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Rob’s Suggestions for the 4th

The 4th of July offers up many exciting possibilities for dining and not having to worry about grilling and burning down your deck. Here are just a few possibilities, and many of them are on or near the water. Enjoy your weekend.

Lake House Café
Chez Zee
Café Blue
The Oasis
Mesa Ranch
Hula Hut
Waterloo Ice House
Corvina Pizza
Tony C’s Pizza
Kahuna’s Ice House
Drungo’s
Rudy’s BBQ
Pok-e-Jo’s
The Paggi House (Fireworks viewing)
Trio (Fireworks viewing)
Mighty Fine Burgers
Dan’s Burgers
Terra Burger
Iron Cactus

07/02/2009

Lauren Checks Out Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet on Research

The next time you're craving Mediterranean food, check out Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet located at 12636 Research Blvd. For just $9.99 (lunch) and $11.99 (dinner) you get to try over thirty different delicious items. During busy lunch hours the food is changed out every 30 minutes, and even during off hours the food doesn't sit longer than an hour. All of the breads are also baked fresh daily!

Hommus

I'll start off with some of the vegetarian options. I'm not a big veggie fan, but I really enjoyed the fried falafel. Filafel is made of fried chickpeas, garbanzo beans, parsley, and garlic. The Falafel is traditionally dipped in a Tahini Sauce, which is grinded sesame seeds and sesame oil. The Hommus, a Mediterranean standard, was also quite tasty. This is made with roasted chickpeas mixed with garlic, salt, and lemon juice. The Hommus goes quite well with their freshly baked pita bread.

Another vegetarian item, the Tabouli Salad is made with parsley, cracked bulgar wheat, and lemon juice. After taking a bite of this I was instantly hit with a strong parsley taste. The Lebanese Salad was very tasty as well. They substitute zucchini and squash for the traditional cucumbers, blend in some tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and balsamic vinagarette, and the result is very pleasing.

Other notable vegetarian items:

Eggplant: not a huge eggplant fan, but I'm sure the vegetarians would love it! Dimassi's Eggplant is marinated in a sauce made from pomegranates, diced pepper, and olive oil.

Baba Ghannouge: I actually enjoyed this roasted eggplant with a lemon seasoning and smoky flavor. This dish is served cold and was quite good!

My favorite non-vegetarian item, hands down, was the Lamb Shank. The Shank was soft, tender, and perfectly cooked with a great taste! My fork cut right through it with ease!

Lamb Shank

Kafath Kabob

Next up on my sampling platter was the Kafath Kabob, a ground beef entrée mixed with parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. If I weren't at a Mediterranean restaurant, by the looks of the Kafath I may of mistaken if for a breakfast sausage link! My only complaint of the meal was the Kafath was a little tough, most likely because I came in right before they switched out the food.

One of the most popular dishes at Dimassi' is the Chicken Kabob. The chicken had a lemon flavor to it, marinated in oregano, green pepper, tomatoes, onion, and salt. I also got to try a piece of Bass baked in a lemon pepper sauce, baked veggies, and moderate spices. Normally, Tilapia is served instead of Bass.

For dessert I had Rice Pudding, They make their pudding with white rice, water, milk, rose water, and sugar. I also tried a Lady Finger cookie, which really did resemble the shape and length of a lady's finger. Interesting! Needless to say, I left Dimassi's happy and full! Located at 12636 Research Blvd, check it out! Ask for Masood, the owner, and tell him we sent you!

06/17/2009

Eduardo Sousa: World's Best and Most Ethical Foie Gras

You've got to hand it to the French. When they recently got dusted in a tasting competition by Spanish foie gras producer/farmer Eduardo Sousa, they accused him of cheating. The irony of this is that Sousa has revolutionzed the entire science of foie gras production.

There is no tube feeding on his ranch. And the geese do not eat corn. He relies on the natural feeding cycles of the animals. He grows geese-friendly herbs and plants and allows the animals to gorge themselves as Fall approaches, which they will most certainly do on their own to prepare for the winter.

The result is a foie gras which the hot chef of the moment and Obama favorite Dan Barber, proprieter of Blue Hill Cafe in NYC, has called "the best I've ever tasted in my life."

So, if local restaurants want to rid themselves of ongoing harrassment by animal activists my suggestion would be to contact senor Sousa and purchase some of his free range geese livers. No one can question the methods of production: his is the paragon of ethical treatment.

06/10/2009

Ryan Gossett New Executive Chef at Finn and Porter

We had the pleasure of dining at Finn and Porter last week and sampling the wares of new Executive Chef Ryan Gossett.

Ryan is a seasoned professional whose most recent position was Executive Chef at the prestigious Mansion at Judge’s Hill here in Austin. He has a deft and creative touch in the kitchen as was evidenced by a killer potato and leek Vicchysoisse along with an amazing Alaskan Black Cod that we tried.

Finn and Porter also has a new Sushi chef from Vietnam who served up some maki that were absolutely magical. Look for a full review soon on the newly refurbished and (much quieter) Finn and Porter.

06/09/2009

Consider Corazon for your Next Private Dining Function

If you’re planning a private dinner consider Corazon. They have two private dining room that seat from 10-24 persons each or one large space that can provide a seated dinner for up to o60 people or a party of 40 with plenty of room for socializing befiorehand or dancing afterwards.

The private dining areas are on the restaurant’s second floor and each room has its own entrance. The rooms are well lit, cheerful and sunny during the day with hardwood floors that warm the room The walls are lined with exquisite art from Kate McKenna.

The rooms at Corazon are perfect for rehearsal sinners, small weddings, bridal luncheons and showers, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation and holiday parties; or, even a large dinner party. Whatever the occasion Corazon will work with you to create the perfect event.

Owner and Chef Michael Taddeo will prepare a wonderful menu for your event and will work with you on customization and optimal price points.

Corazon is located at N. Lamar and 5th st. with plenty of free parking and access to all the major downtown hotels, the Warehouse District and West Sixth St.

To book your event call the business office from 10am Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. 476-0728.

05/07/2009

Will Uhlhorn New Exec Chef at the Oasis

Chef Will Uhlhorn’s early background provides a sound platform for his recent promotion to Executive Chef at the Oasis atop Lake Travis. He logged in several years at Outback Steakhouse, a place where flavor profiles, consistency of food and product, plate presentation, and customer service are emphasized. Outback also serves lots of folks each week: another thing they have in common with The Oasis.

What I like about Will is his passion. He’s been in the industry for over 20 years and has worked his way up from that deepest, darkest part of any kitchen—the dish pit to the top of the heap. And he is still immersed in the nuances and the fine details of the restaurant basis: this is an absolute necessity for a restaurant that can do almost 1,000 covers on good weekend.

Will’s mantra is to “live well, laugh often, and love much.” And I would add “cook like each meal is for your family.” Because that’s the commitment this veteran brings to the mix at the Oasis. Owner Beau Theriot wants each dinner at the Oasis to be a fun experience and I think Will is just the man to execute that philosophy.

05/07/2009

Rob and Lauren’s Reports from the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival

I was not around for the inception of Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival over twenty years ago. But the brain child of Ed and Susan Auler of Fall Creek Winery and Kevin Williamson of Ranch 616 had become a fixture on the national food and wine circuit, right up there with Aspen and South Beach. When Saveur Magazine became the main sponsor though the festival lost, in my humble opinion, much of its local focus and became a showcase for national chefs and wines. Patrons would recognize me and ask, "Rob, have you seen Bobby Flay?" Or, "Do you know where Emeril is hanging out?" Or, "Where is Anthony Bourdain holding forth?" After a while it got to be a bit much. Eventually Saveur backed out as the primary sponsor.

So I was quite pleased to see the entire festival reigned in a bit this year with more of a focus on Texas and particularly Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.

Here in no particular order are some reflections on the events I visited and what was heard and overhead.

The Reserve Tasting at Sullivan's. We got a chance to sample six very interesting '04 selections from Provenance, Beaulieu and Sterling in this horizontal tasting. My favorite of the bunch was the Beaulieu Georges de la Tour Cabernet. My favorite wine maker was Tom Rinaldi of Provenance. He was forthcoming with his answers and seemed to relish in his role as wine maker and historian. He got a chuckle from the audience as he tried to explain maceration in laymen's terms. But I liked his take on the forthcoming war between twist off caps and corks.

He acknowledged that Provenance has had to cater to the traditionalists vs. the pragmatists by making some wines that offer both options.

Personally, I think that sheer financial imperatives will eventually force all wineries to abandon the cork and go to some form of twist off. Imagine the money that wineries and restaurants would save without having to worry about "corked" wines (about a 1 in 20 risk).

Then there is the flip side to those who claim that each cork imports something inherently wonderful and unique to each bottle of wine. That is undoubtedly true, but can the industry afford that luxury?

Stars Across Texas. This was a fun event as always, held for the first time at the Long Center. Aside from the $16 valet parking fee, all was well. The idea is that each restaurant has a small booth where they make one item to nosh on while you move around sipping and nibbling.

I loved the new VIP lounge. It was set up like a cool lounge in a New York disco with tasting tables surrounding the room, a DJ, and two very functional bars. There was also a comfy seating area in the middle of the room to which we quickly gravitated.

Our first stop was at Sean Cirkiel's Parkside. Cirkiel, the former owner of Jean Luc's bistro stopped traffic with a tuna tar tar with fresh sorbet and a leaf of cilantro. Next was Aquarelle which had a lovely bite of quail accented with bread and a fleshy potato skin. Very tasty. And then there was Stuart Scrugg's Zoot, long a fixture on the culinary scene. Zoot has recently given up its Hearn St. location for Westlake and Bee Caves Road. Zoot served a grilled and chilled Szechuan beef in a fried won ton which was later voted "best beef of the show."

Then, single malt scotch in hand and with Marge sipping on a Moet, we ventured forth into the rest of the event. Saw Eddie V's events director Peggy Duran long enough for a brief hug. She is one of the best looking women in the central Texas hospitality industry: and damned good at her job. Onward through the fog to Hudson's on the Bend. It doesn't matter what Chef Jeff Blank and his staff produce, each year it is exquisite. And then on to NoRTH. The head chef Peter Lindquist prepared a Short Rib Oso Bucco with a white corn meal polenta. No what else? Lindquist bears an uncanny resemblance to Penn Jillette of Vegas magic duo Penn and Teller.
Next time you're at NoRTH see if he can make your bill disappear!

Saw Howard Kells of Latin Café fame and his wife Claudia. They have a very engaging dish on the menu called Eva Longoria Pasta. I had believed that somehow Howard had connected with Eva and that's how the dish got on Latin Café's menu. Wrong. Kells was at a Spurs game and had tickets in the row behind the Spur's bench. Tony Parker, Spur's guard, was being interviewed after the game. The interviewer asked him if wife Eva was a good cook. And that's when Tony started rambling on about the virtues of this pasta dish Eva made with ropa vieja and Criolla sauce.

That was enough for Howard. He raced back to Austin, got the ingredients together in his kitchen at home, and soon had one of his most popular new menu items. Now that's what I call seizing the moment!

Ran into former Driskill Chef David Bull who is working with former Driskill GM Jeff Trigger and is serving as the exec chef of Bolla at the Stonleigh Spa and Hotel in Dallas. He's also working on an interactive on-line cookbook called "Bull's Eye." I have great respect for Bull who took the dying Driskill Grill and completely revitalized it about 8 years ago, turning it into one of the top two restaurants in Austin.

Saturday afternoon was the Mini Swirlwind event at Malaga on 448 2nd St. The always gracious Alejandro Duran (chef and owner) noticed my empty plate and provided me with some tapas that went beautifully with the Cabs and Syrahs that were being poured. I was most impressed with the new location of Malaga -formerly on W. 4th across from Saba. You've got to try the El Pato (duck) sandwich. What a treat!

Notes from Lauren Balon who attended the Sunday Fair at the Salt Lick

I joined Daniela Marcone, GM of Andiamo Ristorante, among several other friends, and we made the gorgeous drive out to the Salt Lick Vineyards in Driftwood to attend the 24th Annual Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival. Our first stop was to meet Damien Mandola, founder of Mandola Estate Winery, Co-Founder of Carrabas, and Owner of Mandolas and Trattoria Lisina. What a funny guy! Trattoria Lisina was serving a Quattro Formaggi Ravioli with a cherry pichino sauce, very good on my empty stomach!

Right next door, Mandola's was serving a delicious sausage pepper sandwich. Damien plans to open another Mandola's at the Galleria in Bee Caves sometimes in May. Can't wait for that!

Next, we began wandering through the various tents, sipping wine and bumping into different friends. I got to meet Brian O'Neil, former GM of the recently sold Belmont, and GM at Max's Wine Dive, a new restaurant serving "gourmet comfort food" that's set to open May 12th at 207 San Jacinto Avenue.

Sullivan's Steakhouse is where we ate our last sample, they were serving Angus Beef accompanied with Mashed Potatoes and seasoned Green Beans. And who would drive all the way out to Driftwood without stopping in at The Salt Lick to grab a quick bite? After all the wine I slammed down my three meat combo plate, and had some peach cobbler for dessert to top it off. Best Peach Cobbler in Austin! What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

04/23/2009

Craving Indo-Chinese? Check Out Masala Wok

Masala Wok is a restaurant that’s nestled into a huge shopping mall on N IH 35 just south of Howard Lane. If you want to taste regionial cuisine that blends Indian and Chinese or some very serviceable Indian cuisine on its own, then Masala Wok is a place you should most definitely try out.

Unlike the previous owners, new owner Sanjay Parikh is at the store pretty much every moment they are open. He oversees everything from food preparation to expedition and customer satisfaction. And it makes a difference. Some things I’d recommend right off the top: the Chicken 65 (make sure to get the brown rice), the Chole Masala (seasoned garbanzo beans) and the Lamb Curry. Also the Tandoor Plate is delicious as is the Chicken Manchuria.

We’ll have a full review coming next month but that should get you started.

Click here to see their Menu.

04/17/2009

Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival on for April 16-19th

The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is back for another year from April 16th to 19th. Austin’s premier wining and dining event, begun over 20 years ago by Ed and Susan Auler of Fall Creek Vineyards, has gone through periods of massive and almost painful expansion as well as a most welcomed contraction over the past few years.

The festival has gone back to its roots after a brief fling with Saveur Magazine and I for one and glad to see it. This year’s event has moved the famed Star’s Across Texas Friday night celebration [restaurants and wines from across the state and beyond] to the Long Center. Also, the closing Sunday afternoon fair has been moved back to the Salt Lick. After several years out in Georgetown, in my opinion, the fair is back where it belongs.

I’m looking forward to the horizontal tasting Reserve Tasting on Friday of Napa Valley reds at Sullivan’s. Participating vineyards include Provenance, Sterling, and Beaulieu. That’s from 1-2:30. At the Driskill from 2-3:30pm is the Red White and New. This is dedicated to “anything but cabernets” and will host vineyards like Treana, Grgich Hills, and Cambria Estate.

One of my favorite events has long been the aforementioned Stars Across Texas. Some of the chefs on hand for this strolling, grazing, and sipping event are David Bull (Bolla at the Stoneleigh), Elmar Prambs (Trio), Jeff Blank (Hudson’s), Dave Herman (of The Range in Salado), Tyson Cole (Uchi), Josh Watkins (The Carrilon), George Thomas (Imperia) and many, many others. They prepare grazing food and it is invariably excellent.

And I’ll be at the Mini Swirlwind featuring the wines of California. This event will unfold at Malaga on 2nd St., one of my favorite tapas restaurants. This event runs from 3-4:30pm on Saturday.

Tickets for all events are available at www.texaswineandfood.org.

04/07/2009

Danny DeVito Introduces his Limoncello to Austin

Got to meet TV and movie star Danny DeVito Saturday at Twin Liquors Hancock Center store. The occasion was the introduction of DeVito’s new Limoncello liqueur.

DeVito said that the genesis for the business occurred when he and George Clooney closed down one of their favorite Italian restaurants in NYC by drinking chilled Limoncello. This apparently led to his infamously inebriated appearance on The View the next morning.

