Chez Nous

This French guy I knew who went to UT was probably the biggest snob I have ever met. Talk about PICKY, the guy would even set the table French style with the fork facing down (because facing up is soooo tacky). Anyway, my point is, this picky French dude had a weekly affair with Chez Nous, so I figured, if he liked it, it must be pretty damn good. 

The setting is simple, small, cozy, romantic, and very country French...regional food, you know? We were greeted by a woman with the most beautiful french accent, our table surrounded by French speaking families, ugh so perfect. 

A little wine, and we were good to try the appetizer: Pâté maison. Homemade pate with cornichons and olives. I'm telling you, it's the simple things in life. Yum!

Italianini (whose French isn't too shabby) had the Escalopes de veau en papillote. Basically your Veal cordon bleu. Veal scallopini with mandrange ham and gruyere with white wine tarragon cream sauce. It was delicious. So creamy, yet poignant. Perfect.

I had Poisson rôti à l’anis. Halibut roasted on shaved fennel with pastis, fumet, creme fraiche, and fried celeriac. You know how much I love fennel and celeriac. I was in heaven. Super light but full of flavor. Delish!

We skipped dessert, but I can't wait to go back and try them all!

All I know is that 27 years of French and Austin regulars can't be wrong.

http://cheznousaustin.com/about.html

Tarka

Let's just say that I love all food.

I mean I'll try everything once, but I'm not the biggest fan of Indian simply because of what it can do to your belly. NOT.good.

Anyway, it's still delicious, so the Australian and I tried TARKA.

The brains behind Clay Pit (which I've only been to once) decided to make Indian fast, easy, and super cheap.

Despite the fact that they left the venue looking pretty much like Cosi (which closed a few months before Tarka took over), and even kept their cheesy signature couches, it's a pretty chill and comfortrable place.

We started with the Chicken Pakoras: chicken strips in chick pea flour batter and fried. These were so good, the batter is certainly different than your typical chicken tender and the dipping sauce kicks butt.

We had to have Samosas- YUM- stuffed with potatoes and green peas. Yes, it sounds way too healthy to be good (ahem, the peas), but they were delicious. Then again, chutney can make anything taste good.

Oh yeah, we also had beer :). Long day, you know?

I had an aloo Naanini. In other words, their version of a potato flatbread sandwich. Super good, but too much shredded lettuce and served with fries! WHAT?!? Whatever, fries aside, an enjoyable bite.

The Aussie had a curry that smelled so good, but when I tried it, I almost passed out it was so spicy. Yes, I'm Mexican and can't stand super spicy, don't judge.

Overall, pretty good, considering great location, cheap, no line, no wait, fast service, and great company :). Whether you want to be in and out, or relax while having a filling meal, Tarka is a really good option.

http://tarkaindiankitchen.com/

Parkside

I have to start by apologizing for the pictures... super blurry and just plain sucky. Sorry people, it was dark in there and the phone flash can only do so much...

Ok, so I finally tried Parkside. We decided to try everything, except the entrees, ha!

We had one of the platters with three kinds of oysters (3 of each) and three different ceviches. My favorite was the fluke, lemon, and almonds ceviche...Yum! Maybe the crunchiness of the almonds and the freshness of the fish? I don't know, I just know I barely left a bite for Italinini... oops!

We also had fired okra (couldn't resist), the steak tartar, mac and cheese, and the sweet breads and tongue.

The sweetbreads and tongue come with an amazing sauce. Tongue is definitely an acquired taste, not for the actual taste, but for its texture.
It was amazing.


The steak tartar was really good. Classic. I can't seem to get used to seeing the raw egg on top. Something about the runny yolk and the cold that gets me. Don't worry, I ate a little more than my half :).

The fried okra was o.k. I expected better. The ranch there is disappointing. Definitely not their strong point.

Oh, but the Mac and Cheese. My friends, I think it's safe to say that I have found my favorite macaroni and cheese. They make it with gruyere and cheddar and sprinkle the magical bread crum fairy dust on top. Frantastic.

Overall, I'd go back just for the fluke and almond ceviche and the mac and cheese.

http://www.parkside-austin.com/

Tarbouch

Last Friday I finally got someone to try the new Lebanese place on Oltorf (next to Curra's)... who better than the Lebaunidense. 

You're probably wondering how I came up with Lebaunidense. Well, he comes from a Lebanese mother and an American father--- which in spanish would be referred to as Estadounidense, and since my friend is big into the Spanish language, I figured it would suit him perfectly.

