Lucy's Fried Chicken

It's here! A good, legit, fried chicken joint. 

James Holmes (Olivia) has opened Lucy's Fried Chicken on the super south part of South Congress and it is finger-lickin' good. Also, it's super chill, but beautiful.

We started with these gorg grilled oysters called "Lucha". Apparently, their wide selection of delicious molluscs are the creative genius of several local chefs...and the Luchas come via Rene Ortiz of La Condesa.

We ate a bucket of fried chicken and rocky mountain oysters. Oh yeah and Sweet Tea pie. 

http://lucysfriedchicken.com/

2012

Friends, as a new year begins I think I'm going to change the focus of the blog a bit. 

2011 was full of amateur reviews, critiques, and overall bullshit. 

I think it's time I let my hair down and stop taking things so seriously. What do you say?

Aviary: Not your typical wine spot

I love living in a city where you can sip on wine, enjoy some cheese, and shop yourself silly - all in the same spot.

I went to Aviary with my Latin girls and fell in love.

Their menu is small but inviting. A little cheese plate and Malbec and we were happy.

Luke: a Chef John Besh Restaurant

I love chef John Besh. Not only is he a James Beard winner, but he's a down to earth family man who also loves to help out the community . I had yet to try Luke (his first venture outside of Louisiana), so Italianini and I made our way to San Antonio's river walk.

Getting a table was no problem, the place was empty. There were maybe four tables in the huge dining room, and not a soul in the also large mezzanine or in the patio.

Service was formidable, didn't miss a beat. 
Here's the food:

Pâté of rabbit and quail livers
truffle-perfumed. And get this-- watermelon pickles, pickles, mustard, and nopalitos gelee. It was amazing.
I really enjoyed the sharp pickled bites mixed with the subtle and smooth flavors of the pate.

Jumbo Gulf shrimp “en cocotte”
McEwen and Sons creamy white corn grits. One of the more pricey items on the menu. Rich, soulful, filling, and delicious. Definitely feels like you're in Louisiana.

I had the Texas raised herb roasted chicken. It's served over whipped potatoes in its natural jus with bacon. Seriously? Do I even need to say anything else? 


The feel of the restaurant is not my favorite. The decor is really lacking, I just think the space is too big for what they are trying to accomplish... and, let's get real here, it connects to the Embassy Suites lobby. 

La Sombra

 

After much debate (with myself) we went to La Sombra for dinner not too long ago. 

I'm not sure what I was expecting...a Peruvian slap in the face as I walked in? Papas a la Huancaína?

The decor is simple and cozy. The space is small, but the proportions are smart. We were in a booth in the back corner, next to a table with a large party... and I never felt crammed, overwhelmed, or like I couldn't hear myself think. It was well done. 

The food is good overall. We stuck to the apps, but I've had many of their dishes through my Leadership Austin class since they have catered dinner twice! (I love generous, philanthropic people).

El Alma

Well friends, another restaurant has "opened" in my 'hood. El Alma, formerly El Chile, has re-opened with a new face and a new-ish menu on Barton Springs.


Joel Mozersky re-decorated the interior, but the changes are minimal. It's a cleaner space, with great colors, but the same old tables and chairs which are hideous. 

For drinks I ordered a michelada and Italianini and LiveSTRONG man got the house margarita. The michelada was the best I've had in Austin simply because I don't like mine too spicy and with lots of lime, but the marg was just bad!

We were greeted by complimentary chips and salsa.The green salsa was really good (I'm pretty sure it's avocados, tomatillos, serranos, lots of lime and prepared raw). Then we ordered apps. We started with the Gringas (with Pastor) and the classic ceviche. The gringas are not worth the calories, the pastor was chewy and not properly seasoned. The ceviche was good, a little dry and too chunky, but a nice refreshing bite in this unbearable heat. 


I ordered the Camarones a la plancha: Shrimp with garlic ancho butter, corn relish, and avocado. The shrimp were good and cooked perfectly. The relish was sort of a slaw and it didn't impress.


LiveSTRONG man ordered theParrillada Gringa: Grilled steak and shrimp with melted cheese, rajas and guacamole.The meat was so tender and who doesn't love anything smothered in cheese and rajas?


Italianini tried the Roasted duck enmoladas: Shredded duck with pasilla mole and almonds. The mole was good and not too strong; however, it tasted EXACTLY like the Doña Maria mole my roommate and I used to 'make' in college.


The price point is perfect for a chill dinner with friends if you don't want the hussle and bussle of downtown. Their happy hour is longer than most (3-7p.m.), the prices are pretty cheap for drinks and bites, and you can enjoy their patio if you're up for this ridiculous summer heat.


No working website. Happy eating.

TRACE at the W Austin

You know the saying 'don't judge a book by its cover'? So true when it comes to restaurants...

The W Austin finally bridged the two main sections of 2nd street district, sure, but it also brought a new restaurant, bar, spa, and a shiny stage for us to play in.

Having had the opportunity to tour it and played in it early on, let me give you a couple of pointers on this new playground.

The bars are nice and spread out. The service sucks. The people are pretentious and remember it is a hotel bar, so you will still see the douche bag trying to score some local fresh catch with his flashy Ed Hardy shirt and Ferragamo loafers along with the unassuming couple wearing bermuda shorts. The pool is small and very shallow (designed to show off those fake tatas you paid $3000 for) complete with private cabanas (like 4) and wet bar. The spa really is amazing, you should check it out.

And then there is TRACE. Ambitious people work in this kitchen. Not only does it serve the restaurant and bars, but it also serves rooms and residences for 24/7 Whatever, Whenever service. Maybe that's why the flavors and quality are seriously lacking here? Who knows, the point is, drink all you want, splurge on the $15 glass of prosecco, but if you like good food, don't bother eating at TRACE.



Also, glass has STOPPED falling from the skies, so it's totally safe to venture into one of their watering holes.