But the good news is that out of that came a new business.

The Limoncello is produced in Italy and I must say I found it very tasty. We chilled it and mixed it with vodka. Other approaches are to mix it with silver Tequila or just drink it straight. Obviously, fresh Italian lemons are the key to this drink.

DeVito’s Limoncello will be available at Twin Liquors stores throughout the city.

04/01/2009

Koreana Suffers Extensive Damage in Early-Morning Fire

One of the our favorite Korean restaurants, Koreana at 12196 N. Mopac, suffered extensive damage in an early morning fire today. No word is yet available on the cause of the fire or the amount of the damage but things do not look well at this point. We’ll keep you posted with any updates that we receive. Our condolences to Alex and the staff of the restaurant.

03/30/2009

Survey Projects Texas Restaurant Sales will Rise in '09

Despite the economic doom and gloom reports that appear on national media with almost tedious and mind numbing regularity, a very encouraging piece of new for Texas and Austin in particular has recently been released by the National Restaurant Association.

According to the survey, Texas leads the nation with a projected 5% increase in restaurant sales for 2009 over the previous year. This is particularly important news for Austin where surprisingly, jobs in the hospitality industry actualy outnumber the vaunted technology sector. And despite the slumping national economy, Austin is pacing far ahead of other well-known restaurant cities like New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. Yes, there are slow nights, but as bad as business may occasionally seem in Austin, on the whole things are holding up.

While we've lost good restaurants like Mars, Vin Bistro, Cibo, Nunzia, Senoritas, and others in the past year, there have actually been more openings than closings. New on the scene is Chinatown Downtown on 5th next to Kenichi. Also opened downtown is Yu Sushi Izagaya and Maria Maria on Colorado. Perry's Steakhouse is packing them in at 7th and Colorado, and a totally renovated Finn and Porter has reopened at the Hilton. Also taking over for Bennigan's is the Celtic-oriented Fiddler's Hearth. Out at the Hill Country Galleria Tony C's coal fired pizzeria is packing them in along with the new Iron Cactus. And the stunning Steiner Ranch Steakhouse has opened to finally give those in the far southwest a taste of a good T-Bone. And how about Verdes on Hamilton Pool Road? I could go on but I hope you get the idea. It takes commitment and a belief in the city to open this many restaurants.

And there are many more mature Austin restaurants that are exceeding there 2008 numbers, and that's another good sign. Scholz Garten is up 30% over last year, Mighty Fine Burgers just opened a second location in Sunset Valley, with a third on tap for Round Rock. And they are packing them in. Hyde Park Bar and Grill is going great guns and Estancia Churrascaria, Austin's first Brazilian steakhouse, is doing very well. Ditto for Cannoli Joe's, another relatively new restaurant. And of course Eddie V's and the Roaring Fork are crowded mostly every night. And McCormick and Schmick's is substantially up over this time last year.

So despite all the talk of doom and gloom, it is not as bad locally as many of us have been led to believe. People in the Austin area are dining out, and some restaurants are not just surviving, but thriving. To that I can only say, way to go and "bon appetit". If you see me at your favorite spot, come on by and say hello!

UPDATE:

We happened to stop by several restaurants in Round Rock on Saturday, the 14th, and they were swamped. Tokyo Steakhouse at La Frontera Mall was mobbed by 5:30pm. Then we headed up to Louisiana Longhorn Café on Main St. They were mobbed as well but we went in, waited, and got a table in about 10 minutes. They’ve got a new BBQ Shrimp dish that is flat out delicious.

Then we swung by the new location of El Sol y La Luna at 600 E. 6th and it was so crowded we couldn’t get in. We went back on Sunday, the 15th, and really enjoyed the food and the music.

If this area is hurting with regard to restaurant attendance, you sure couldn’t see it this weekend!

03/12/2009

Cool River Readying New Menu Items

One of our favorite restaurants, Cool River on Parmer Lane, is about to add some new menu items that seem very tempting.

How about Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Hot Apple Bacon Butter, or Pepadew Peach Chicken, or a Cast Iron Rib Steak?

There’s going to be new appetizers as well including Jicamo Tacos, Kobe Beef Sliders, Pulled Pork Sliders, Mussels Cantimpalo, and a Fire Box Artichoke.

Cool River Café

I can’t wait! Call for more information at 835-0010.

03/12/2009

Yu Sushi Izagaya: Serious Sushi on Colorado

My first lunch at Yu Sushi Izagaya, owned by Gary Ghiu of Sushi Sake fame, was excellent. The sushi and sashimi were fresh and pristine with flawless tastes and preparations. There are a number of Udon soups which I wanted to try and a vat assortment of maki rolls which also looked delicious.

After we have dinner, I’ll post a full review but I’m buzzed about this place thus far. Call for reservations and ask for Mo. 708-8887. Tell him Rob sent you.

03/11/2009

Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams: Decadent and Delicious Startup Wows Cookie Austin Cookie Lovers

Alexandra Bruskoff is a U of Michigan grad. That in and of itself would endear her to me. (PhD, ‘76). But this former school teacher can also make one amazingly compelling cookie. Her start up, Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams is located in the Warehouse district and is shipping cookie all across Texas and the U.S. My favorite cookie thus far is the Toffee Doodle Dream. But that could change. They’re all good.

For more information or to make a purchase, go to alexandrascookiedreams.com.

01/29/2009

Zoot to Move Out to Bee Caves Road

One of Austin’s more popular restaurants, Zoot, is pulling up stakes from its current location off Lake Austin Boulevard and moving out to Bee Caves Rd. to a spot roughly equidistant from Hwy 360 to Hwy 71.

Zoot is one of Austin’s classic fine dining restaurants and will be welcome out in an area that for years has been seriously underrestauranted. Look for news on www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com for an opening date.

01/13/2009

Craving Breakfast: Check Out Texas Honey Ham on Bee Caves Road

What a pleasant surprise this place has been. In a small strip mall on 3736 Bee Caves Rd, this place sits where the old C-5 Steakhouse used to be.

My wife discovered it when she bought one of their Honey Glazed Hams for the holidays. But they are much more than that. I am a breakfast freak and they have a wide variety of neat offerings. The breakfast tacos are excellent as are the Ham, Egg & Cheese Rolls and the Bacon, Egg & Rolls. The Baked Potato Hash is also very good.

They’ve got you covered for lunch as well with some fun sandwiches: a particularly tasty Pulled Pork and a classic and very fresh BLT.

More on their web site at www.texashoneyham.com.

01/02/2009

George Thomas to Assume the Helm at Imperia

Big changes at one of my Top 20 restaurants, Imperia. Chef Joe Tellus has left the restaurant and chef George Thomas, late of the Paggi House and Maiko joins as the new executive chef. Thomas is a hell of a chef and I’ve enjoyed his work for the last several years. We shall see what changes he brings to this already excellent restaurant.

12/22/2008

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse Reopens Thursday, Dec 11th

After the unfortunate events that occurred on Monday of this week, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse will reopen this Thursday evening.

Chris was a very likeable young man as well as a wine enthusiast who had taken great pleasure in putting together the wine list at Steiner Ranch. General Manager Shane Street said that the restaurant is considering naming the restaurant’s fine wine room after Chris.

Chris was engaged to be married, was about to close on a house, and had his life in apparent order till the ultimate chaos on Monday afternoon ended it.

The Bar at Steiner Ranch

No one could have foreseen what happened Monday. But one thing I can pretty much be certain of is that Chris would have wanted Steiner Ranch to reopen as soon as possible. He was a restaurant guy: through and through.

And so my wife and I will dine at Steiner Ranch tonight. And we will drink a toast to Chris. We hope you will join us in celebration at a restaurant that has become this young man’s legacy.

12/11/2008

For Those Who Are Unaware, Today is Repeal Day

That’s right. 75 years ago today, in 1933, prohibition was repealed when the 21st amendment was ratified. Created 14 years ealier in 1919, prohibition was probably one of the most misguided attempts to legislate morality ever to rear its head in the USA. It gave organized crime a serious foothold and created multi millionaires out of people like Joseph P Kennedy who allegedly made a fortune running liquor.

Finally, saner heads prevailed and prohibition was repealed. So what better thing to do? Go have a drink tonight or a bottle of wine. It’s one of the few rights we Americans have left.

12/05/2008

Get a Head Start on Christmas Day Dining: Choices other than Hotels

Christmas day dining options are usually a great deal more limited than Thanksgiving. Usually the major hotels have buffets and that’s about it. But here are some options you might not have considered that take you past the traditional hotel fare. Monday, we’ll post the entire holiday dining schedule for some of our favorite spots. But for now, here’s a bit of an appetizer.

Chinatown Mopac: Chinatown will offer a Dim Sum brunch on Christmas day from 11:00-2:30pm. We think this is a great idea. Open your presents, and then bundle up and go get some dim sum. 343-9307

Manny Hattan’s Deli: This north Austin deli will be open all day on Christmas day from 8am to 8pm. Their varied menu has something for just about everyone and it’s all good. 794-0088

Hill Country Dining Room at Barton Creek Resort: This excellent restaurant will be open on Christmas Day evening from 6-9pm. 329-4000

Chon Som on Wells Branch Pky. How about a little Thai food for Christmas day? Works for me. And the very tasty Chon Som will open for Thai and Sushi Fans.

12/05/2008

Chef Jim Tripi Shines at Spanish Oaks Golf Club

I first became a fan of Chef Jim Tripi when he began the delightful Rojo Red restaurant at the downtown Marriott some eight years ago. Tripi was at the time was ranked among the top 5 chefs in the entire Marriott chain and it was easy to see why. He brought a sense of passion and creativity to each meal that was admirable. And his cornbread was, without question, the best I had ever tasted anywhere in the US.

Chef Tripi moved on to the impeccable new Marriott at Horseshoe Bay and quickly created the most impressive restaurant in the Highland Lakes area. But then a new club in southwest Austin called Spanish Oaks made him the proverbial “offer you can’t refuse.” And so Jim moved in to create a restaurant for a private club with about 250 members and their families. It’s difficult for a club with a relatively small membership roster to sustain a restaurant of the type that Tripi has created. But as my KLBJ broadcasting partner Ed Clements can attest, the restaurant is phenomenal. The members love it and what’s more they support it. It’s open Thursday-Saturday for dinner and six days a week for lunch. And the cornbread may even be better than when I first tried it.

Chef Jim Tripi

Saturday night we had the privilege of dining there (and it is a privilege) and even though I hadn’t dined at a Tripi table in over three years, it felt as though I’d been doing so on a regular basis. That’s how his food stays with you. We began with some Hawaiian Poke and Lump Crabmeat salad with some hatch peppers crushed in for seasoning. It was spectacular. Then we tried Bacon Wrapped Venison which was cut-with-a-fork tender, not to mention incredibly tasty. Next an appetizer featuring fresh Maine lobster with polenta in a creamy butter sauce. This one almost left us speechless.

And all the while, the can’t-say-no-to cornbread kept coming. And coming. And we continued devouring it.

The Chicken Fried Steak with gravy, haricot vertes (skinny string beans) and mac and cheese was a huge, massively breaded chuck of incredulity. Not only was it tender, but everything worked! Marge tried a chicken and pasta dish that was equally rewarding. And we finished by splitting some exceptionally light but texturally perfect Strawberry Mint sorbet. Then, as if my magic, the requisite doggie bags magically appeared in our car which was warmed up and waiting to go.

I’ve had meals like this in the best restaurants in Austin but NEVER have I had anything this good at a smallish private golf club, no matter how nice the layout was. And I’ve eaten at many: from Cypress Point to Pine Valley to Shinnicock Hills. I won’t tell you what it costs to join Spanish Oaks. And I have yet to play the course. But if I had a bunch of discretionary dollars lying around, I’d join Spanish Oaks just for the food. Great golf courses come and they go, but there is only ONE Jim Tripi. And I hope the members realize how lucky they are.

11/18/2008

Yama Chinese Sushi/Grill on Highway 620 in RR

About a mile west of St. David’s Round Rock Hospital on Highway 620, you’ll find a small strip mall with a killer Asian restaurant. Remember this name: Yama Chinese Sushi/Grill. This place is seriously good.

Chef Roger Jang and his wife Elaine have created an uncommonly good Chinese and Japanese/ Sushi menu. I’ve tried the Gyoza (potstickers), a number of the Rolls, the Szechuan Beef, the Salt and Pepper Shrimp and the Vegetable Yakisoba. All delicious. Roger Jang is a heavy hitter in Chinese circles, having helmed legendary restaurants like Bejing, Hunan Lion, and the Tea Garden.

I can see that I am going to be spending a lot of time working my way through this menu. The phone is 671-4788. Please go there NOW because this place deserves more of an audience than it’s currently getting.

11/17/2008

Heading to New York with lots of money: Have we got two restaurants for you!

One thing I like about the restaurant scene in New York City is that it always keeps try to one-up itself. The hottest new restaurant is never hot for that long: there’s always something bubbling under the firmament.

And just when you thought that Tao, Nobu, Per Se, and Craft were all the rage, along come a couple of new restaurants that push the envelope to hitherto unscaled heights.

There are two new outrageous players on the scene: Megu and Tom.

Megu is at 62 Thomas Street between Church St. and West Broadway. It is a Japanese styled steakhouse but not to be confused with a typical tepanyaki spot like Tokyo Steakhouse. There’s no sitting at a table where the chef makes fire-hissing volcanos our of onions. This is a restaurant that purports to serve only the highest quality Kobe beef from Japan. It’s not uncommon for $500-$600 bllls for a party of two. I imagine that partly goes to support the gigantic ice sculpture they carve daily. The ambience is also breathtaking. So, if you’ve never had Kobe sashimi before ($110 per appetizer-size plate), then Megu could be for you.

A friend in NYC whose culinary opinions I trust loves the place. But a caution: the serving sizes are small. You might have to raid some late-night deli afterwards. 212-964-7777. www.megunyc.com

Tom at 47 E. 19th St. is the brainchild of uber-chef Tom Colicchio, founder of Craft. This one is interesting. It’s located in the private dining room of Craft and is only open on alternate Tuesdays each month, a total of 24 evenings per year. The pre-fixe menu changes frequently and usually begins at $150 per person before drinks, tax and tip. So do the math.

Colicchio, who opened the award-winning Grammercy Tavern in NYC 1n 1994 and then later Craft along with appearing on the Top Chef TV program says he always wanted to do a “personal” restaurant like this since he first achieved culinary stardom. He will do all of the cooking himself. Wonder how tough it’s going to be to get a reservation here?

Chef Tom Colicchio of "Tom"

Try calling 212-400-6495.

10/06/2008

Zu Zu’s On Bee Caves Road Celebrates 1st Anniversary

It’s always a pleasure to have one of my favorite restaurants open a location near my home in restaurant-starved southwest Austin. Thus I am doubly pleased that Zu Zu’s, a healthy and tasty Tex Mex emporium on Bee Caves Rd across from the County Line, has just celebrated its first anniversary.

Owner Russell Arnold should be pleased. It’s always a tough go for restaurants in Westlake. And ZuZu’s has built a substantial fan base. Click here to see their Menu.

10/03/2008

High End Restaurants at ACL: Join ‘em If You Can’t Beat ‘em.

The pedigree of the food at the upcoming ACL festival got ratcheted up quite a bit this year. Lots of higher end restaurants like Hudson’s on the Bend have joined in. And there’s a good reason.

Last year during ACL a number of upscale places were deader than a doornail for three days. So the prevailing theme this year is apparently: if you can’t beat ‘em, than join ‘em.

Who would have thought that Roy’s, Aquarelle, Hudson’s on the Bend, Saba Blue Water Café, and Vespaio’s Enoteca not to mention the Salt Lick or Jezebel would have graced the trampled grass of Zilker park.?

Well, I think it’s a great idea. Nothing will cost more than $8 and these fine restaurants will get to show off their wares to an entirely new and upscale audience. Besides, it beats sitting around and folding napkins all night.