I was so excited to try this place since reading this on their website:

Paul Nader brings his culinary genius to Central Texas with his newest restaurant Tarbouch, a Lebanese Grill and Hookah bar.  Paul, head chef and owner of Chez Paul restaurant and bakery in Lebanon, now opens his doors to the people of Austin.  With 20 years of experience serving the people of Lebanon with fresh, flavorful food he is very excited to be in Austin. Tarbouch now opens in Austin to offer the people of Texas quality food without breaking the wallet.   

The food is a unique marriage of Mediterranean and traditional Lebanese cuisine.  The entire menu is made on site and from scratch.  For those who are curious Tarbouch is a red felt hat in the shape of a truncated cone worn by many in the Ottoman empire. 

 

The restaurant is TINY ... I mean, tiny and very simple. 

Half of the restaurant was taken up by a refrigerator full of Baklava (the only dessert on the menu) and sodas. Nothing impressive...so I figured the food would be really good, since typically holes in the wall like this one serve the best food. 

Nope...

To start we had Mast-OKhiyar (yoghurt and cucumber). Super bland. I mean they literally put some plain yoghurt and cut up cucumbers, no spices, not even salt. 

Lebaunidense got Sheesh Tawook- chicken breast cooked over an open flame and served with cabbage salad, hummus, garlic sauce, and pickles. 

He wasn't impressed, but of course this didn't hold a candle to his mom's garlic sauce! 

I had Beef Shawarma Plate- beef steak slowly roasted on a vertical pit,thinly sliced and served with hummus, onion salad, Tahini (sesamesauce) and Greek Salad.  No go on this---- I liked the Tahini, but I'd rather make the trip to Phoenicia and enjoy a GOOD Shawarma.  Even the bread tasted funny... 

I wonder if they make it there or buy Phoenicia brand... didn't taste Phoenicia to me. 

Overall, I expected a little more spice. The portions were nice and big, and you get your  money's worth... just not worth the trip if you live or work far from Oltorf and Congress. 

http://www.tarbouchfood.com/index.html

 

The Inaugural Sustainable Food Center Chef Series : La Condesa

As much as I love food, I was hesitant to pay $150 for a 7 course meal... But when all the profits go to the Sustainable Food Center of Austin, and it involves some of the best Chefs, I couldn't say no.

Sunday.Nov.8. 2009
I was so proud of  myself for being on-time as I walked through the door at 6 p.m. sharp into the packed lobby at La Condesa. We were immediately handed a glass of champagne with apples and greeted by the hostess who took us to our table.

As we were served each course, each Chef would explain their dish and the local farms that provided the meats, fish, and produce to a dining room full of mouths watering.  

And so, the marathon of scrumptiousness began:

Jesse Griffiths Dai Due -Supper Club-

Charcuterie plate, dried jalapeno goose sausage, pecan and fig terrine, rabbit  rillettes, olive oil, liverwurst served with Independence Brewing Company Austin Ale.

What a great way to open the meal. The terrine reminded me of Easter at my grandma's house...Except hers had olives, garlic, and all kinds of Mexican goodness. Chef Griffiths' was fantastic with the mix of the sweet figs and crunchiness of the pecan.


Tyson Cole Uchi
Kai jiru, maine mussels, pedernales farms tomato water, celery, bluebonnet farms basil served with Fritz Haag Estate, Dry Riesling 2006

Tyson Cole + food within the same sentence= rock my face off. I can honeslty say this was the first "tomato water" I've ever had and it was a great first experience. The potent flavor of the mussels was toned down by the fresh celery and basil.  Who needs a spoon when you can sip your meal, right?


Rene Ortiz La Condesa
Roberto san miguel gulf shrimp, tamarind, lime and chile, texas crab salad, hands of the earth red amaranth with malpeque oysters, urban roots red chiles, local lime dressing with M Borealis, Montinore Estate, Oregon 2008.

It's no secret- I LOVE the food this magic man makes, but he outdid himself on this particular dish. Not only can he make your taste buds dance with cochinita pibil, he can surprise the hell out of them with a simple amaranth leaf.  He said he was trying to cook out of the box, wihtin his resutaurant and deliver something different (or something along those lines, I was too busy scarfing down my food to listen carefully). The tamarind, the amaranth, the sharp spiciness on the oyster, all very Thai and DELICIOUS. My favorite dish of the night. PERIOD.


