Park Free
Throughout February, park in the AMLI on 2ND garage (entrance on San Antonio) or the AMLI Downtown garage (entrance of Lavaca) and bring your parking ticket into any 2ND Street District business for validation. Park FREE for up to two hours at a time on weekdays, between 8 am and 5 pm. There’s still validated weekday parking in the City Hall garage (same rules apply). And City Hall parking is always free before 5 pm on weekends.

Win
Have you connected with us on Twitter or Facebook yet? It’s the best way to get up-to-the-moment neighborhood buzz, contest information and great get-them-while-they’re-hot deals. This month, if you tell us what you love about 2ND Street District, you'll be entered to win $100 in 2ND Street District gift certificates. Winner will be chosen randomly and announced by e-mail on Monday, March 1.

Sip and Shop
MEN-only Sip & See Scotch Tasting at Beyond Tradition Tuesday, February 9

Valentine’s Day shopping event at Peyton’s Place February 12 through 14

Party
An authentic Mardi Gras party at Authentic Smiles February 11

Wine and Dine
Happy Fu Year at Mama Fu’s Monday, February 15 though Thursday, February 18

Aphrodisiac-inspired Valentine’s Day menu at Cru

Special Valentine’s Day menu at La Condesa

Give and Get
Does your main squeeze need a shot of insight from Cupid? Email cupid@milkandhoneyspa.com with your Valentine's spa wishes, and be sure to include his or her contact information. Cupid will send instructions on how to make your wishes come true at milk + honey this Valentine's Day.

Be My Cupcake gift baskets now at delish (order by Wednesday, February 10, and save!)

Meet Friends of the Ronald McDonald House at IF+D and learn about all the good they’re doing Friday, February 12

Indulge
Valentine’s Day...the milk + honey way: Check out all the fabulous and natural treatments and specials for him, for her, and even to share

We know you deserve it. Spoil yourself with a Lux Massage and enjoy a 90-minute milk + honey Massage with ALL the upgrades: aromatherapy, milk + honey massage cream, warm oil head & neck massage, and extra 15 minutes of foot massage. This wonderful massage is two hours full of milk + honey BLISS. Bring your favorite pals and celebrate your freedom for $165.

Discuss
Studio talk at DWR Thursday, February 18

New to the Neighborhood

Art Debut
February 3, we welcomed our neighborhood’s newest addition with friends, neighbors and even Mayor Leffingwell and his team. Despite the cold rain, we dedicated La Fuente en Calle Segundo, a sculptural fountain funded 100 percent by AMLI. Designed by Wimberley artists Jerolyn Bahm-Colombik & Roger Colombik, the sculptural fountain is part of the City’s Great Streets Capital Improvement Program which is designed to create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown environment.

La Condesa Specials
Our new La Condesa Happy Hour features half-off drinks at the bar Monday through Friday from 5 to 7pm. That’s half off everything, including signature cocktails and homemade sangrias. Plus, we’ve got a new brunch special: $2 Bloody Marys and Mimosas Saturdays and Sundays.

Buzz on the Street

In the Austin American Statesman A-list:
"All those pets downtown — and their humans — needed a club house. They found one in Lofty Dog, the West Second Street all-in-one pet stop. It won the A List reader poll for Best Pet Store. Big time. In fact, Lofty Dog lapped up 60 percent of the vote. That’s pretty decisive."

In the Apartment Therapy design blog:
“Once upon a time, in our youth, a book mobile was a library on wheels that visited our school on Wednesdays. Recently, we spotted an updated version of the "book mobile" in the window of Eliza Page jewelry studio in Austin. We were so enamored with the charming display that we had to go inside and see the equally charming jewelry (mostly made by local designers).

In this month’s Texas Monthly Where to Eat Now (La Condesa):
“The controversy over this style-conscious cutting-edge Mexican restaurant is so hot you could dip a chip in it. One contingent bellows, “Too exotic, too pricey!” The other side roars, “Delicious and worth every centavo!” Inspired by both street food and fine dining, Texas-born, New York-seasoned chef Rene Ortiz has gone way out on a limb. Of his four ceviches, for instance, only one resembles the familiar chunky, lime-cooked seafood. His hamachi version, for instance is abstract art: slices of raw fish are lightly spritzed with lime juice that’s been infused with cilantro and grilled habanero then crowned with fresh fried chicharrones. In his tostadas de cangrejo, gorgeous, pearly lump crab gets edgy with sharp green mango and silky chipotle mayo. A duo of lamb chops and shoulder comes with sassy mint-and-jalapeno garnish, a sly nod to the mint jelly of yore. Get with it people. Mexican food isn’t just for hangovers anymore.”

…Have a great month & see you in the neighborhood,