Here's a complete list of the restaurants:

Amy's Ice Cream
Aquarelle Restaurant (steak and frites sandwich, caprese sandwich)
Austin's Best Burger
Austin's Pizza
Ben & Jerry's
Best Lemonade
Boomerang's Pies (Guinness steak-and-potato pie, spinach and mushroom pie)
Children of the Kettle Corn
Doc Green's Gourmet Salads & Grill
Jezebel (falafel pita sandwich, cold pasta, curried potato, cabbage and pea burrito)
El Chilito (braised beef, spicy chicken and bean tacos)
Flipnotics (iced coffee and smoothies)
The Original Hoffbrau Steaks
Hudson's on the Bend (chicken cone, avocado cone, fish cone)
Maine Root (organic beverages)
Nice Conez (snow cones)
P. Terry's (burgers)
Pureheart (lamb and beef gyro, ham and brie panini)
Roy's (Asian barbecue wings, pulled Kahlua pork nachos)
Saba Blue Water Cafe (fish tacos, pulled pork tacos)
Salt Lick
Amazon Berry Smoothies
Snowie (shaved ice)
Solar Natural Foods (wraps)
Stubb's Bar B-Que
Sweet Leaf Tea
The Best Wurst
Thistle Café (wraps, turkey melt)
Vespaio/Enoteca (mozzarella, tomato and pesto sandwich, calamari sandwich, meatball hoagie)
Wahoo's Fish Tacos

09/25/2008

Austin’s Best Restaurants Shine at Busby Foundation’s “Flavors of the Town"

It was my pleasure to host the Busby Foundation’s annual fund-raising event at the Hyatt this past week. 11 of Austin’s best restaurants came out to help raise money for Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS). Pictured below were some of the many VIP restaurant participants.

Imperia Exec Chef Joe Tellus and Marketing Director Trena Garza.

Hudson’s on the Bend Exec Jeff Blank explaining the fine point’s of the evening’s offering of expresso-rubbed beef tenderloin served with green chili mashed potatoes.

Eddie V’s chef Daniele Edwards serves Rob a spicy crab cake with a remoulade.

III Forks Exec Chef Jamie Guttierez and friends served a lovely smoked prime rib buschetta

Chef Ben Nathan of the Belmont served an ancho chile and brown sugar crusted tenderloin with a crème de leek and smoked bacon twice-baked potato.

Chef Brian Trumbell brought along some of McCormick and Schmick’s
signature ice-cold Blue Point Oysters.

09/15/2008

Bizarre Food’s Andrew Zimmern Speaks at The Austin Hilton

You’ve seen him on The Travel Channel in his quest to eat bizarre and unusual food choices. Deep fried scorpions, Cobra penises, 18-inch sandworms, rats on skewers, etc. This is one of those shows that makes one literally squirm. But it has a legion of dedicated fans who fall all over themselves attempting to outdo Andrew in their bizarre choices.

The truth of the matter is that a lot of the foods that Andrew tracks down were eaten on a much more regular basis 150 years ago. Take animal meats for example: many more people consumed organ meat than muscle meat. Why? Because organ meat was so much more inexpensive. As far as fried scorpions or tarantulas go, let’s write that off to the lack of a serious middle class in the rain forests of Brazil.

Frankly, the closest I’d come to eating a fried scorpion is the chocolate one shown in the picture created by Finn and Porter pastry chef Ed Schultz!

09/11/2008

Alternate to Las Manitas for Breakfast Tacos: Dona Emilia’s

Where to get downtown breakfast tacos after the closing of Las Manitas? Dona Emilia’s just down the street on Cesar Chavez (across from the Four Seasons), just two blocks away, is open each morning serving up Austin’s favorite breakfast treat. You might not run into Gus Garcia just yet, but that’s actually OK. The tacos are the thing at Dona Emilia’s!

09/04/2008

"Kids Eat Free" Promotion at ZuZu

ZuZu is offering "Kids Eat Free" Monday through Wednesday nights after 5:30 pm. Two kid items free with the purchase of an adult platter. In house only, no take out and not valid with any other offers.

Click here to see the Menu for ZuZu .

08/12/2008

Rob Meets with Rusty Coco, co-founder of Jason's Deli Chain!

The first things that struck me about Rusty Coco were his genuineness and his east Texas charm. It's not often that I come away from a meeting with the head of a large hospitality chain wanting to go have dinner with the guy. But Rusty is not your average button-downed executive type. He's interested in people and cares passionately about Jason's customer base. He's a fitness enthusiast who works out two hours each day. Yet he loves good red wine. He also loves "Curb your Enthusiasm" on HBO. My kind of guy.

He hails from Beaumont where the first Jason's Deli was launched in 1976. The reason that it became a deli at all was because the owners of the strip mall were from New York. They said they would lease the space to the budding entrepreneurs but only if operated as a deli. Thus, Jason's debuted with all the requisite Deli chow: Reuben's, Liverworst, et al. A local Beaumont DJ who was on a diet suggested that put in a salad bar. And so they did!

Funny how some things begin! Jason's Deli now consists of almost 200 stores across the country with an emphasis on Texas, and the Southeast. More stores are targeted for the upper Midwest and the Northeast.

Rusty has championed the menu development of the chain since the first store and continues to be involved on a daily basis. He shocked the fast-casual industry four years ago by completely pulling trans fats [partially hydrogenated vegetable oils] off the Jason's menu. He now has high-fructose corn syrup in his sights.

Rusty also acknowledges that some of the sandwiches and especially the Potatoes at Jason's can be highly caloric. And so he's worked on introducing lower calories sandwiches and salads. But there are devotees of the restaurant who must have their Muffalettas [the classic New Orleans sandwich] and their potato concoctions. So as Rusty knows, trimming calories is a work in progress, especially in Texas.

I brought my daughter Lauren [marketing grad from St. Edwards and current Apple marketer] along to the meeting. Rusty asked her how long she's been coming to the Bee Caves location of Jason's.

"Since I've been alive," said Lauren without a moment's hesitation. Well, perhaps a bit of an overstatement given that the store opened 15 years ago and Lauren is 23. Bu the perception was there. Jason's likes to start its customer base young. And the Balons made many a trip there when our kids were growing up, playing sports, etc.

Nonetheless, Rusty loved it. He then left to have dinner with his son: all prepared from scratch after an excursion to Central Market.

"I get to watch him cook" and I sit and drink some red wine and admire the process," said Rusty. Well, if you're going to be a success in the restaurant business, you have to love food. No?

As I said, I would definitely like to go to dinner with this guy.

07/30/2008

New Executive Chef Jeffrey Cummins Debuts at Finn and Porter

Jeffrey Cummins is the new executive chef at downtown favorite Finn and Porter at the Hilton. His credits include a seven-year stint as chef du cuisine at the Grand Californian Hotel in Disneyland. He trained at the prestigious California Culinary Arts Academy.

What I like about Cummins philosophy is that he lets the food speak for itself: he’s not into masking flavors but rather helping diners to experience the full range of taste possibilities in each dish.

07/25/2008

Café Panini Is Worth A Visit on N. Mays in Round Rock

Had the good fortune last week to have lunch at a seriously good little eaterie in Round Rock on N. Mays called Café Panini. Owned by a husband and wife who are entrepreneurs and helmed by a CIA trained chef, these are Paninis to get excited about. I tried a Turkey Club Panini that was just about perfect and the other ones looked great as well.

And they make these homemade scones that are to die for. I usually can take or leave scones but these have incredible texture (not the usual dry, crunchy things one finds at most bakeries) and a serious flavor.

1105 S. Mays Street. (866) 866-4976.

07/21/2008

Breaking News: What Happened to and What May Be in Store for the former Cibo’s: El Chilito?

As noted in these pages last month, Cibo which had to close its doors in the spring, was supposed to have been bailed out by an investor from New York who was apparently going to open a restaurant called Luciles. That deal crashed and burned at the 11th hour.

Now, news has it that the team from the successful El Chile operation on Manor has purchased the restaurant at 10th and Congress. Doesn’t take too much of a stretch of the imagination to suggest that the theme of the new restaurant will be Mexican. Perhaps another El Chilito?

07/17/2008

Are you ready for Shochu?

First it was Cachaca, the Brazilian liquor made from the distillation of fermented sugarcane juice,that began to attract attention internationally. Perhaps because it has a alcohol strength of between 38%-48% and is the basis for the famous Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil.

Now, keeping with the current culinary craze for all things Asian, comes Shochu. This is a trendy new Japanese liquor that’s catching on in the big culinary centers of the US. Available at most Twin Liquors.

07/17/2008

9 Reasons to Patronize Austin Java

I tend to get annoyed when area restaurants are attacked for no apparent or viable reason. Such has been the case over the past few weeks as Austin Java has been the subject of boycott threats allegedly made by a certain blues singer. All this because the owner of Austin Java and his partners followed a business plan that had already been approved by the city council, the zoning commission, and the Zilker neighborhood association with regard to the removal of certain tress to make way for a new condo development behind Austin Java on Barton Springs.

That being said, here are my Top Nine reasons to patronize Austin Java on Barton Springs Road and for that matter, all the other Austin Java’s in the River City.

1. Their coffee is fresh roasted and damned good. Have a biscotti to go along with it.
2. They are geek friendly. Lap tops rule. The staff is friendly.
Occasionally quirky, but friendly.
3. You can bring your pet as well. And they have hibiscus tea.
4. Their breakfast tacos are terrific. My favorite is the eggs, turkey sausage and cheese white whole wheat tortillas.
5. You can eat breakfast any darned time you want.
The Blueberry pancakes are to die for.
6. The Cajun Blackened Crawfish Pasta dish is one of my favorites in the city.
7. They have free parking and will shuttle you to and from it.
8. The Smoked Gouda and Bacon Cheeseburger is very good.
9. Because singers should sing. If they don’t want to eat a restaurant because of a personal grudge, fine. But recognize that when they say this onstage to their fans, it can easily be interpreted as a mandate

07/11/2008

Join the Senior Citizen Social Circle at the Veranda

The Veranda Restaurant & Bar presents the Senior Citizen Social Circle. Membership is complimentary and entitles you to a 20% discount off any entree (not including lunch specials), a 30% discount off of Saturday and Sunday brunch, and complimentary dessert on your birthday.

The eligibility requirements are:
1. You must be an Austin resident
2. You must be 60+ years of age
3. You must be a registered member
4. Your membership Card must be presented to receive discounts.

07/10/2008

The Bakehouse Hosts Open Mic Competition for Singer-Songwriters

Each Monday the Bakehouse, one of our favorite “iconic” restaurants at 5404 Manchaca near Stassney is sponsoring the “South Austin Singer-Songwriter Contest”. This is an open contest for which rewards each of the top three finalists with prizes including a PAID gig for the overall winner.

The contest is hosted by award-winning songwriter Steve Power (I’ve heard the guy’s CD: he’s really good).

The contest winner is determined by voting from the audience. So it would not be a totally bad idea for each artist to bring some family and friends to join in the fun.

Click here for more details.

07/02/2008

Singer Marcia Ball Allegedly Urges Boycott of Austin Java

Singer Marcia Ball is apparently upset with the owners of the Barton Place Project over the removal of a number of trees; so much that she allegedly announced a boycott of the Austin Java restaurant on Barton Springs Road during her Blues on the Green concert last week.

One of the owners of the Barton Place project is Rick Engel, who also happens to be one of the owners of Austin Java.

According to Engel, who phoned in while I was hosting the Jeff Ward on KLBJ-am show last Friday, Ball called for a boycott of Austin Java while she was on stage at the concert on Wednesday, June 25th.

This appears to be a disagreement between Engel and Ball: why the singer should ask all those at the concert to boycott Austin Java is a mystery to me. There are dozens of employees who derive their livelihood from that restaurant.

Engel and his partners are adamant that no additional trees have been removed other than the ones agreed on. There were several that were lost in that freakish storm we had toward the end of May. But that, as they contend, was that.

One would hope that Ms. Ball would address her grievances to the appropriate parties and let Austin Java continue unencumbered. The restaurant business is tough enough as it is these days.

07/02/2008

Imperia Celebrates New Sushi Bar by offering 2-1 each night till 7pm!

The newly opened Sushi Bar at Imperia is going to offer 2-1 sushi each night during happy hour. Chef Tatsu is rocking and “rolling” and his sushi needs to be celebrated.

Now that’s value!

07/02/2008

Imperia to add Full-Service Sushi Bar

Imperia, one of my favorite modern-Asian restaurants and the newest member of our Top 20, will add Sushi to its already innovative and delectable menu offerings.

Chef Tatsu Aikawa joins Executive Chef Joe Tellus to make a powerful combination in downtown dining. Chef Tatsu, born in Tokyo, has years of experience including stints in Tokyo at “Kikuzushi” and most importantly, five years working with the master “Smokey” at Musashino Dokoro below Chinatown on Mopac. (Musashino is one of my top two favorites for Sushi in central Texas.)

Chef Tatsu has a rare opportunity: starting a Sushi bar at Imperia is the culinary equivalent of being given an unfinished painting by Jackson Pollack and being asked to complete it. The stakes are high but the opportunity is extraordinary!

And as Tyson Cole of Uchi discovered, Takehiko-san Fuse (Smokey) of Musashino is one hell of a tutor. I look for big things from Chef Tatsu!

06/27/2008

More Woes for Cibo: Sale Falls Through at 11th Hour

Cibo, absolutely one of my all-time favorite Austin restaurants, closed several months ago. The Italian-styled restaurant at 10th and Congress helmed by Will Packwood just never got any traction.

The owners had planned to sell the business but the buyer backed out literally at the 11th hour last week. Packwood is one of our most talented, albeit least understood chefs, and I’m afraid we’re going to lose him to a larger city. Too damned bad.

06/18/2008

Green Mesquite Gets Unwanted Drive Through Addition at 4am Monday

In one of the more bizarre events in the food world this month, a truck barreled into the side of BBQ favorite The Green Mesquite at Barton Springs and S. Lamar at about 4am Monday morning. The driver, interestingly, apparently had fallen asleep at the wheel and didn’t wake up even after he crashed through the wall.

To make things more curious, a piece from the dislodged wall flew across the restaurant and hit one of the beer taps, causing the beer to begin to flow.

(Click here to see
an enlarged version)

Owner Tom Davis, who knows how to roll with the punches, had a temporary wall up by Monday and the restaurant is open for business. According to Davis, the driver, who claimed he was going through a divorce, was apparently NOT cited by police for reckless driving nor was he given an alcohol or drug test.

Don’t you just love Austin?

06/10/2008

Kinko’s Classic Comes to Lakeway: Where Hungry Golf Fans can Dine

I don’t know about you, but watching golf makes me hungry. Playing golf makes me even hungrier but that’s another story. This week the Kinko’s Classic is being played in Lakeway. The pros on the Champion’s Tour will all be there: Crenshaw, Kite, Watson, Loren Roberts, Jay Haas and all your favorites.

So where to eat after the round? My first choice would be Ciola’s smack dab in the middle of Lakeway on Higyhway 620. This is southern Italian food at its best. You’ll love their Linguine with Clams, the Penne with Vodka Sauce, the Clams Ciola, the Bruschetta, the Sausage and Peppers, the Oso Busco, and more. Plus they have an outstanding wine list.

Another good bet is Pao’s at the corner of Highway 620 and Lohman’s Spur. This is Chinese cuisine that will satisfy the western and the eastern palate. There’s two separate menus and they both rock. The Scallion Cakes are to die for and the Shrimp lettuce wraps are the bomb. I love the Tofu with Shredded Pork and the Sea Bass is incomparable.

And fans of Thai cuisine will love Thai Spice across the center from Ciola’s. Vicky Vicha presides over a very tasty and spicy menu. The Royal Dumplings are sinful. And the Charcoal Pork will make you a believer. The Pad Kee Mao is exceptional.

Want a burger or a pizza? Then head over to Kahuna’s Ice House farther down 620. The burgers are juicy and irresistible and the fries have real taste and staying power. The pizza is also pretty darned good. And do try the Fish tacos as well.

So enjoy the tournament and enjoy the food out at Lakeway. Fore!!!!!