Todd Duplechan TRIO
texas quail, green apple, arepas, green mole with Va Piano Signature Series, Syrah, 2007

You gotta love the guy for trying, but I didn't eat an arepa, or mole with the charred quail... No, make that pieces of coal on my plate on top of cornmeal goo and pesto. Very nicely plated, but pretty disappointing. I was very surprised because I'm typically a TRIO fan... an off night maybe?


Shawn Cirkiel Parkside
Loncito's lamb three ways, pardina lentils, butternut squash mostarda, spice with Nadia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Barbara Highlands, 2004

So, when Chef Cirkiel got up to present his dish, and say how happy he was to be a part of this, and the importance of sustainability, etc etc... my food got cold. His lamb three ways was mediocre. I expected the meat to fall off the bone and the lentils to play around with the butternut squash... or just to have more presence I guess, but no. Sad.

But then came dessert.....

Laura Sawicki La Condesa
Texas olive oil ranch olife oil cake, poached farwell gala apple, salted candied pine nuts, texas ice milk with Fine Calvados Manhattan, cinnamon apple vermouth 

Think of the most delicious poundcake you've ever had. Got it? Now magnify the flavor times 1000...and then imagine it's olive oil poundcake, and then imagine it's topped with ice cream like you've never tasted before...cause you can't make out the flavor... definitely not vanilla, but then... what is it? Perfection, that's what.
I guess this cake doesn't even fit into the poundcake category--- it deserves its own.
She toys with your mouth--- fruitiness of olive oil, the apples, and the simple, yet amazing ice cream...mmmmmmmm!
I'm in love with this woman's sweets. I will soon write a love letter to her.

This was an amazing experience, perfect venue, great people, a sampling of the work of the masterminds that rule the kitchens in Austin... Definitely worth $150.
I hear there is another one coming in the Spring. I'm in!

http://sfcchefseries.eventbrite.com/

http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/

I just had to share...

So one of my awesome followers sent this to me and I just had to share:

Subject: The Blandwich

There is no worst waste of stomach space than a turkey and havarti sandwich. It is literally my only food pet peeve because it is the only food that makes me mad to eat it.  It's the food equivalent of being given a large empty gift box on Christmas, and then being made to eat it.  I almost fell out of my chair when you nailed it in your latest review.

What a perfect word...BLANDWICH! Genius. 

*Note: I do like Turkey and Havarti... just not the one at the Alamo Drafthouse :)

Alamo Drafthouse Lamar

Let me tell you that I LOOOVEEE the Alamo Drafthouse. I think it's the greatest invention since... mmm... I don't know, cruise control?!

I guess you could say I'm a frequent flyer to their S. Lamar location...at least once a month. 

I mean think about it, movies, booze, sweets, food, and now even a bowling alley!

So here are my two cents:

Typically I can't handle the temptation of the “OVER THE TOP” DOG. I like it with cheese and a side of ranch. I'm addicted to their fries... especially with queso! Oh yum! 

This last time I strayed, however, and ordered the Roasted Turkey Sandwich with havarti, rosemary aioli, and added guacamole. BIG MISTAKE. It was so bland and boring... I only ate three bites. Literally.

I've also tried a couple of their pizzas, but I love their “WILD AT ARTICHOKE HEARTS”. It has four cheeses, spinach, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts (duh), garlic AND goat cheese. Can you say explosion of deliciousness in the mouth? Yep.

And the one time I tried a milkshake, Italianini made me try the Guiness (since it's my beer of choice). There are truly no words to describe the experience. Just don't order it.

http://www.originalalamo.com/Default.aspx?l=4

Oh and---

The Highball really couldn't be any cooler. I mean, mix the genius of Joel Mozersky with Tim and Keri League's vision and voila! It's truly an awesome place...It's the lovechild of sophistication and The Big Lebowski.

I've yet to try the food, so I'll keep you posted, but really even if you drive by just look through the window.

Whie Russian anyone?

Justine's

So, if you take 5th street, go east of 35 and continue driving until you think you've reached Bastrop--- you'll reach Justine's.

There was sooo much hoopla around this place. I even tried to go once only to find out there was a 45 minute wait, they didn't take reservations, and the dining room has maybe 8 tables...Still, everyone I know loved their food so, Italianini and I went last night.

First of all, they entice you to come in with their website. It seduces you with provocative black and white images of naked women. Don't really know what that's about, but I really like it.

