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/

The Good Knight

Saturday night before hitting the East Side Showroom for some birthday drinks for RB's big 28th, the Italianini and I grabbed dinner a couple of doors down at The Good Knight.

Everything about this place makes you feel like you just time traveled to the 1920s or something. Its low lighting, the bar, the curtain framed tables, the bartenders, the rustic look of every detail of the decor make it intriguing and cozy.

The cocktails were o.k.
I had the June Rose. It had basil, cucumbers, gin...fuzzy on the rest.
Italianini had the Sazarac. A classic.

We started with the cheese plate. We picked brie to pair with the delicious gruyere that comes standard, grapes, some nuts, honey and toasted bread.
First of all, don't tease me with less than a teaspoon of honey on this plate! The Italianini had it all...grrr.... Second, the cheese was alright, but come on...it's cheese!

We also had fried tomatoes (green and red). The green were super tangy. I could taste fresh lime juice. The aioli was good and they weren't overwhelmingly breaded which is always a plus.

We moved on to the bizarre paté of the night: trout.
It was funny because after the first bite Italianini and I both said at the exact same time: it's like trout salad.
I had two bites. That's it.


Then we had the chicken pot pie.
The puff pastry on top was entirely too flaky for me. Everything about it was bland. Not enough salt, not enough pepper, big chunks of chicken (almost needed fork and knife)...Italianini described it as 'hearty', but for me the word was...BLAH.

Anyway, while the place is cool, the food was disappointing.
Doubt there'll be a second visit.
Thank you, and good knight.
http://www.myspace.com/thegoodknightaustin


Oh, and the East Side Showroom totally kept the 1920s theme going. It's super cute and their cocktails are awesome. Service is slow though (the 'we-just-opened' kind of slow). Will go try the food and let you guys know!
http://eastsideshowroom.com