04/29/2008

Athenian Grille Finally Receives Funding

Got a call from councilwoman Jennifer Kim's office this morning informing me that Anil Simicia, owner of the Athenian Grille, has finally gotten the funding approved for the build out of the new Athenian Grille, which will be located on W. 6th St., across from Ruth's Chris.

This is by no means a Perez sisters deal. All of the money is to be repaid. The small business office of the city did help: and that 's what they should do for small business.

No word on when the new AG will open but we'll keep you posted!

04/28/2008

Local chefs come up huge at Stars Across Texas at the THCWFF

Well, another Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival has gone into the books. And I think most would agree that it was a fun weekend.

I started things off with the “Hot Blooded Latins” seminar at Fogo de Chao featuring the wines of Chile and Argentina. John Bonadies was a knowledgeable and affable host and we should acknowledge the serious amount of time and energy put in by the Austin Chronicle’s Claudia Alarcon.

The follow-up lunch at Dona Emilia’s featured food from Dona Emilia’s, Sampaio, and from the kitchen of Aaron Sanchez, proprietor of two New York Latin hot spots, Centrico and Paladar. His ceviche was a smash!

Friday night found us sipping and noshing at the Stars Across Texas Chef’s competition at the ballroom of the downtown Austin Hilton. One thing was immediately apparent. The Austin chefs were not only in fine form but were well-represented.

Elmar Prambs from the new Trio at the Four Seasons, as usual, knocked us out with a lovely Niman Ranch Flat Iron Steak with corn brulee with beet salad along with an apple bacon biscuit.

Jeff Blank from Hudson’s on the Bend never fails to surprise at these events. His plump strawberry wrapped in venison with goat cheese and honey was another smash hit.

The Navajo Grill from Fredricksburg rolled into town with a nopalito biscuit with a sweet potato and goat cheese puree along with some crispy prosciutto and a ancho honey drizzle. Chef Josh Raymer was presiding.

The chefs at Finn and Porter from the host Austin Hilton were not to be outdone with a seaed pork belly, braised romaine, peppercorn aoli and roasted heirloom tomatoes.

Harvey Harris, Exec Chef at the always popular Siena prepared a rabbit and wild boar tureen with black truffles and a sweet green fig conserva on homemade crostini. Amazing!

Tyson Cole, Chef at the uber-cool Uchi on S. Lamar has been in the local headlines as of late for his epic battle against Chef Morimoto on the Food Newtork’s Iron Chef. Although Cole lost that one, he was a winner Friday night with a seared fois-gras nigiri sushi. You want to talk about a one-bite taste explosion!

Massively tasty!

The chefs from the new Italian restaurant at the Domain, NoRTH, looking a bit like magic men Penn and Teller, produced a magically tasty short rib. I had to go back for seconds on this one.

Jeffrey’s, as usual, was very much in evidence with a cool and lovely yellow tomato and habanero gazpacho with a bit of shrimp and avocado crème fresh. Chef Alma Alcocer-Thomas who helmed the seamless transition from David Garrido a few years ago continues to deliver daily excellence from this most revered of bistro restauants.

04/15/2008

The Gonzo Gourmet Club dines at Sicola’s: A Culinary Experience

Our Gonzo Gourmet Club has got to be one of the coolest dining clubs in Austin. We meet about 6-7 times a year and have epic feasts with wine pairings at wonderful restaurants. Our most recent splurge was Saturday, March 29th, at Sicola’s: A Culinary Experience.

Chef Steven Sicola showcased his inestimable skills with lobster cakes with remoulade, a stunning Portabello and Brie soup, an entrée choice of a light and flaky Sea Bass, a killer Braised Lamb Shank, and a delightful Ribeye. Dessert was a wickedly tasty chocolate raspberry torte. Each course was paired with wines.

For more information on setting up a corporate event or private party at Sicola’s call 323-6907 and ask for Melanie. Their web is www.sicolas.com. To join our Gonzo Gourmet Club, click here.

04/01/2008

Tyson Cole of Uchi Brings the Battle into Kitchen Stadium on the Iron Chef

It isn’t often that a local Austin chef gets to journey to New York to do battle with the big boys on the Food Network’s Iron Chef program.. The last one to do it was the former chef at the Driskill Grill, David Bull. And he lost to Bobby Flay.

Tyson Cole, the uber chef of Uchi on S. Lamar was the next Austin chef to get the call. Last September, he went to New York with his team of Paul Qui and Phillip Speer to take on the almost mythic chef Masaharu Morimoto. The featured ingredient was ginger. Cole was under a strict gag order to not reveal the outcome until the show aired.

On Sunday evening, March 23rd, a packed house of media and Tyson’s best friends and customers watched at Uchi as the event finally aired on the Food Network. We got to sample the same menu Tyson prepared in his battle with Morimoto. And it was fabulous food. From the Japanese black snapper sashimi to the Skewered and grilled salmon belly with ginger compressed watermelon; to the Pan-seared black bass with gingered lemon puree and the Ginger-cured smoked baby yellow tail (hamachi) served with ginger dusted yucca chips (my favorite) and finally to the Brown butter sorbet with ginger consommé it was enough, in my opinion to send Morimoto crumbling into the dust.

Iron Chef airs
to a packed house at Uchi

Alas, the judges, an odd lot if there was ever one assembled, did not agree. Morimoto got the victory but Tyson acquitted himself very well. Had the Food Network actually invited a few additional judges whose culinary chopsticks had a few more notches in them, it might have been different. But the evening was a gas.

The good news is that this exact same menu will be available to the public for the next four Sunday’s for $65 per person with wine and sake pairings available for an additional $31.

Call 916-4808 for reservations.

03/27/2008

Rob Opens Mouth, Inserts Foot: Both County Lines are very much open and doing great!

Radio is a live medium. That’s what makes it special and that’s what also makes it occasionally problematic. This morning, I inadvertently confused the County Line with the Salt Lick as we talked about the Salt Lick’s closing in Davenport. I corrected myself moments later but some folks apparently left the program thinking the County Line had closed.

I love what the County Line offers up, as do thousands of others in central Texas. AND as Hans and Franz of SNL fame used to say, “Listen to me now and hear me later!!!” Both County Lines are very much open. And as evidenced by my last meal at the County Line on the Hill, the food is still great. The view ain’t bad either!

02/29/2008

Austin Dining Recommendations for Hillary and Barack

Okay, the big night is at hand. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are going to square off in an Austin debate with the future of the Democratic presidential nomination at stake. Duly noted.

But the really burning question is where in our fair city are they going to dine? Or perhaps to couch it in culinary logic, where should they dine based on their political ideologies?

Obama is the candidate, so he says, who will unite all the disparate groups out there in fractious old USA. He will fuse, if you will, all the dissenters into one united front. So what better place for him to dine then Austin’s preeminent fusion restaurant, Bistro 88 on Bee Caves Road. Chef Jeff Liu has fused European and Asian flavors with great success. So this would seem to be a natural. Another good choice would be Saba Blue Water Café on 4th St. Lots of fusion going on there as well. And then, for breakfast, because he is sometimes accused of being long on sophistry and short on substance, he should head over to Cisco’s for breakfast and sit at the fabled Liar’s table.

Clinton is the candidate, so she says, who will get things done because she knows how to work the system to get what she wants. She’s also trying to distance herself from husband Bill. So the first thing she needs to do is head over to Guero’s on S. Congress and emphatically announce that she will not be ordering the Presidential plate named after her husband. Then she should head over to either Eddie V’s or The Shoreline Grill. These are two restaurants where serious corporate and political players hang out and in fact, get things done. In fact, George W and his brother Jeb were at Shoreline on election eve in 2,000 (remember that night where Al Gore won and then didn’t win?). Rumor has it that after the TV announced that Gore had won Florida, the two men were seen huddled outside in a hallway for quite some time.

02/21/2008

Trouble in Coffeeland? Starbucks to Close 100 Stores

The notion of value in the hospitality industry is an intriguing one. Some people will pay what they believe a product is worth and nothing more. Others though, will pay far more. Why? Because they want to be socially accepted or feel like they’re part of the cognoscenti.

Consider the case of a cup of coffee at Starbucks. I paid $2.00 for a medium cup of coffee the other day. I believe they call it a “grande”. Was that cup worth two bucks? Absolutely not. So why did I fork over the money? Good question. I actually began to ponder that issue as I sipped the lukewarm Colombian dark.

Apparently, a few million other customers have begun to rethink the value of a Starbuck’s cup of java as well. Because sales at the nation’s leading coffee shop chain have begun to slide.

Now let me clarify: I do like Starbuck’s coffee. And I get a kind of God-bless-American-business feeling when I walk into one of their stores and see people hard at work on their laptops or conducting sales meetings or job interviews over a cop of jo. But I suspect the bloom may be beginning to come off the rose. Starbuck’s began a national mania for exotic coffee blends and mysterious drinks with names like “Mocachocalatte” And for a time, people were willing to pay a premium for the cachet that Starbuck’s offered.

But what goes up must come down. And Starbuck’s corporate has closed 100 stores and has begun experiments with value pricing. At some spots in the country, one can now get a cup of coffee for, drum roll please, a buck! They’ve named this “the short cup”. And it’s a stab at competing with bottom feeders McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. Well sign me up for a short cup. It’s probably not even worth a dollar but it’s a step in the right direction.

Now, the burning question is: if you only order a “short cup” the next time you go to Starbuck’s, will they still give you free wireless?

02/06/2008

Rob and Art San Miguel enjoy an Imperial of Caymus Special Selection ’04

I get to go to a lot of wine auctions and affairs for charity. But earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be the MC for the Parents to Parents wine benefit at the Wild Game Ranch south of Austin.

If you are not familiar with this charity, the work that goes into it is extraordinary. It was created by Texas parents of children with disabilities, chronic illness, and other special needs. The idea is to help families in need by providing information and resources, a one-on-one matched with a trained volunteer, a bit of encouragement, or help figuring out the next step in your journey of raising a child with a disability or a special need.

The event was very successful and we’ll keep you posted on when the next one will be. Some great wines were auctioned off and Art San MIguel and I were lucky enough to walk off with an Imperial (equivalent to four magnums) of Caymus Special Selction ‘04 Cabernet. The picture shown above is as we had decanted this excellent wine and, with friends, consumed the majority of it.

For information on Parents to Parents, their website is www.txp2p.org.

02/05/2008

What Will $4,937 Buy You and Your Valentine for Extravagant Indulgence at the Hilton

Got some discretionary cash lying around from the sale of your hedge fund? Or perhaps you just did a re-fi on your Lake Travis estate? Or maybe you just have a penchant for extravagance?

Well, the downtown Hilton has got a package for you. The weekend begins with a limo escorting you to the hotel. In your Presidential Suite, a dozen red roses will await along with a ’99 Dom Perignon and an original chocolate sculpture from award-winning pastry Chef Edward Schulz.

Then it’s off to the Spa for a couples’ massage along with a choice of facials, body wraps and other indulgences.

The evening features a gourmet dinner at the Hilton’s stunning Finn and Porter restaurant that will begin with Bluefin Tuna sashimi [I think I’d go just for the Bluefin] and include a host of Chris Bauer creations along with a 2004 Georges de la Tour Private Reserve Cabernet.

An indulgent brunch served in your suite follows the next morning that will feature French pressed coffee flavored with Louis XIII cognac.

An important out of town engagement has kept Rob from signing up for the package so it is still available. Call the Hilton at 482-8000 to reserve. Sorry, you may not trade in your Hilton Honors points for this one!

01/25/2008

Rob will host a booth at KLBJ-AM’s Talk Fest this Saturday at Convention Center

Looking for some one-on-one Q&A time with Rob? He will have a booth at 590 KLBJ-AM’s Talk Fest this Saturday, January 26th, at the Convention Center. The hours are 9am to 4pm. Admission is free!

Talk Fest is a popular yearly event that brings talk radio fans from across central Texas to meet and listen to KLBJ-AM’s local and national personalities.

01/23/2008

Craving Great Soups This Weekend?

The weather has taken a turn for the nasty here in sunny Austin. So what better time to hunker down over a hot and delicious bowl of soup? Some of our favorites are listed below.

The Sweet Potato Clam Chowder at Austin Land and Cattle. I know the name sounds a bit strange but I love this soup. It has perfect taste and it really stays with you.

The Shrimp Pho at Hao Hao on William Cannon at Manchaca. This is Vietnamese penicillin: a beef broth with plump shrimp, rice noodles, bean sprouts, jalapenos and more flavor than you can imagine. Perfect for a cold day.

The Seafood and Corn Chowder at McCormick and Schmick’s is also a great cold-weather treat. This is a robust soup but it has wonderfully nuanced flavors.

And please get the Taiwanese Hot and Sour Seafood Soup at Chinatown on Greystone. This is usually served for two but it’s so good that I’ve on occasion downed the bowl designed for two or three by myself. This is Ronald Cheng at his best.

The French Onion soup at both Aquarelle and The Belmont. This is exactly what French Onion soup should be: wonderfully cheesy gruyere and sharply flavored with that comforting taste. And who knows, at Belmont you might see someone really cool sitting across from you.

Another favorite is the Aztec Corn and Shrimp Bisque at Chez Zee. The shrimp are served in a rich, tomato chicken broth and the corn is whole kernel. Yum.

And you have to try the Tortilla Soup at Zax Pints and Plates. Tortilla Soup is a classic cold weather dish and Zax just nails it.

Another good choice is the Chicken Caldo at Curra's Grill. The broth is loaded with tender chicken, squash, corn, and a boatload of the flavor that has made Curras’ such a foodie favorite over the years.

On the Italian side, get whatever soup La Traviata happens to be serving that day. It’s literally that good. My favorites are the Cauliflower, Mushroom and Butternut Squash. And also head over to Bellagio and try the Pasta Fagiolo (or pasta fah-zool as my Italian aunt used to call it). This is a hearty serving of pasta, fresh vegetables and kidney beans in a savory broth.

Another great choice is the Mediterranean Seafood Soup at Louie’s 106. Chef Frank Bellino, taking the reins from Norbert Brand, has nailed this soup.

And as always, on a cold day, you have a bowl of Gumbo. Try the version at Cherry Creek Catfish which has a milder roux than most but lots of flavor. Another recommendation is the Gumbo at Evangeline Café. This is hotter and has more bite but it’s equally flavorful.

01/18/2008

Craving a Steak this Weekend?

Austin is blessed with an abundance of fine steakhouses. Most are centered in or near the downtown area but there are also pleasant exceptions north such as Cool River on Parmer Lane off Mopac. I love the Ribeyes there along with the Seafood Empanadas. Great bar scene as well. Austin Land and Cattle on N. Lamar (not to be confused with Texas Land and Cattle) is the only one of my group of favorites that is owner-operated. Their Porterhouse is to die for and they make a sweet potato clam chowder that is unique in the city.

Austin Land & Cattle
(Porterhouse)

Another favorite is III Forks at Cesar Chavez and Lavaca. Curtiss Osmond is the consummate host and Jamie Gutierrez has the kitchen going strong. The Bone-In Ribeye is amazing. Love the sophisticated-yet-approachable ambiance as well. On 2nd St. next to Roy’s, Fleming’s is a long-time favorite. The Prime NY Strip is a killer as is their Sunday Prime Rib dinners. I am also addicted to their BBQ Shrimp. And one can’t ignore the near-legendary Sullivan’s on Colorado and 4th. This place has a rocking lounge and a Filet Mignon that will make you a believer. They are also open for lunch where a very credible burger is served. There are many more but this will get your started. It’s almost impossible to have a bad meal at any of these.

01/11/2008

Update on the Latest Attempt by the EU to Ban Foie Gras

I never thought I’d live to see this day. The European Union, with England in the lead, has been rumbling about a total ban of foie gras production. Can this be? I’m not sure what it would take to get this passed but I certainly can’t see the French of the Belgians supporting it.