We were seated inside at one of their tiny marble tables for 4...Hmmm... I could barely fit, the chair was the most uncomfortable piece of wood I have ever sat on (and definitely thought it was going to break), and, while beautiful, the iron legs of the table didn't leave much room to cross my legs, or even sit comfortably. Ugh.

The ambiance is nice, low lighting, dark ceiling, cute bar, but it all goes to crap when you're literally touching backs with the guy behind you that's sweating profusely because their ac does not circulate well.

Anyway, their menu is very small, and then there was the whole- 'We're out of the confit' and I didn't want pork, or steak, and Italianini didn't want scallops, and why would you have a plate of cheese when they make the meats in the charcuterie plate in house? So, choices were limited.

We started with charcuterie plate. I was expecting the best of the best (made in house!) and was truly disappointed. Why would you call it a charcuterie plate when it's clearly three different pates?

Italianini had the onion soup. It was really good, but they skipped the bread... I like mine topped with some bread.

I had the snapper with buerre blanc and he had the steak.

It was sooooo much food (generous portions), and add a bottle of red wine and we had full bellies. But truly, it was not something to write home about, or even rave about...

Whathaheck is wrong with Austinites? Or more importantly, my friends!?!

This was a step below Annies...o.k., but not delicious.

http://justines1937.com/

Doc's Motorworks

Lately I've been on this cheap eats and thrills kick...since I'm super broke.

On a super rainy Wednesday the girls and I went to Doc's for $1 tacos and $2 beer (that is MEXICAN beer yum!).

I gotta say, the whole crispy taco concept doesn't sound appetizing...but IT IS! Oh man, those beef crispy tacos topped with shredded lettuce and cheddar cheese will surprise the heck out of your taste buds.

I think the reason I actually like them (and ate 5 of them) is that they lay off the cumin...

They have specials almost every day. Check them out.
http://eatdrinkdocs.com/#locations

North

Sunday, Italianini and I drove out of our comfy downtown bubble and went to North at the Domain for a long overdue date.

The place is contemporary, very nice, and has a great patio...although it's smaller than the others scattered across the U.S., it certainly lives up to the Fox Restaurant Concept's reputation.

I had only been there for lunch and I typically get the goat cheese, fig, and prosciutto pizza, but it was nowhere to be found on the dinner menu. Bummer. Meh, I'll try something new.

We started with a small salad called 'Tutta la Casa' --- pretty much they take whatever they can get their hands on and throw it into a bowl. Greens, prosciutto, cheeses, pine nuts, olives, etc etc... We also had the calamari which is served on a bed of spinach and some lemon wedges. It's so good, you don't need any kind of sauce.

Italianini ordered the tuna. It was a little disappointing. Very bland and the sauce on it didn't help much. Really, even the description on the menu is boring...Grilled Ahi Tuna with "Whatever Vegetable We Have".

Blaaaaah!

I had the Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin with olive oil mashed potatoes. YUMMY. It was perfect. It had a little bit of sweet, with the cider, and a little bit of sour, with some sort of tangy soy sauce concauction. Delish.

                    

We finished the evening with a little Tiramisu. It was mediocre. Could have saved myself some calories.

It's always tricky to take an Italian to an 'Italian' place. I guess if he agrees with my theory of NOT calling Tex-Mex Mexican food, then he probably enjoys the Americanized Italian food, right?

http://www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com/north.html

I love you TX people!

Yes, I've been a slacker lately and have not posted anything in a while... I know.

I'm sorry...I was on vaca! :)

Let me just say that I love my TX people. If you're not from Texas, but live here, you know exactly what I mean.

I've just returned from visiting my brother at MIT and, while I fell in love with BAWSTON, the people were a different story.

Nothing like landing in a city you've never been to before, heading over to the information desk at the airport and being greeted by a "What do you want?" -- ha!

But, the architecture was incredible, the landmarks, the Boston Commons, Newbury St., the fact that I spent time with my little brother and his 5000000 new friends, roamed around the creepy tunnels of MIT under the infinite corridor (and went chairing, by the way), and enjoyed such delicious food, made up for it.

I know this isn't a Boston food blog, but it's worth  mentioning that the North End and Faneuil Hall have delicious goodness waiting for you. Tons of my friends sent me their lists of the restaurants I had to check out...but you know it's all going to crap when you tourist around and walk like a maniac. The only actual planned outing I had was with a friend I had never met before (Don't worry, we have mutual friends) at the Mandarin Hotel's  M Bar.

