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/