In rural southwest France, over 30,000 workers make their living from the production of foie gras. Despite all the hue and cry, when the French and Belgian farmers bring their fresh foie gras to market on Sundays, their supplies, even at a price of over 50 Euros per kilo, are quickly exhausted. Seems the locals just can’t get enough of one of the last great delicacies on Earth. I don’t know how the EU will come down on this, but I must say I’m stunned that they are even considering it.

Here in America, things continue to be simply stupid. Chicago, at least for now, has banned the sales of foie gras at any restaurant. California, even worse, is considering a ban on production at the farms. And in Austin, restaurants like Jezebel and Jeffrey’s have been vandalized because they continue to have it on the menu. You know what? Good for them. If the foie gras activists abhor the sale of this product, then they have the right to boycott those offending restaurants. But they do not have the right to vandalize these places of threaten the families of the owners (that’s right, you heard me correctly).

This protest has gotten insane. We (humans) are at the top of the food chain. It may not always be the case. So let’s enjoy our status while we still have it. I am not going to get excited over a duck or goose that may be overfed to enlarge the size of its liver when that same duck or goose, were that not the case, would still destined for the slaughterhouse to serve as someone’s Christmas dinner. The Egyptians were doing it 3,000 years ago. Emperor Nero fed figs to his geese to produce foie gras. I’ve been to the Hudson Valley farm and watched the feeding of the duck and geese. I did not see anything inhumane about it. When the tubes (full of rich cornmeal) came out, the animals came running. No amount of force was necessary. On top of that, ducks and geese have very coarse throats. A tube does not bother them in the least as it might you or I. Sorry, that’s just the way I see it.

12/21/2007

Dona Emilia’s Now Open for Breakfast

Dona Emilia’s, one of our TOP 20 restaurants, has opened for breakfast at 7am Tuesdays thru Saturdays.

Dona Emilia’s will feature gourmet breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, and other breakfast fare. Guests can dine in at the restaurant or phone in a to-go order.

Since the restaurant is only a few blocks from my office, you can rest assured I’ll be there. I am a serious fan of breakfast tacos. Call 478-2520.

12/17/2007

Cibo’s Servers Donate Tips to Help Needy Families

I like this story. Next Thursday, Dec. 20th, Cibo, (at 9th and Congress) one of my favorite restaurants in the city, will donate 10% of the evening’s sales to help several needy Austin families. But beyond that, the servers have decided to donate all their tips for the night to those same families. You don’t see the servers giving up ALL their tips too often. So hats off to the waitrons at Cibo.

Go dine there on Thursday, have some amazing gnocchi, and tip generously. It’ll be a great evening of dining, and it will make some deserving families very happy. Call 478-3663 for reservations.

12/14/2007

Chinatown Greystone Begins Dim Sum Service on Dec. 8-9

It’s taken 25 years but Ronald Cheng has finally come to terms with Dim Sum and has begun service on weekends from 11-3pm starting Dec. 8th.

Ronald Cheng only does things one way: with ultimate quality. That’s why Chinatown has had a spot in our Top 20 since we began posting it six years ago!

Click here to see their Dim Sum Menu.

12/07/2007

Chefs Brady and Loiacono team at Ventana

I like the idea of a functioning restaurant as a learning center for culinary students: you know a place where they can put their classroom instructions to the acid test. Ventana, the commercial restaurant of the Texas Culinary Academy is such a place.

And the TCA just scored a major coup by securing the services of two of our most outstanding central Texas chefs: Robert Brady of Aquarelle and Steve Loiacono, formerly of Bellagio.

We attended a student-prepared dinner there the other night where the food was paired with wines from the Frank Family Vineyards. The Foie Gras au Torchon was magnificent: deep, rich flavors with perfect texture. And every dish after that was equally good. The dinner was a complete success and the students deserved the recognition they got from a room full of critical foodies.

If you've not yet tried Ventana, you owe it to yourself and your palate to get out to 11400 Burnet Road behind the Domain and see what chefs Brady and Loiacono have taught their young protégées. Phone: 339-3850

11/29/2007

Craving German food? Scholz Garten is Alive and Well!

Scholz Garten, aside from being one of the oldest restaurants in the city, is a fun place to snarf down some vienerschnitzel or bratwurst. They also have many, many beers to choose from and provide an excellent venue for watching games on TV. Click here for menu.

10/27/2007

For Fans of Kaprow: Fatty Tuna in for two weeks only!

Chef Opart at Ka Prow on Howard Lane has written to inform me he has fatty tuna in for only a limited time: until the end of October. The price is $5 per piece for either sushi or sashimi. For more information go to www.kaprowleaf.com.

Get there in a hurry because I suspect there’s going to be a line!

10/26/2007

Watch Hut’s Recent Appearance on Emeril Legasse’s Good Morning America Segment

The colorful Legasse recently gave some well-deserved love to Hut’s, the legendary 6th St. burger emporium. You can watch it here in the all-too-brief segment. But hey, national TV? Emeril Legasse? Way to go Hutch and the gang!

10/12/2007

You Want Some Real Comfort this Weekend: Check Out Angel’s Chicken Fried Meatloaf

Chicken Fried Meatloaf? Why the hell not, I say. And Mary and Sara at Angel’s Ice House in Spicewood agree. This weekend the special is Chicken Fried Meatloaf. It’s served with brown gravy, corn, mashed potatoes and Texas toast.

What’s not to like about that? Call 264-3377 for more information. Angel’s is at 21815 W. Spicewood, just across from the Backstage Steakhouse.

10/12/2007

Cannoli Joe’s Now Open For Sunday Brunch

If you’re looking for an unusual and tasty Sunday brunch, Cannoli Joe’s in S. Austin is serving up a bevy of Italian treats along with more traditional brunch fare such as:

Baked Fontina and Egg Strata
Poached Eggs Fiorientina
Custom-Made Omelets
Belgian Waffles
French Toast
Blueberry and Raspberry Scones
Cherry Strudel
Bacon, Sausage and Ham
Crispy Potatoes Rustico

Cannoli Joe's: (512) 892-4444. 4715 Hwy. 290 West. Click here for their menu.

09/21/2007

Craving Thai? Check Out Rob's Favorites

When I first tried Thai food, I was living in Southern California and teaching at Cal St. Long Beach. My restauarant reviewing days were far ahead of me. But from that very first bit of Pad Thai at a place in Newport Beach, I was hooked.

Thai food is about searing flavors, huge spices, and wonderful sauces and curries. It's healthy, laden with meats, seafood, and vegetables. And prepared by the right chefs, it can leave you with taste experiences that are second to none.

And we are blessed here in Austin with an abundance of excellent Thai favorites. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorites.

Satay. Founded by the inimitable Dr. Foo Swasdee, Satay is a marvelous restaurant. Best Pad Prik King I've had anywhere. Foo's husband also concocts wonderful "Chocolate"desserts made from soy.

Thai Tara. Yupa Rushing is a disciple of Dr. Foo's. Her little 6th St. restauarnt is a gem. I can't get enought of her Panang Curry nor her Pad Kee Mao. Busy a lunch but dinners are slow. Take advantage.

Chon Som. Chon Som means spoon and fork in Thai (typical cutlery used by Thai people). Nat and Alicia make both Thai and Sushi work in an intriguing and harmonious manner. Only open at year on Wells Branch Parkway, it is rapidly taking its place among the really tasty restaurants in the city. The Drunken Noodles, awash in a garlic-basil sauce are to die for.

Madam Mam's. The collaboration of Sap Apisksari and Chatfuang Mam will leave you breathless. With two locations on the drag and out at Westgate Dr.near Central Market, Madam Mam's. The Pad Cha Catfish truly will leave you breathless as it's a bit firely. But oh soo good.

Ka Prow. Chef Opart is one of the good guys. Not only can he cook great Thai food, he cares about his fellow restaurateurs. He's donated proceeds from sales to help with the rebuild of Mother's Cafe. He can also whip up a mean Pad Ka Prow with tangy beef that will blow you away. And the Duck Curry is without peer.

Thai Passion. On Congress, Lots of interesting and palatable dishes here including the Koong Pla which is griled shrimp flavored with lemon grass, lime and thai pepper. Open late for the downtown crowd. And that makes sense. I can see dingging into some Tod Mun at 12:30am!

Thai Spice. Vicky and Tut Visha have these two little restaurnts in Lakeway and at the Albertson's Shopping Ctr in Westlake that just are hard to resist. I love the Royal Dumplings and the Garlic Shrimp. Chef Opart of KaProw is an alumnus of Thai Spice also.

09/07/2007

Ryan Bouillet Assumes the Helm of Bellagio

Bellagio has been almost a permanent resident in our Top 20 for the last three years. And usually, when there is a transition of chefs at a restaurant of that calibre, one always takes a deep breath. Well, Ryan Bouillet is the real deal and will more than capably fill the shoes of the departed Steve Loicano.

A graduate of the Texas Culinary Academy, he worked at the prestigious Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, CA and then at Tim Keating's illustrious Quatro at the Four Seasons in Houston. He then gravitated back to Austin as Steve's Sous Chef at Bellagio.

We had one of his meals the other night and let me assure you that all cylinders were clicking. This guy can flat out cook. You've got to try his gnuddi, a delcious variation of gnocchi. He is capable of replicating all the old favorites at Bellagio while adding some new classics of his own. It's going to be fun to watch him at work. I for one will definitely be back.

09/06/2007

Vodka Fest at Cool River Serves up Some Great Spirits

The annual Vodka fest at Cool River on Parmer Lane attracted between 600-700 people on August 29th. It was a fun night to be sure replete with intriguing new tastes, lovely vodka pourers and lots of cool people.

There were some very interesting new vodkas on hand including the amazing 42 Below from New Zealand (which draws from a spring found 1,000 feet below an extinct volacno). I really enjoyed the fresh, almost sweet taste of this vodka. Also of interest was P.i.n.k. a very hip new vodka that had a kind of wheatey taste that I liked.

I found the Imperia Russian vodka, made from an 1894 recipe using winter wheat grown on the fields of the Russian Steppes, to have quite a pleasant jolt. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this as a regular drink but it was not unpleasant.

Also interesting was the new Dripping Springs Voda from good old Dripping Springs, Texas. It had a very smooth, almost lush character. I will most definitely pick up a bottle of this one.

Boru was another vodka new to me. It's made in Ireland and is named after the legendary king Brian Boru who united Irelandin 1014.. It has legions of fans, including the inestimable Andy Dick. That's good enough for me. And the UV cherry vodka was a blast. Very pleasant taste AND aftertaste. Another way cool vodka was Fall Creek's new Savvy, made by Chad Auler. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Ed and Susan Auler are the founders of Fall Creek and the Texas Hill Country Wine Festival.

You have to love the cool bottle that P.I.N.K uses.

The Dripping Springs pourer was exceptionally busy all night.

You would expect two girls like this to be pouring Russian vodka.

The UV pourers were mixing their vodka with Red Bull: now there's an idea!

These two obviously Irish girls were pouring in honor of old King Boru.

08/31/2007

Finn and Porter voted Best Steaks in Austin by City Search Readers

Readers of City Search have spoken and the ballots are in. Finn and Porter, the signature restaurant (helmed by Chris Bauer) of the downtown Hilton Hotel, has been voted to have the Best Steaks in Austin.

As readers of our site will recognize, I've long been a fan of this restaurant as well and they have a well-deserved spot in our Top 20.

08/28/2007

Ego's: A Neighborhood Bar in a City that Could Use Some More

I grew up in New England. To say that we had a lot of neighborhood bars and taverns is an understatement. There was one on every corner. Some catered to the blue-collar shift workers; others to college kids while others were very ethnic in their persuasion. My father-in-law spent many a memorable evening at the Gaelic club. And when I first came down to Austin, I was struck by how few real neighborhood bars there were. Maybe it's due to the fact that while the old neighborhoods were evolving, Austin was a dry town. All I know is that I found the lack of the neighborhood joints to be a detriment. Fast-forward to 2007: 35 years of selling liquor and we still have very few of these places. Which brings me to the topic of Ego's.

Gail Johnson was not planning on going into the bar business after his stint in the Air Force back in the 1960's. He was a graduate of UT with a degree in accounting.

But somehow, one of those serendipitous life-changing moments we always hear about came his way when he wandered into Ego's, a little bar set in a parking garage (that's right, you heard me) off S. Congress just past Riverside.

Ego's is not the kind of place one just happens to find. Trust me, I've occupied two offices across from it for almost thirteen years and while I've seen the sign, I've never gone in. That is, until the other night.

It's kind of like going into one of those grotto clubs in Berlin, Germany. It's dark yet its also inviting. There was a bunch of people sitting at the bar that I instantly recognized: not by face but by disposition. They were clearly regulars: the kind of folks I had spent my younger years sitting next to at neighborhood bars.

If this is starting to sound like a Billy Joel song, forgive me, but I couldn't help but wax nostalgic. I sat down with owner Gail Johnson and we had a couple of brewskies together. He told me that Ego's is open every night. And there's music every night. Finger foods appear occasionally but it's mostly a bar. And it's been catering to the need for libations in this neighborhood for over 30 years!!!!

Johnson loves the bar business. He bought Ego's because it seemed like a good idea at the time. Hell, Walking Suits were a good idea back in the 70's. But this good idea has had one hell of a run. And Johnson's steady hand has helmed a place where the average employee has had an amazingly long tenure. The barmaid working the night I went in had been there for almost ten years. Ditto for a doorman who was leaving for New York who had been there that long.

I spoke to a customer named Mike. A retired Air Force guy who lives in the apartments adjacent to Ego's. Mike gave up drinking in 1991 but he still comes in every day and has three Sharp's non alcoholic brews. He comes in because in his words: "It's easy-going and lots of fun. No problems here. Just a nice place to pass the time."

Mike's sentiments were echoed by others I spoke to. "This place is a gem," said a sturdy guy with brown hair named Bill. "There is just nothing like it in the city. You feel like everyone's your friend."

Ego's is not easy to find. You take a right off S. Congress and follow the signs just past Riverside. Then you head into the parking garage. Ego's is inside behind a door that you can easily miss. But if the concept of neighborhood intrigues you, grab a beer at Ego's. There's over 30 years of history on those bar stools. Now if that's not iconic, I don't know what is.

For more information on Ego's click here.

08/22/2007

Perez Sister Decide They Don't Want City Loan After All

Lydia and Cynthia Perez have told the city that they are no longer interested in receiving the almost completely forgivable $750,000 loan earmarked for Las Manitas.

The sisters have said they want to keep the "iconic" Las Manitas open, but are now not sure where they will find the money for the rennovation costs, estimated at between $844,000 and $1.13 million.

Mayor Will Wynn, a strong backer of the loan, told the Statesman that he was disappointed as this could jeopardize the impending Marriot Project that was going to replace Las Manitas.

I don't think either the city nor the Perez sisters expected the outpouring of anger that the loan decision generated. Now it looks as if the Perez sisters are going to have to get their funding just like the other business would have: from private investors or priviate financial institutions. I think this is the way it should have been from the beginning, and whether genuine or not I am glad to see the sisters displaying a decided lack hubris here.

So, as of this moment, I am no longer boycotting Las Manitas. I will be there Monday morning for some breakfast tacos, and will be happy to give the sisters the name of my friendly local banker.

08/17/2007

Hut's Gets Some Love From Good Morning America Friday at 8:15am

The Good Morning America camera crew was in Austin this week to film some burgers at one of Austin's perennial favorites: Hut's on W. 6th.

The national ABC morning show is doing a burger referendum. Rumor has it that Emeril Legasse will also be involved.

Hut's has won more than its share of best burger awards in Austin over its long tenure on W. 6th. And now, at 8:15am on GMA (KVUE Cable 3) we can see the results of their national search.

08/08/2007

Chef Opart of Ka Prow Reaches Into the Till to Help Mother's Cafe

Chef Opart of Ka Prow on Howard Lane is donating 10% of his total sales each Wednesday and Thursday in August to help the Mother's cafe rebuilding fund. I applaud this effort and hope other restaurants will pitch in as well. The vegan community has been devestated with the loss of Mother's and Nu Age.