Anyway, the brother and I had walked so much that we just stopped at the first Italian place we could find on Hanover St. (Yes, the one that Mike's Pastry is on)---Damiano. Oh man, the prosciutto wrapped figs could have killed me. I guess someone decided that tapas could also be Italian? Whatever, it worked. We had meatballs, the figs, scallops, and lobster ravioli (of course).

 

Then, before touring Harvard, we HAD to try Upstairs on the Square. 

Yes, the rumors are true, they are the BEST eggs benedict ever.

 

The last day we went to Faneuil Hall for some of the famous Clam Chowda... yum. The only bad part is that the disgusting pigeons are flying all over flapping their gross wings and spreading disease on my bread bowl! Eeeewwwww!

All this to say that I really enjoyed my trip, but I missed the friendly Texan smiles. :)

Home Sweet Home. 

Screaming Goat

Cheap + Beer + Tacos + Good = Great time with the girls

I've been pinching pennies lately since I want to spend them in Boston when I visit my brother in a few days...Still the girls and I wanted to catch up after Brown's trip to the Big Apple so I browsed the frugal feaster site and decided on the Screaming Goat for $2 beer and cheap tacos.

Let's start with the space. The last time I went to this particular venue it was Cafe Caprice--- a fancy, sort of a 'date' kind of restaurant. The food wasn't too memorable.

A couple of geniuses decided to transform this cute little house into an order-at-the-counter cheap Mexican food joint.

Their specials are awesome. It was Tuesday so the really cheap eats were the burgers, but I was super curious to try their Tacos al Pastor.

Brown ordered a fish taco and a chicken. I had al pastor, and chicken. We all shared guacamole and chips and salsa.

The guacamole was phenomenal. The perfect amount of lime, chunky tomatoes (for those of us who are not very fond and like to pick them out), cilantro... just so yummy!

The salsa was spicy, but you could taste the roasted peppers. Good.

The taco al pastor gave Curra's a run for their money. They do small double corn tortillas, like the Mexican street vendors do, and load them up with the usual topings---except for the pineapple...and I love my pineapple.

Still, I really enjoyed it.

  

There's my big thumb!

So, four girls, one very large basket of chips, some tacos, too many empty beer bottles , and three hours later, we were the last ones there.

It's a cool spot for a chill bite and drink. Very casual.

On Thursdays they have $.75 flautas and $2 beer.

Check them out.

W.10th and Lamar

P.S.- Vegetarian Items!!!

Restaurant Week. Stop No. 3: III Forks

To close out ARW with 'broche de oro' the girls and I decided to catch up and try III Forks.

 Ish, Brown, and the Venezuelan ordered the French onion soup---they kept OOOing and AAAing, so I guess it was good.

I had the III Forks salad: The typical spring mix with pecans, apples, blue cheese, and a vinaigrette.

Ish and I had the  Bacon Wrapped Filet: 6 oz of fantastic, addicting flavors finished with Charon sauce, served with broccolini (can you believe I ate this two nights in a row?) and new potatoes. I could have done without the huge potato on my plate...but the sauce, the tomatoes, the bacon, everything was delicious.

Brown chose the Mahi Mahi:  marinated in a Ginger Lime Dijon, served with marinated onions, red bell peppers and jasmine rice. It was so flavorful. She described the rice as bland, like 'the kind you get with chinese food', but it truly tasted like jasmine.

Ish and I finished off with the Chocolage ganache cake. It was not mind-blowing, but it did have a little coconut on top... yum!

Brown ordered the Cheesecake, but the Venezuelan ate it (she skipped the main course): Honey cheesecake topped with glaze with a  graham cracker crust.

The ambiance is very 'rich country man' : Antler chandeliers, heavy woods, dark leather booths and  bar stools...I could just see JR from Dallas sitting there with a scotch in his hand.

Driskill Grill

Few things top having a romantic dinner with your man. 

It also doesn't  hurt when it's in a beautiful historic building over delicious food!

The Italianini and I had planned to check out the Driskill Grill for Restaurant Week, but once we got there... he looked at the menu and said: "Forget about the ARW Menu, pick whatever you want"... what girl doesn't love getting spoiled by the BF, right?

First of all, you may think it's cliche or that I'm a cheeseball , but this place is truly magical. The lobby greets you with the most delightful smell; fresh yet sophisticated, and the service is phenomenal. Even the restrooms make you feel like you're in an old luxurious mansion. Lovely, really. 

