open for over 25 years, and they’ve become a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Drake’s features a burger-of-the-month and sushi-of-the-month, allowing you to try something different every time you go. They are open until midnight from Sunday-Thursday and open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, making them a great spot to hang out and watch the game.  

Drake’s offers a variety of burgers and has a burger of the month. (Photo/AllEvents.in)

WHAT TO DO

Keeneland has been a premier destination for thoroughbred horse racing since 1936. They offer tours of the grounds and different events throughout the year to appeal to everyone, from special dinners to races to activities for kids. They are open 365 days a year to the public.

Horse Country, a non-profit located in Kentucky, gives tours tailored to your specific horse-related interests. You can book the tours on their website, with categories like Horse Interaction, Veterinary Care & Feed, Sport Horses and more. They even provide shuttle tours if that’s more your speed.  

Horse Country offers tours of multiple horse farms to the public, with tours tailored to every experience. (Photo/VisitHorseCountry)

Not interested in the horses? VisitLex lists several fun places to check out, so take a glance at their website! They have something for everybody, including arts centers, nature preserves, museums and much more.  

WHERE TO SHOP 

Downtown Lexington features an assortment of shops and cool architecture to explore. They have stores all along East and West Main Street: everything from clothing and home goods to souvenir shops. The Square in downtown Lexington showcases several art galleries and museums. 

Chevy Chase Plaza, near the University of Kentucky, offers a collection of restaurants and shopping. The Plaza is within walking distance of some other sightseeing attractions, such as the Henry Clay House.  

Chevy Chase Plaza has a variety of restaurants and stores to wander around in. (Photo/VisitLex)

Not heading to Lexington and wanting to connect with Dawgs in your area? Find a local game-watching party near you! 

Find Your Game-Watching Party