08/07/2007

Will Packwood Sizzles for the Gonzo Gourmets at Cibo

One of the coolest things about being a member of Rob's Gonzo Gourmet Club is that the very best chefs in the city knock themselves out to produce memorable wine dinners at exceptionally affordable costs.

Sunday night at Cibo at 9th and Congress was no exception. Cibo opened exclusively for our club that evening and the 48 people on hand were treated to an outstanding 4-course meal by Chef Packwood. The Shrimp-Zucchini Risotto was amazing, as was the Roasted Beef Loin with Gorgonzola Butter and the Grilled Magrove Snapper with Warm Pepperonata and Caper-Lemon Citonette. Gonzos also were very complimentary about the Montepulciano d' abruzzo 04.

By popular acclaim, the dinner was voted one of the best the Gonzo's have ever had. So thanks Chef Packwood for a memorable evening.

To join the Gonzo Gourmet Club, click here.

07/24/2007

We Have Free Passes for the "No Reservations" Premier

Really good movies about the food world are far and few between (think of "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman or "Eating Raoul"). So when one comes along that shows promise, I'm excited. I'm even more excited because we have 25 sets of tickets for two for this Saturday only.

Stop by our office to pick up your freebies to
"No Reservations," starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart. The action is set in NYC (where else?) at a restaruant called 22 Bleeker St.. Noted chef Michael White trained the actors. Advance notices have been good.

Tickets will be given out from Noon-7pm at the address below on first-come first-serve basis. Remember, they are good for Saturday only.

907 South Congress Ave., Ste. #7
(512) 707-7500
Across from the Texas School for the Deaf
Behind ACR Engineering

07/17/2007

Lengendary Brewer Brian Peters back at Uncle Billy's

Most of the regular readers of www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com know that I am a wine guy first. I certainly appreciate a good glass of beer but my knowledge of the fine art of beer-making is sketchy at best.

But when you need an expert to expand your education, one need look no further than Brian Peters. Peters is a legend among home brewers in Austin. He started the iconic Live Oak back in the 90's and followed that by a memorable run at Bitter End. Now, he is brewing his eminently potable suds at the new Uncle Billy's Brew and Que on Barton Springs.

It was something of a coup for Uncle Billy's to land Peters: in the beer world, it would be something close to the baseball equivalent of signing Roger Clemens.

A recent afternoon spent with Peters at Uncle Billy's provided a sense of what makes this guy so good. He loves his craft and is passionate about it. His pride in his work and his enthusiasm were evident as he led me through the intricate process of beer-brewing at UB's.

But it was when we started sampling the fruits of his labors that I got a sense of how much this guy knows about beer. Brian has produced five beers thus far at Uncle Billy's: they include the Back 40 Blonde Ale (a mild malt-flavored lighter brew), the Amber Ale (smooth and malty with a slight bisquity flavor), the Haystack Hefeweizen (an unfiltered Bavarian-style wheat beer), the Ax Handle Pale Ale (finishes with a firm bitterness and a nice malt aftertaste) and the India Pale Ale (dates back to the 1700's when India was under British rule. The high alcohol content and hops helped preserve the beer while it was shipped from British breweries to India).

We did a horizontal tasting of all five and I listened spellbound as he regaled me with an almost unlimited number of factoids regarding each of the beers. Soon, I was drowning in a sea of jargon: two-row malt vs. six-row malt; the percentage of Plato [not the philosopher]; Perle, Fuggle and Golding hops; bitterness, color, and so much more.

Bottom line though: while I may not have been able to keep up with all the terminology, one thing was abundantly clear: these were beers with depth and character. All had really interesting flavors. True, not all were my personal cup of tea. But the two that I liked best (The Back 40 Blonde Ale and the Amber Ale) I REALLY liked. I'd be back there in a heartbeat to soak in a pitcher or two of either one.

And it is of course, a foregone conclusion that beer goes perfectly with Barbecue. So do make it a point to stop by Uncle Billy's Brew and Que on Barton Springs and check out the maestro himself at work. Brian Peters is back and the beer lovers across the city are celebrating!

07/02/2007

Cibo Rolls Out New Menu

For Chef Will Packwood, whose mother is from Italy, Italian cooking has always been about the beautiful simplicity of the cuisine; that and the unrelenting passion that all Italians have for food. His techniques were finely honed by spending a year at the acclaimed Gamberinus restaurant north of Trevisio.

So it's no surprise that the new menu at Cibo will feature the things that Packwood cares most about: putting his own spin on classic Italian dishes."It's all about textures and flavors, unofrthodox combinations, reaching out of the box" said Packwood. "This is a menu that our customers will have fun with and that I have really enjoyed putting together. To take a look at the new Cibo menu, click here.

06/28/2007

Austin Activists Work Toward Ban of Foie Gras in Restaurants

The animal rights activists are at it again. Taking a cue from Chicago, where the sale of foie gras has been banned in city restaurants, Austin activists have been threatening to picket restaurants that serve this 2500-year old delicacy. To make matters worse, they've actually managed to get a few of our best Austin restaurants to cave in on this and take foie gras off the menu.

I am appalled by these strong-arm tactics and even more upset that some restaurants are bowing to the pressure. The facts are simple. To get their livers to grow unnaturally larger in a relatively short period, geese and ducks are fed a very rich diet through feeding tubes. Activists claim this is barbaric. Perhaps. But who is to say that the geese and ducks don't enjoy being fed this way?

And unless I'm missing something, are not all these animals ultimately heading for the chopping block anyway? Why must we go through this posturing and angst over being "humane" when the animal's end is a certainty?

And if we give in on foie gras, what's next? Veal, cabrito, lobsters placed in boiling water, sushi? What about prying clams or oysters open with a knife? How about the way cows are fed to induce marbling? Or the way chickens are raised? Shall we be forced to eschew all these foods because someone is offended? If this keeps up, all that will be correct to consume will be the greens from Granny's garden. While that may make a number of animal activists happy, it will really piss me off.

Right now, we humans are at the top of the food chain. In the next thousand years, we may be in for a rude surprise. So let's enjoy it while we can. I heartily support the continued sale of foie gras in Austin restaurants. And I enthusiastically support your right not to dine any restaurant if you are offended by the presence of foie gras. But to force restaurants to ban it? Let's deep six this heavy-handed attempt at bringing social change by picketing offending restaurants.

That does not mean that I mistreat my dog or beat my cat. I love animals: and I'm particularly fond of the ones we traditionally don't eat.

What do you think? Should foie gras be banned in Austin? Email to info@diningoutwithrobbalon.com. We'll print all the letters.

06/13/2007

Athenian Grill loses lease: will reopen in two months

Anil Simicia’s Athenian Grill at 8th and Colorado will have to close on Saturday night due to an expiration of their lease and the arrival of a much larger tenant from Houston.

Good news however. The popular Greek restaurant will reopen in about two months at 8th and Brazos in larger space. This is a terrific restaurant and I will miss my Thursday night Greek fix for those two months. The Atenian had, in my opinion, the best gyros in town. And the lamb was to die for. But I am buzzed about this place reopening at the new location.

Stay tuned for more information about their anticipated opening date.

05/31/2007

Will Packwood, the Prince of Gnocchi!

I have long admired the gnocchi that Will Packwood of Cibo at 9th and Congress makes. So I thought I'd probe chef Packwood about his secrets for making this Italian delicacy. Here, in his own words, is Packwood's description of the art of gnocchi...

"Gnocchi, literally lump or knot, are small dumplings. Usually made from potatoes but also semolina, ricotta cheese, pumpkin, butternut squash, bread and other starchy fruits and vegetables can be used in the construction of gnocchi. Gnocchi are enjoyed as a primo or first course in most all regions of Italy. In the US most people are more familar with the potato variety. At Cibo we make several different varieties incuding Potato, Ricotta, Goat's Milk Ricotta, Ricotta with Spinach added for color and flavor, called nudi in Tuscan, Butternut Squash and Carrot just to mention a few. Gnocchi can be dressed with many different condiments melted butter and Parmigiano Reggiano, brown butter and sage, tomato sauce, Ragu di Bolognese, Bay Scallops and Leeks and many many more. The beauty of gnocchi is the simplicity of the dish and the over dressing them is greatly frowned upon, one should be able to taste the gnocchi and the condiment should only enhance the flavor.

Making gnocchi is simple but experience is the key. Gnocchi should be light in texture and delicate in flavor. Unfortunately many variations of gnocchi in the US are overly dense or resemble a bowl of mashed potatoes. The raw ingredients used to make gnocchi are very important, potatoes used for gnocchi need to be fairly starchy and dry. Baking the potatoes rather than boiling helps to avoid adding unwanted water to the potato. Excess water requires excess flour when making the gnocchi resulting in a dense final product. Milling the potaotes while they are still warm is also important. When potatoes cool the starches crystalize and become gummy resulting, once again in a overly dense product. These are only a few of the things one should be aware of when making gnocchi properly."

05/18/2007

The Belmont Makes Conde Nast’s List of World’s Top 25 Nightspots

Conde Nast magazine has some serious traction in the high-end travel and entertainment world. So the fact that the Belmont, Matt Luckie’s new restaurant/lounge on 6th St, made Conde Nast’s Top 25 list of world night spots must be considered a stunning achievement.

The Belmont, which has only been open since last September, was the only Texas night spot to make the list. And only twelve of the top 25 establishments were in the US.

Frankly, I’m not surprised by the accolades. Belmont hit the ground running, immediately appealing to the 25-49 crowd with both its hip early-Vegas vibe and good food. And it shows no signs of slowing down! Check out their review.

05/11/2007

The Balons are back and set to perform Thursday night April 26th at Patsy’s Cowgirl Café

After a year and a half hiatus from performing large brought about by Jennifer’s long hours at Dell, she rejoins her dad Rob for a performance at the new Patsy’s Cowgirl Café (from the Esther’s Follies folks) on Ben White past Montopolis.

The show begins at 8pm and runs until 10pm. The Balons musical scope ranges from original material on their “The Heart Knows Nothing” CD to covers of Don Henley, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Nora Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Carole King, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and many others.

04/24/2007

Don’t forget to catch Rob, Sgt. Sam, Mark Caesar and Ed Clements on 590 KLBJ-AM’s popular Food Friday program from 9-10am this Friday

Why does everyone tune into this show the last Friday of each month? Because it rocks! Rob Balon joins the cast of the popular 590 KLJB-AM morning show the last Friday of each month from 9-10am for a fun and freewheeling conversation about area restaurants, food and wine. There’s always a gift certificate or two given away (we draw from the numbers of people who get on the air with Rob during the hour) .And you can pick up some valuable information along the way.

03/29/2007

David Bull Exits Driskill: Josh Watkins Named New Exec Chef

When David Bull took over the helm at the Driskill Grill seven years ago, the restaurant was in such desperate straits that it had resorted to hosting those dreaded mystery dinners.

Seven years later, The Driskill is a permanent resident of our Top 20 restaurants, indeed our Top Five restaurants. This is all thanks to Chef Bull. His passion and skill in the kitchen have resonated far beyond Austin resulting in a truckload of national awards and recognition.

And I STILL think he beat Bobby Flay on their recent Iron Chef showdown on the Food Network.

Bull will join former Driskill GM Jeff Trigger in his hotel consulting group. And I will spend the next several months (at least) lamenting his absence.

The Driskill wasted little in promoting Chef de Cuisine Josh Watkins to the Executive Chef position. I believe this was an excellent move. Watkins has a great background (the Black Cat in San Francisco and the French Room at the prestigious Adolphus hotel in Dallas) and has worked closely with Bull for the past several years. I expect the transition will be seamless.

03/22/2007

Rob’s Recommendations for Fried Catfish

We get a lot of mail from readers asking where my favorite catfish restaurants are. So I thought it appropriate to give you some of the ones that I like to go to.

Pacific Star Oyster Bar: two locations on 183 and off Highway 79 in Round Rock.

Dry Dock at Canary Nest: at Burnet and 2222 (Koening)

Catfish Parlour: two locations on Research and Ben White
Hoover’s Cooking: two locations on Manor and Research
Cherry Creek Catfish: On S. Manchaca at Stassney

You can’t go wrong with any of the above locations. I like ‘em all when I am craving catfish. My favorite hushpuppies are at Catfish Parlour, but each restaurant has it’s own unique take on this uniquely southern. And the choices extend to blackened, broiled and or sautéed catfish at most of these places as well.

03/14/2007

Cutest Restaurant Baby of 2007

Dave le Blanc at the Boiling Pot serves up great crab feasts. He and his wife also do pretty well at turning out lovely little daughters!!!

03/12/2007

Dining Recommendations for those in town for SXSW and the Livestock Show & Rodeo

The Belmont: Hot, new jazzy 60s ratpack vibe restaurant and bar on 6th St.
Bess Bistro: Sandra Bullock's bistro paean to her grandmother
III Forks: Very upscale new steak emporium.
Cantina Laredo: Classy Tex-Mex on 3rd & Colorado.
Lambert's Downtown BBQ: Sophisticated barbecue joint and more.
Cibo: Classic Italian, best gnocci in town.
Wahoo's: Stellar fish tacos and fun food.
Joe's Bar: Son of Louie's 106, fun food, cool atmosphere.
Hut's: Classic downtown burger emporium.
Frank & Angie's: Very credible and tasty pizza et al..
McCormick and Schmick's: Stellar seafood at 4th and Congress.
La Traviata: Intimate Italian at 3rd and Congress.
Eddie V's: Seafood, steaks, and fun on 5th.
Roaring Fork: Upscale cowboy fare. Great place.
Maiko: Sushi and Japanese on W. 6th.
Thai Passion: Credible Thai on Congress: open late.
Manuel's: Mexican. Wicked mole on Congress.
Truluck's: Popular seafood spot in Warehouse area.
Saba: First of the fusion restaurants. On 4th.
Katz's Deli: NYC deli fare. Open 24/7. On 6th.
Opal Divine's: Pub. Great scotches. 6th and at Penn Field
Moonshine: 3rd and Red River. Super comfort food.
Doc's Motor Works: S. Congress with noses and Tex Mex.
Waterloo Ice House: At 6th and N. Lamar. Burgers et al. Good.
Austin Java: On Barton Springs. Breakfast-dinner.
El Sol y La Luna: S. Congress Mexican. Shrimp enchiladas!
Zen: Japanese fast food on S. Congress.
Starlite: Wonderful spot at 4th and Colorado.
Gurero's: Vintage Tex Mex on S. Congress.
Z-Tejas: On w. 6th, Texas/Mex fare.
Castle Hill: at 5th and N. Lamar. New American.
Taverna: on 2nd St. in entertainment district.
Aquarelle: High end French across from Katz's.
Thai Tara: Home made Thai treats on W. 6th.
Dan McKlusky's: Big steaks and flavor on 6th St.
Chuy's: Austin Mex landmark on Barton Springs.
Driskill Grill: High end emporium at Driskill hotel.
1886 Café: Soups/sandwiches and great cookies.
Finn and Porter: Sushi and steaks at the Hilton on 4th.
Chez Nous: Country French on 510 Neches.
Boiling Pot: Feast o' crabs on 700 E. 6th St.
Koriente: Healthy Korean at 621 E. 7th.
Dona Emilia's: Ultra-cool Colombian fare across from the Four Seasons.

03/05/2007

The Little Deli on Woodward is Sold. Old owners to concentrate on It’s Italian in Round Rock

One of my favorite little sandwich shops in Austin, the Little Deli, has been sold. I have not been there since the sale but I’m told all is well.

The old owners are operating It’s Italian on Bratton Lane in Round Rock (where the original Gumbo’s was). I really enjoy It’s Italian and wish them the best. In the same center, you might want to try Margaritas. This is a very good Tex Mex joint.

01/17/2007

Despite Ice, Sleet and Loss of Power, Chez Zee Will be Open Through it All

I always have to admire people in the restaurant business who demonstrate resilience in the face of daunting circumstances. Sharon Watkins an the gang at Chez Zee have stayed open and are serving up their delicious fare despite a loss of power and all the sleet and ice we've experienced over the last three days.