The amuse bouche was a puff pastry with some caramelized onions, the Driskill's version of ceviche, and some lemon sorbet to cleanse the pallate.

I was still really looking forward to the Medjool Dates (Which were on the ARW menu and since the last time I had anything close to that was at AVEC in Chicago forever ago--sigh).

These little pieces of heaven are bacon-wrapped, with manchego cheese and smoked Spanish chorizo.

Oh! No words can describe the experience of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet dates perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the chorizo in my mouth. YOU MUST TRY THEM!

Italianini picked the Charcuterie Plate: Cured Meats, Pâté, Mustard, Pickled Vegetables. I only had a couple of bites of prosciutto, and pâté... I couldn't take my eyes off of my delicious morsels of scrumptiousness!

Italianini had the Filet Mignon: Mushrooms, brussels leaves, purple potatoes, port cipollini. OMG what a piece of meat. There was this foam/mousse surrounding the filet that was to die for...a mix of truffle oil and coliflower flavors, delectable. The cipollini (little onions in Italian) added a perfect hint of sweetness.

I had the Seared Georges Bank Scallops: Crab and shrimp ravioli, saffron broth (YUM!), artichokes and broccollini. The scallops were beautifully cooked and buttery.

You know how when you're eating something so good you want to eat it sloooowwwwly so it lasts longer? This was that kind of dish.

We skipped desert...we had sooo much food!

So, not so much a AWR review...but such a fabulous dining experience. 

Note: I borrowed the pic--it was so nice, fancy, and dark in there that I felt awkward taking a pic myself :)

Restaurant Week. Stop No. 2: Hudson's on the Bend

I had heard great things about Hudson's on the Bend...specifically, that if I liked game (you know, not your typical hamburger helper types of meat), I had to go. 

The menu is on the $$$ side, so we went to try their FAB Restaurant Week menu. 

The really cool thing about this place's ARW is that for $10 more you have wine pairings with each course---it's like the dining experience on steroids.

OK so I was expecting a fancy restaurant (from all the hoopla you know? And a 30 minute drive to dinner is painful when you're hungry), but what welcomed us was the prettiest outdoor seating area, enormous trees covered with lights, a busy patio, and a rustic waiting area with heavy woods, a tin roof, and guitars signed by all the ACL stars. 

It is so country, in a good way. 

The dining room was cozy, even romantic, with low lighting and heavy candle light. It was comfortable. 

Started off with complimentary cocktails while we waited. Yes, please!

Our first course was the amuse bouche: Wild Boar in a puff pastry with tomatillo white chocolate sauce with cotija (or queso fresco) sprinkled on top. I must admit that I am NOT the biggest fan of white chocolate, but this was gooood.  

Italianini had the Chipotle Lobster Bisque with a Parmesan Puff Pastry Crouton. He loved it. He, literally, would not shut up about it and how perfect it was.

I had the Smoked Duck Diablos: Duck breast, jicama, jalapeno, figs in balsamic wrapped in apple wood bacon with a red chili glaze dipping sauce. The presentation was a little weird, but the bacon was perfect and the jicama gave it a great crunch. The dipping sauce, however, just ruined it. It was too vinegary, too thick... I just skipped it. 

We both HAD to have the Pecan Grilled Venison with Chipotle Beer Blanc

Served with green chile mashed potatoes and a medley of summer vegetables. It's hard to explain how good this dish was. The meat was tender, nutty, and cooked to perfection. The mashed potatoes tasted like a piece of New Mexico...that green chile kicked my butt!

Oh, and that sweet tooth of ours... I had the Warm Spring Berry Flambé atop Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. It made me warm and fuzzy inside. 

Italianini had the Brownie Sundae with Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Ice Cream

and Hot Fudge Sauce. It was good, but he kept stealing bites from mine! 

The choices of wine were vast. You had two or three choices for each course. The service was stellar, and overall a great experience. 

The regular menu has things like- rattle snake cakes, rabbit, pheasant, buffalo, elk, etc...

Panza llena, corazon contento. 

Restaurant Week. Stop No.1 : Aquarelle

Italianini and I were on a mission. The day he finally got his hands on a Restaurant Week map we went through the list and picked four we would tackle (conflicting schedules you know, work, class, life).

First stop- Aquarelle. This French place, is really for special occasions and when you really want to treat yourself since their regular menu is pretty pricey.
Consider this: Foie Gras = $20
The Restaurant Week Menu = $35/person for a three course meal.
We had to go.

 Let me just tell you that the French are very particular about their dinner tables. For example, a very cultured (from an uber wealthy family) French  man once taught me that the fork must ALWAYS face down when you set the table...'It's so tacky to have it facing up' ---excuse me while I stick my nose in the air and lift my pinky! Anyway, this French place is no exception, the fork was facing down.

Amuse Bouche: coliflower mousse--- bland... the only exciting part was the toast!

Wild Burgundy Escargot: Pretty tasty (no shell).
Tomato concasse, herbs de Provence cream, persillade brochette
Marinated Raw Beet Salad: So yummy! How can something so simple, make me so happy? I know, it's raw beets, but I love them!
Animal farm’s arrugula, pure luck goats cheese vinaigrette

The Italianini went with P.E.I. Mussels and TX Gulf Shrimp: Fettuccine, duo of sauces, roasted tomato butter and saffron butter. Very good.
I had the Pan Roasted Lamb Chops: Mint gnocchi, spicy melting onions, swiss char, lamb jus.  The lamb was "medium rare" but just toooo rare. Gave me the heebe jeebes, parisian gnocchi? it was o.k...can't say it was something to write home about.

Sweets? Oh yes!

I had the Profiteroles: More like profiterole...a very small one.Pastry with rum coffee ice cream and chocolate---yummy.

Italianini had the Frangelica Crème Brulee: Sable cookies, chocolate covered espresso beans-- nice surprise! not your typical  blueberry. 

The ambiance is fancy, low lighting, super cozy, but it's almost intimidating to talk in there---The wood floors, how small the dining room actually is and considering the table next to us was practically on top of us, made it difficult to have a private conversation.

Overall it's good and the service is good but I'm just not super excited about it. 

Not sure if the reason it left me feeling 'whateverish'  was the Restaurant Week Menu limitations...

You should eat there at least once when you're in Austin... and if you live here, take your time, just be sure to make a stop there before you're 80.

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Galaxy Cafe (Clarksville)

My brother was flying back to school the other night so we all had a family meal at Galaxy on West Lynn.

Don't you love their counter service but chic look? It's efficiency with flair. I was hoping for good food cause it had been such long time since my last visit.

Dad got the steak with chimichurri and sweet potato fries. The meat was perfect and the chimichurri was just like Buenos Aires Cafe's. Good.








Mom got the turkey meatloaf and veggies (She's into healthy stuff). It was good, but I have to admit, I love my ketchup on my meatloaf instead of the fancy roasted bell pepper sauce.








My brother got the steak that dad got but in a wrap...with avocado...and sweet potato fries.


The Italianini went for the yellowfin tuna steak with avocado, ginger, soy, and, lime marinade. It's originally served with Israeli Couscous, but instead he got... yep, sweet potato fries.



Since everyone picked out something different, I had to go with the citrus chicken. To be completely honest, I got it because it said prosciutto and fresh basil...but was very disappointed. It comes with Rice Pilaf, but substituted with mac and cheese.
The chicken was dry, their version of prosciutto was so salty, there really wasn't basil, and the mac and cheese didn't quite hit the spot.

Maybe it wasn't my day for chicken, cause I loooved everything else!
If anything, you MUST try their sweet potato fries. Delish.

East Side Cafe

The Italianini and I grabbed brunch at East Side Cafe on a lazy Sunday. I had been there once before with the crew, and liked it, but this time I wasn't too impressed.

First, let me share with you that they grow all their own stuff... you know, their veggies and herbs (get your head out of the gutter!).
So when we got salsa with our dishes (which they brag about calling it "our own East Side Cafe Salsa" with ** next to it! And you know it's something special when there's * next to it on the menu), I expected the freshest salsa around. NOT!

We shared the goat cheese and shrimp quesadilla. It was SO good. It may be unfair for me to say it was SO good since I'm really into goat cheese and shrimp, but even the tortilla was good. Flaky, a little buttery, like it had been left on the skillet just long enough to toast a bit...delicious.
It also had cilantro and jack cheese which I thought were unnecessary, but who cares! It's heaven in my mouth!

Italianini ordered normal eggs Benedict, and I had the smoked salmon eggs Benedict.