So if you're tired of hunkering down in your abode, Chez Zee is open and ready for you tonight. www.chez-zee.com. (512) 454-2666.

01/17/2007

Chez Zee: Open Tonight, Rain Ice or Shine, Mon. Jan 15th

Chez Zee American Bistro will be Open Tonight Monday, Jan. 15, 2007 regardless of Rain, Ice, Sleet, or anything else the weather man can think of.

Enjoy Dinner To Go:

Come by and get dinner to go for the whole family: Gorgonzola Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a must for a chilly night. Or try their Aztec Corn and Shrimp Soup. Call 454-2666.

Click here to see their Dinner Menu

Enjoy Dinner in their Warm Dining Room:

They are keeping their dining room extra toasty for you tonight. Try their Halibut with Oyster Mushroom Butter Sauce. Or stick with comfort food with their huge Chicken Fried Steak.

Don't for get dessert, Crème Brûlée French Toast is perfect for a chilly night.

Call 454-2666 for to go orders.

01/15/2007

Rumors of Zoot Closing are FALSE

Let's put it plain and simply: Zoot has not closed, nor is it going to close. We have this on record from management. The popular eclectic restaurant on Hearn St. has been the target of "closing" rumors. We repeat, these are false. Zoot: (512) 477-6535

12/21/2006

Pizza Wars Feedback: Readers Weigh in with their suggestions

We thought we’d done a fairly thorough job on our most recent Pizza Wars article. But a torrent of letters from readers of diningoutwithrobbalon.com confirmed that while most of you agreed with my assessment of the local pizza scene, that I had missed some places.

Here are some of the pizza places that readers suggested: I know, I know, what was I thinking while I was writing the piece??? Well, better late than never.

Salvation Pizza: on 34th St. [former site of Starlite]. 535-0076

Craig O’s: Two locations: 290 [891-7200] and Balcones 323-0660.

Austin Pizza Garden: 891-9980 on 290.

Aljon’s: 447-6677 on Oltorf.

Arpeggio Grill: On Airport just north of Highland Mall Bld. 419-0110

It’s Italian: On Brattton in Rd. Rock. 252-1444

Southside Pizza: At 2206 S. Congress 442-4246

East Side Pies: On Rosewood. 524-0933

Mangiera’s Pizza Café: 5900 W. Slaughter 301-0063

Vespaio Enoteca: 1610 S. Congress. 441-7672

12/15/2006

Austin Hilton’s Mark Dayanandan Critiques Escoffier Society Dinner

Anyone who used to believe that Austin is just a backwater stop on the national food scene had better wake up and smell the café au lait. We’ve had chefs like David Bull of the Driskill, Will Packwood of Cibo, and Tyson Cole of Uchi win prestigious national awards. We’ve had restaurants like Ciola’s win Wine Spectator awards.

And one of our own, Austin Hilton executive chef Mark Dayanandan, has become the critical point man for one of the most famous dinners in the country: the Escoffier Society’s Fall Dinner in New York. Mark has been the society’s resident critic for the past six years. His job is to comment on the efforts of the best chefs from New York and around the world as they cook for the enormously influential gathering at the elite Knickerbocker Club.

As a critic, I can only wince at how difficult it must be to weave honest criticism through a tapestry of the some of the most gigantic egos of the food industy. But Kurt Keller, director of Escoffier, says that “Mark knows his stuff. He can pick the food apart without insulting anyone.”

Now this is one dinner that I would like to attend. Kudos to Chef Mark on his accomplishment.

12/08/06

Pizza Wars: Rob Ranks Pizzas in the Austin Area

Most of you know that I’m originally from New Haven, Conn. This is the epicenter of great pizza with the shrine of all US pizza joints: Pepe’s and Sally’s. Also the amazing Grande Apizza in East Haven. So I know from whence I speak when it comes to pizza. Our early years down here were spent in total frustration searching for anything that resembled an East Coast pie. Then, finally, Brick Oven opened. At last, a decent pizza. Not New Haven, but better than anything else we’d found. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Let’s start and the low end of the scale with the national chains. They range from truly awful to pretty good. The absolute worst, bottom of all bottom feeders, is Domino’s. I cannot believe they have the unmitigated gall to pitch a “Brooklyn” pizza. God help us all. They wouldn’t know a Brooklyn pizza if fell out of the sky and landed on “toity-toid” street. Other marginal players, in my opinion, include Ci Ci’s, Pizza Hut, and Little Caesar’s. Most of their pies feature gobs of cheese with nondescript sauce and mediocre crusts. Mr. Gatti’s can be occasionally OK but must be eaten within five minutes of presentation. No “morning after” shelf life. Pappa Johns and Double Daves can also deliver an edible pie. And then there’s California Pizza Kitchen. I don’t get this place. Why in the hell would anyone want a pizza with Thai veggies and chicken breasts on it? Way too disingenuous for me. Of all the national chains, I think that Bucca di Bepo off N. Mopac (next to Dave and Buster’s) makes a great pie. Their Margarita is a killer as is their fennel sausage pie.

Then there are local chains like Austin’s Pizza that are much better. Austin’s Pizza offer a much better brick-oven pie. They grew very quickly and got a little too big. A subsequent ownership change enabled them to steamline things a bit and get the company back under control. That’s good because I like their pizzas. Another smaller local chain that’s also very good is the Brooklyn Pie company with three locations in N. Austin, Round Rock and Georgetown. Brooklyn Pies have excellent crust, which is the foundation for all great pizza. They have a zesty sauce as well. Local chain Mangia makes a good pie, but I’m not a fan of deep-dish Chicago-style pizza. But personal bias, notwithstanding, we get a lot of good emails about them.

Locally owned firm also run the gamut but are generally getting a lot better. This next list includes places that I would definitely have no problem recommending to my readers. Roppolo’s on E. 6th St. makes one of the most gigantic pies I’ve ever seen. The delivery guy almost got a hernia when he tried to deliver to my upstairs office. But it’s damn tasty. You can buy it by the slice from their storefront as well. Another relative newcomer is Rounder’s Pizzaria on W. 6th across from Sweetish Hill Bakery. I am addicted to their Garlic Knots. They are unbelievable. The pizza is good but so far not great. Sauce could use a little work. Often overlooked on Guadalupe is Milto’s. Their pies have a nice, thin-crust east coast vibe. Their gyros are a blast as well. And another local favorite for me is Yaghi’s New York Pizzaria with locations on William Cannon and Highway 71 near Bee Caves. My wife and I love their Mediterranean pizza as well as the Pepperoni. And while Ruggles Grill in Westlake may not specialize in pizza, they make a damned good one. Love their pepperoni and sausage piies. Ditto for the very nice pizzas at Bellagio near Jester Estates. I usually go the Oso Buco but their pizzas are very good. And what’s not to like about Frank and Angie's? Don King first turned me on to this about five years ago and their pies have been getting better ever since. My daughter loves their White Pizza which features an alfredo sauce and the Pavarotti (lots of yummy garlic). And out in Lakeway, pizza fan will enjoy the brick oven specialties from Hill Country Pasta House on Highway 620. I like the Italian sausage and mushroom.

Moving up to the absolute highest tier of my pizza favs, (and a note: these can all be eaten cold from the frig the next day) we begin with newcomer Home Slice Pizza on S. Congress. Nice job so far. Their crust is crisp, the sauce sweet and engaging, and their pies are very tasty. They even offer a vintage east-coast style clam pizza they claim that’s as good as anything in New Haven. While it’s good, and even very good, it’s not quite up to New Haven. Grande Appiza in East Haven makes a clam pizza that is literally to die for. But kudos to Home Slice for attempting this difficult dish and almost pulling it off. Their calzones are equally good. Another consistently great pizza pie can be had at Reale’s on Research. That first bite confirms it: great mélange of flavors. This family restaurant offers up one of the best pepperoni pizzas in Austin. And of course the venerable Brick Oven, the dean of quality pizzas in Austin must be given their due. I absolutely adore their sausage and onion and veggie pizzas. The crust is terrific and can be eaten down to the last bite. And no discussion of great pizza could be complete without mentioning Saccone’s with two locations on Research and a new opening in Round Rock. Their sausage and mushroom with the sweet Sicilian sauce just about knocks me out. It’s as close to New York pizza as you’re going to get and it rocks. Dan Saccone is from New Jersey and he gets it. But even a thin notch above Saccone’s is the astonishing pie at Tuscany on Riata Trace off Research. Their amazing Italian oven which utilizes convection. Infrared, and flame can cook a pizza in under two minutes. The Margarita, the Greek, and the Pepperoni and nothing short of amazing. Every time I bite into a pie from Tuscany I am amazed at how good they are.

So there you have it. Austin has come a long way on the pizza scene in the last ten years. And I am grateful. Still nothing that would fit on Wooster St. in New Haven yet, but there are some that are coming pretty close. And that’s exciting for a transplant from New Haven. Doubtless, we’ve left off a place or two. Feel free to email a suggestion or a comment.

12/01/2006

Thanks to Apple Leasing, the “Roving” Gourmet is roving once again. Click here to see their offer to all readers of Dining out with Rob Balon

Looking to lease a new or previously owned vehicle? Well, after my wreck which left my Lincoln a smoldering hunk of metal, I was stranded. The professionals at Apple Leasing got me into a 2005 Denali which I absolutely love. They can make you a great deal as well.

And to top it off, they’ll give you a $100 gift certificate toward dinner at any one of my Top 20 restaurants when you lease from them. Ask for Scott or Jason.
(512) 346-9977.

As your accountant will verify, leasing makes good business sense. And the Apple team will make sure you get a great deal. www.appleleasing.com.

Rob's Denali... Click to enlarge

11/29/2006

The Toughest Reservation in Austin

We are fortunate to live and dine in a city like Austin with its abundance of excellent restaurants. But imagine living in LA, San Francisco, Chicago or New York where reservations in a hot, new restaurant or an old favorite can be almost impossible to obtain!

Take Rao’s in NYC for example. Unless you are a regular, a friend of owner Frankie Pellegrino (he also is a regular on the Soprano’s) or an A-list celeb, getting in to Rao’s can take literally months. Or consider per se, Thomas Keller’s intimate NYC bistro: same story. Or how about Nobu in Los Angeles? How does six months in advance sound?

So what are the toughest fine-dining reservations to get in Austin? Well, the truth is you can get a table just about anywhere on Sun-Thursday evenings even without a reservation (if you don’t mind a short wait). Friday and Saturday night are different stories however. For popular upscale downtown eateries like Eddie V’s, the Roaring Fork, Kenichi, La Traviata, Truluck’s, Flemming’s, III Forks, McCormick & Schmick’s, The Driskill Grill and PF Chang’s, these nights can be difficult. But they will at least take reservations. The secret: book early. A random phone call to Eddie V’s on Tuesday revealed over 40% of tables already booked for the weekend. And on a football weekend, well, you can throw those numbers out the window.

Or, ask if dining at the bar is available. Several of the above mentioned spots will seat you and feed you at the bar, thus minimizing what could be a 1-2 hour wait without a reservation.

Robert Scalise, the concierge at the Driskill Hotel says the most difficult restaurants for him to book for hotel guests are Vespaio and Uchi. This is because of their limited reservations policy and their designation as “in” restaurants. Another tough ticket on most nights is the sixth street location of Z-Tejas.

So when you really need a table at a nice restaurant on a weekend night and you don’t have a reservation, what do you do? An often overlooked gem is the Café at the Four Seasons in the Four Seasons Hotel. Still another is the incomparable Aquarelle on West behind Opal Divine’s. Or try the excellent Ranch 616 downtown. You can sometimes get a table there. Or try going Thai. Thai Tara and Thai Passion almost always have room. Also try the Thistle Café across from oh so hot Belmont on W. 6th.

Here’s what NOT to do. Don’t call and say you had a reservation and then act all blustery when the hostess says she can’t find it. That almost never works. Don’t say you are a friend of the owner or have friends in high places. Again, really lame. Don’t blame the host or hostess who gives you the bad news. Not their fault.

Just be flexible and remain open to different times out of the preferred 7-9pm window. Most Austin restaurants will do their very best to work you in eventually (eventually being the operative word).

And however bad it is on a weekend night here, remember, it’s 100 times worse in NYC or LA.

Email Rob: What restaurants have you had the hardest time getting in to on the weekend?

11/28/2006

First Tastes at Sandra Bullock’s “Bess” Encouraging

The question is a familiar one for businesses owned by celebrities. Is the venture more about hubris or is it genuine?

After lunch at Bullock’s new bistro restaurant, Bess, at 500 W. 6th, I’d say that she is definitely committed to making this a quality operation.

Bullock has been working with Vespaio ex Brenton Childs on concept and menu development for over a year and a half. Her influence has been felt in every aspect of the restaurant, including exactly where certain pictures should be hung.

And so far, so good. I had lunch at Bess on Friday with my son-in-law John Taylor. The restaurant was comfortably full but there was no wait.

John had the Shepard Pie while I tried the Croque Monsieur. Mine was a trifle cold because of the longer prep time for the Shepard Pie, but that was not a deal breaker. Both dishes were quite good and the Caramelized Cauliflower appetizer we had [with a bit of parmesan] was very tasty as well. The three-bean soup was quite appealing: on the milder side but with enough of a kick from the legumes to perk up the taste buds.

Service was a trifle skewed but very cordial. And remember, they only opened on Tuesday. The service will improve. If you’re going looking for Sandra, she’s out of town for a few days but will probably be back next week.

Call 477-2377 for reservations. This one looks encouraging.

11/17/2006

Mark your calendars: the Beaujolais Nouveaus are here on the 16th

I don’t know why we get so excited about the Beaujolais Noveaus. They are simple, young wines with none of the astringents so common to heavier reds. (Probably why so many women enjoy the lighter taste.) There’s simply a lot to be said for tradition.

But some 76 million bottles will be shipped world wide this year. The date for opening: as always, the third Thursday in November. This year is November 16th. And as always, Chez Nous on 510 Neches will have an ample supply. And as always, I will be there sipping away.

11/13/06

Click here to find archived Openings, Closings, and Food News & Commentary

Celebrity News

Laurel Kagay: From The Bachelor to The Bachlorette, and from Brad to Wes. Austin Woman Finds that Lightning Can Indeed Strike Twice

Laurel Kagay

This is an amazing story. It started several years ago when local bar owner Brad Womack was named ABC's newest Bachelor. Brad, while ostensibly looking for love in Malibu with 25 women, was allegedly sending daily texts to ex-girlfriend and Austin boutique owner Laurel Kagay. Laurel is one of my daughter Jen's best friends so we thought we'd have a bit of harmless fun with the story and posted a picture of Laurel on www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com along with the header: Austin's Bachelor and the Girl He Left Behind.

Well, what we did ignited a firestorm. Laurel asked me to take down the story several days later because things got so out of control and we quickly obliged. But in those two brief days, Laurel was all over the Internet. Thankfully, the show ended soon after and things gradually died down.

But not before we all got a serious dose of viral reality.

So fast-forward a couple of years. I met this new guy named Wes at Jennifer's birthday party. He was a talented singer and guitar player and we jammed late into the night. Turns out he was also dating Laurel at the time. And then about a year later Jen tells me that Wes is going to be on ABC's The Bachelorette. The irony was irresistible. Two national reality show dudes with the same ex-girlfriend. And all three from Austin.

The plot got thicker when Wes apparently confided to one of his rivals on the show that he had a girlfriend back home named Laurel. Bear in mind that Wes has already been accused by his fellow bachelors of using the show as a publicity vehicle for his music. This tasty little morsel of obfuscation will air Monday night as Jake, one of the losers, comes back to visit Jillian (the bachelorette) in her Austin hotel to break the news that the evil Wes has a girlfriend whose name is Laurel.

So once again Laurel Kagay is all over the net as the girl who almost single-handedly ruined two reality shows. The truth of the matter is though that she was neither girl friend to Brad when he was The Bachelor nor girl friend to Wes during the filming of the Bachelorette. Yes, she has dated both but she wanted me to point out that she is now most definitely a bachelorette. She just seems to attract guys who get on national dating shows while being a bit obsessed with her.