When the food arrived, there was such little hollandaise on them that I almost asked for a side of it...Thank God I tried it first! It was the worst tasting hollandaise I've had in my life. I mean, even South Congress Cafe's is better. The side of home fries were not good either. Something about the texture... the consistency. Super dry and hard on the outside, and the inside was like a McDonald's fry.
Richard Pryor's face says it all.

I really just wanted another quesadilla. Instead, we smiled, got the check, and went on to veg-out on our lazy Sunday.

http://www.eastsidecafeaustin.com/index.html

Wink

Yes, it's true, yours truly turned one year older...and naturally, wanted a good b-day dinner.

A few of my friends, my brother, and Italianini went to Wink.
Off to a good start when I saw the menu said "Happy Birthday Epicurean Vixen" at the very top. Great touch. Kudos.

We began with the sweet breads (don't cringe) and the foie gras. The sweet breads were really good, but the consistency is tricky... I guess you could say the same about the foie gras. The foie gras was grilled, but still very slimy with a slighty harder outside, but a gushy inside.
This is the best foie gras I've had in ages!
Foie Gras

My brother had the roasted halibut on potato with oyster mushrooms and bull's blood beet emulsion. It was perfectly seasoned and it went so well with the blood sauce. Although, at the end I could tell the thought of the blood was getting to him. Still, cleaned the plate.

The Austinite had grilled quail breast on gnocchi with okra, sweet corn, and cubanelle peppers. The quail perfect...but give me anything with gnocchi and I'm a goner.

The Persian had grilled hanger steak on red lasoda potatoes with wink sauerkraut (yuuuuummmyyy) and grain mustard demi. ----By far the most interesting plate at the table and with the strongest flavors. Steak cooked to perfection (although she likes it reeeally well done) and the sauerkraut kicked butt. Pretty girl, pretty plate!

The Italianini had Cervena venison on semolina cake with shiitakes, charred red onion, and blackberry malmalata. It was so good that he only gave me one bite :(

Last, but not least, I had the lamb on celeriac puree with grilled daesene eggplant and king trumpets. I'm a really big fan of the clean taste of celeriac. It was fresh and it went so well with my super delicious lamb... Here's my thing with king trumpets, I realize that mushrooms are pretty much like fungus... but, these actually look like they could be growing out of a college freshman's dirty shower, you know? I feel the same way about Hen of the Woods (eewww) (Yes, I saw on the menu that my dish had king trumpets, but I'm not about to miss out on the delicious goodness of lamb for some measly mushrooms! ok?).


Now for dessert. The Italianini and I were the only piggies that had any. He went for the wink trio: lemon meringue pot, creme brulee, and El Rey chocolate cake (I have an emotional attachment to El Rey chocolates...thank you, Turners!).

I had the foie gras bombe: mission figs, honey gastrique, and demarara tuile.
I was pretty excited, but could really only eat two bites... it was so rich and intense. My poor mouth couldn't take it!
See the birthday candle? Cute...

Overall, a truly great experience.

They take reservations---but for parties of 6 or more, they make you give them a card number... and if anyone in your party is missing at the time of your reservation, they'll charge you $50/head. So, make your friends RSVP and be punctual! ha!

Uncle Billy's

This past weekend I just needed good ole Texas BBQ... So, JD and I decided to try something new and went to Uncle Billy's.

You know the food is that bad when the highlight of the night is the cutest five-year-old boy playing the harmonica with the band, and that I had a cold beer in my hand on this hot summer night.

They brag about their brewery (check out their web site), so I ordered the Agave Wit...it's sort of like a Hefeweizen. It was not bad...I think I'd order it again...if I went back...ever.

We ordered the fried okra. It was not very good, and the jalapeno ranch was way too spicy.They drew a heart on the ranch with bbq sauce...I guess the waitress thought we were dating? . Kudos to our waitress though, she was fantastic.



See the heart? LOL.


I went for the chopped beef plate with potato salad and pinto beans as my sides.

The portion of the chopped beef was tiny, the potato salad was super bland and tasteless, and the beans were so salty my tongue went numb.


Tiny portions


JD had the chopped beef sandwich with fries. He wasn't impressed.

Overall a sucky culinary experience, but it's a pretty cool venue for live music and cold drinks if you sit outside.

Parking is quite challenging since the condos behind are still under construction. You have to go all the way past Chuy's, take a right, then go into their parking lot (which is not very big) and you can walk, or---get this---- take their shuttle. Yes, they have an 11 passenger van to take you from their sucky parking lot to the restaurant...cool, eh?

http://www.unclebillysaustin.com/