Wes Hayden

I really think ABC should make Laurel the next Bachelorette. She really is cute, and after all the innuendo that's flown around her for the last three years, it's the least they can do.

06/29/2009

Click here to find archived Openings, Closings, and Food News & Commentary

Heard on the Street

The Infamous Wine Bandit is Brought to Justice after fleecing Fleming's

Running a restaurant is replete with challenges; none more so than dealing with a well-dressed professional with a knowledge of fine wine and a penchant for bolting tabs. Claimed he was waiting for a party of four but said he was going to go ahead and eat because he was starving. He ordered a bottle $450 dollar of '03 Bond, had a glass or two, ate all his food, ran up about a $600-700 hundred dollar bill and then simply dissapeared.

But there's a twist here. The serrver at Fleming's has a boyfriend who is the sous chef at McCormick and Schmick's. He recognized the perp's MO when he dined at M&S.. Same exact story. No variation. So the management accosted him and he fessed up on the spot. The wine perp was arrested and is in jail (apparently he has a long habit of bolting expensive tabs at restaurants across Texas). Will Fleming's recoup its loss? Doubtful, but it still kinda leaves you with a good feeling knowing that this is one less idiot who will make life miserable for our finer restaurants.

07/20/07

Click here to find archived Openings, Closings, and Food News & Commentary

Wine & Spirits

Rob and Lauren report from the 2009 Wine Spectator's Grand Tour

Even a slowing economy couldn't keep over 1500 wine fans from showing up at the Pallazzo Ballroom at the Venetian in Las Vegas on May 16th for the Wine Spectator's Grand Tour.

The idea of the tour is to present high-scoring wines: some that are well known and others that may be somewhat less familiar but equally good.

And as in years past, that formula, at least for Lauren and I, worked very well.

As I've done with my wine bud Art San Miguel in the past, Lauren and I mapped out a "battle" strategy. We identified newer wines we wanted to try and older ones we wanted to revisit: that all works well until you've tasted about a dozen wines. Then the strategy usually goes out the window and you follow your nose to the next table. But even with our juxtaposed strategies, we came away with some very sound choices that we'd like to share with you.

The 2004 Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella

What a great wine. It got a 93 in the Spectator but I'd have rated it higher. From a vineyard north of Verona, Italy, winemaker Franco Allegrini uses an ancient Roman technique to dry the corvina grapes, thereby concentrating the aromas.

This smooth, lush wine could easily last 15 years or more. At around $80 a bottle though, now is the time to pick it up.

Chalk Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Ken Farestveit, Western Division Manager for Chalk Hill, is justifiably proud of the '05 Cabernet. And why not? Like all the great products from Chalk Hill, the attention to detail and painstaking craftsmanship is evident. The '05 Cab is big to be sure, but lacking astringency, and with abundant fruit. Nice long finish and wonderful taste. The wine retails for just under $50 and is well worth it.

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2008

The oddity of the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is that Kim is no longer affiliated with the wine. He sold out to Constellation last year and moved on. But Kim's winemaker Matt Large stayed and this is his product, and for about $17, this is one killer Sauvignon Blanc. I found it to be not too sweet with a lovely hint of citrus and the usual New Zealand flair for all things herbaceous.

Funny thing was that I met Kim in Austin several years ago at a vertical tasting of his products at Finn and Porter. Aside from his disdain for Greg Norman, he was a very intelligent and humorous guy.

BV Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

I loved this wine at the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival and loved it again in Las Vegas. In case you might be getting the hint at this point, the '05 was one hell of a year for grapes on the west coast of the US. The Georges '05 has a beautiful complex structure with cherries and blackberries evident along with a hint of currant. But it up now at $70 per bottle and put it away for about 3-4 years (if you have the will power!). But in my opinion, readily drinkable right now.

Engelbrecht-Els Stellenbosch 2004

I was disappointed not to run into my arm-wrestling buddy and supreme winemaker Jean Englebrecht this year (we arm-wrestled for a bottle last year). But he and partner and world-class golfer Ernie Els continue to make an almost unreal cabernet sauvignon. This is a blend of five grapes grown on the side of a mountain in South Africa where the leeward breezes from the south Atlantic contribute to idyllic growing seasons. The Stellenbosch has excellent length with an unexpected fruit rush at the finish. This is one of the stellar blends in South Africa. And Els, as we've noted before, really is involved in the production.

Col Solare Columbia Valley 2005

Col Solare is a blend of 71% Cabernet sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 4% Caberbet Franc which represents a collaboration between Washingston State winemakers Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Marchese Piero Antinori. With scores of 94 from the Wine Advocate and 93 from Wine Spectator, this wine has a palate pleasing assimilation of dark berries, black cherry and dark chocolate along with notes of spice and vanilla. Most critics note that the wine finishes beautifully: I cannot disagree.

Chateau Palmer Margaux 1996

Lauren was very pleased to be afforded an additional pouring or two of the Chateau Palmer Margaux 1996. Aged for 21 months, the 1996 is proving to be an excellent year. What many critics refer to as the "typical Margaux perfume" is evident here. This wine hit its first stride in about 2002 and has been evolving every since. We both very much enjoyed the vibrancy with just a hint of resin on the nose. Close to $200 per bottle but what the hell, pretend it's your birthday. It's like drinking history!

Trapiche Malbec Mendoza Vina Fausto Orellana '05

This single vineyard beauty from Argentina is 100% Malbec and an extremely elegant one at that. It has plush notes of plum and its structure allows it to hold its own against the challenges of a "well-seasoned medium rare steak". At under $30 a bottle retail, this might have been one of the steals of the entire evening.

Two Hands Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007

Two Hands Wines is barely eight years old and they have already made a significant impact in Australia and around the world. We tried the single vineyard "Bella's garden Barossa Valley Shiraz". The winemakers assert that the wine has aromas of red currants, cherries and subtle lavender. While I would not go quite that far, I found the wine to be very drinkable with a nice balance and a substantially long finish. The price at $60 per bottle seems reasonable because I expect this wine will be eminently drinkable for quite some time.

The only thing I disliked was the wine rep trying to use his two hands to leave an imprint on my daughter's bottom. Those Aussies can certainly get frisky!

Other notables:

The Beringer Private Reserve Cab 2000 was superb. Anyone who doubts that Beringer can make something other than blush wines is dead wrong.

The Caymus Special Selection '06 had already run out by the time we got to the table. Unfortunately, that is not unusual phenomenon at the Spectator Grand Tour. Why in the hell they don't bring another case or two is beyond me.

The Hogue Cellars Merlot Reserve 2005 is another very nice Washington State wine. At $24.95 this is a wonderful value wine for virtually any meal.

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve '05. A big cab, perfect for a huge rib eye or a Colorado lamb chop. Mondavi has made huge strides over the past 15 years.

Barone Riscasoli Chianti Classico [Castello di Brolio 2001]. This wine is very fairly priced at $60 per bottle. Made from the classic Tuscan sangiovese grape, it has a ruby red color and mild tannins. Lovely with pasta or risotto.

Pommery Brut Champagne [Cuvee Louise 1998]. The essence of classic Pommery champagnes include lightness, livliness as well as finessse. The Spectator Grand Tour doesn't feature many champagnes but this is a great one.

Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Reserve 2006 Chrdonnay. I got to chat with winemaker Mike Westrick at the THCFWF recently but didn't get to taste the Chardonnay until Vegas. This is a lovely, non-oaky, very smooth chard that has beautiful fruit flourishes. Put this one in your basket at Twin Liquors Hancock store.

You can find a number of these wines available at Twin Liquors.

05/22/2009

Wine Lovers: Beaujolais Nouveau’s are out this week!

It’s that time of the year again when the Beaujolais Nouveau wines are being released. And as always Chez Nous off 6th St. has an ample supply. I love to go down there and have my yearly bottle along with a nice salad and meat dish with pomme frittes.

There’s nothing particularly spectacular about Beaujolais Nouveaus. They are squarely aimed at female wine drinkers meaning that they’re a bit sweeter. But it’s a fun wine for a fun week. Not to mention that the French will sell some 70 million bottles of it this week! Not bad for bon mot!

11/21/2008

Rob's Favorites from the Wine Spectator Grand Tour 2008

When Wine Spectator Editor and Publisher Marvin Shanken conceived the idea of the "Grand Tour" back in 2001, the idea was to bring a number of well-known wines, classics that are hard to find, and new releases all together in one room on one night. Wine aficionados immediately adopted the idea. And as a result, the first weekend in May is permanently etched on my calendar with a trip to Las Vegas at the Venetian Hotel's Grand Ballroom.

This year may have been the best of all. The wines poured were all top-scoring wines. Tragically, I had hyper extended my knee days before the trip but I was not to be deterred. I got one of those scooters one sees in retirement villages and, with the able assistance of fellow Gonzo Art San Miguel, negotiated my way through the teeming masses of wine lovers pretty much without incident.

Where to start? Well why not with the always superlative Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 2005. The line was long but people deferred to the gimp on the scooter and we got right through. Wow! This big cab is a treat. Not at all astringent with an exceptional finish and redolent of blackberries and earth. We loved it. This is the highest priced Caymus but one you simply have to try.

Art San Miguel gets a taste of the Caymus Special Selection '05

Next stop was director and vineyard owner Francis Coppola's extraordinary Rubicon Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford '05. The name Rubicon refers to the forbidden Rubicon River in Northern Italy which Julius Caesar crossed with his army, setting into motion events which would resonate down through the ages. When he launched his winery, Coppola, a fan of history, was heard to paraphrase the remark that the Roman general had made famous: "The die is cast!"

And wine fans should be happy that Coppola crossed his own Rubicon. The wine is exceptional. Wine critic Mary Ewing Mulligan called it "rich and soft and seductive yet very powerful." I couldn't agree more. It has a high degree of tannins but lacks the astringency one sees in young wines. The wine retails at around $85 and worth every penny.

We are so glad that Francis Coppola didn't stop at Godfather II and started making wines as well

One of the pleasant value wines we discovered with DaVinci Chianti Riserva 2004. This is a steal at $24.00. It was very mellow for a relatively young Chianti with great mid-palate taste sensations. I was wishing, as I sat in my scooter, that someone would bring me a bowl of pasta to enjoy this with really neat wine.

If you're ever in Vinci, Italy (near Florence) stop by and meet winemaker Alberto Antonini.
I love his DaVinvi and so does my wallet

No visit to the Grand Tour is complete without stopping by perennial favorite Chateau Palmer. The 2004 Chateau Palmer Margaux is being compared to the stunning 1966. It was awarded 94 points by Wine Spectator.

I tasted rich fruits with no overstatement whatsoever. Eminently drinkable now, just wait five years. Around $125 per bottle.

They take everything very seriously at Chateau Palmer, including the pouring.
This was the closest we saw him come to a smile all evening

My vote for best Chardonnay of the show went to Grgich Hill's Napa Valley Carneros 2005. This is a crisp, wine that holds up beautifully over time. They do not allow malolatic fermentation which preserves that aforementioned crispness and adds balance. Winemaker Mike Grgich is a legend in Napa Valley for shocking the wine world by winning a competition in Paris is 1973 (taking down more than one serious Burgundy in the process). Retail cost is about $40.

Grgich Hills Chardonnays have graced the tables of many a White House dinner.
It's a staple at Balon dinners as well

I was also very impressed with Patz & Hall, another Napa Valley Winery and their Zio Tony Ranch 2005 Chadonnay. This is smooth and silky, a little dryer than the Grgich Hills, but absolutely delicious. It reminded me, strangely, of a White Bordeaux. But I really enjoyed it. Retail cost is about $60.

Patz & Hall has been around since 1988.
The makers are dedicated to the notion of single-vineyard Chardonnays.

The Ernie Els Stellenbosch 2004 was our next visit. I've come to really appreciate this cab blend from S. Africa. First because as a huge golf fan, I thought it was cool the Ernie had started a winery. But then I met his partner, Jean Engelbrecht, had the first of many tastings, and my interest in this wine increased exponentially. Engelbrecht comes from generations of South African vintners and was a boyhood friend of Els. Together with winemaker Louis Strydom, they have crafted a marvelous wine. (Rated 91 in Wine Spectator.) This wine has superb length with a pleasant surprise at the end in the form of fruit and spices. $93.00

Jean Engelbrecht and Rob posed with a bottle of the '04.
Minutes after this was taken, they arm wrestled!

The wine of the evening for me was the Les Forts de Latour Pauillac 2005. This is a remarkable Bordeaux that will last for easily 20 years. The tannins are velvety and the finish amazing. I got hints of blue and black fruit. Because I was the poor gimp in the scooter, they took pity on me and let me sample more than my allotment. That was very pleasing. There were only 10,000 cases produced so availability may be an issue. Cost is high at $200. But what amazing flavor. If you have an opportunity to taste this wine, do it. You will be delighted!

The pourer is noticeably proud of the les Forts de Latour. She should be

Other interesting finds, people, and wine notes from the Grand Tour.

The Chateau Canon St. Emilion 2000. This is a classic from the vineyard that lies on the celebrated limestone escarpment of the Pieds de Cotes. The wine has great balance. $115.00

The Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Alta 2004. This is a stunning example of what the Malbec grape can accomplish when grown in the high altitudes of Argentina. This is 100% Malbec and a beautiful wine with a lengthy finish that shows wonderful minerality with finely grained tannins and lively acidity. Price: $43. I had the chance to drink a lot of this wine at the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival (The Hot Blooded Latins seminar). Goes beautifully with seared meats.

So I'm motoring along on my scooter and someone yells out "Hey Rob!" Now this is in Las Vegas. Well who should be there but June, a waitperson from Uchi and her friend who used to work at the Driskill. Small world, huh?

Green Point Yara Valley Reserve Chardonnay 2005. This winery was begun by Moet Chandon to produce sparkling wines and still wines. I love the Chardonnay. It's got a bright, fruity taste with a hint of apricot. It's a perfect wine to go with shellfish, particularly lobster. Price $30.00.

After three hours of sipping and noshing, people just get, well, happy.
Marge and Carol were no exceptions to the Grand Tour rule

The place was packed with wine lovers. But at least in first couple of hours, most were accommodating to the gimp in the scooter! We'll definitely be heading back next year. Feel free to email me with any questions about the wines discussed.

For more information about these and other great wines, check out Taste Select Wines and Twin Liquors.

Beringer Dinner at Cool River Rocks!

I was recently fortunate enough to be invited to a wine dinner at Cool River on Parmer Lane. I get invited to a lot of these, so I tend to pick my spots. I almost didn't go the Beringer dinner and that would have been a mistake.

Like many people, I've often tended to lump Beringer into the "blush" wine category: you know, those wines you see on the rack at any 7-11 store. But as I got to enjoy the always-delightful repast at Cool River, meet Beringer winemaker Laurie Hook (pictured to the right), and sample some of her premium wines, my attitudes began to rapidly change.

Winemaker Laurie Hook & Marketing Barry Sheridan from Berniger Vinyareds

The first wine was a Beringer Founder's Estate Riesling. The wine was eminently drinkable, pleasantly fruity although not overly so. It was redolent of plum and apricot and I totally enjoyed it. So, there was mistake #1 rectified. I would now quite happily buy this wine.

The second wine was Beringer Alluvium Blanc which is a blend of semillion, Muscat, sauvignon blanc, and chardonnay. This was paired with a Chevre stuffed Smoked Quail and all went well. I got a sense of fig and apricot that was very enjoyable. A nice pairing.

Next was the Beringer "Private Reserve" Merlot Bancroft Ranch 2001. Although I thought the Merlot went nicely with the Steak Tartar, it was my least favorite of the wines that evening. Had it not said so on the label, I would have not known that it was a Merlot. A little too big and dry for me.

Then came the showstopper. This was the one I'd been waiting for. The one that forever obliterated my lingering image of Beringer's low end Zinfadels. I tried the "Private Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 which was paired with Broiled Texas Antelope wrapped in apple bacon. This is a big but exceptionally mellow wine that lends itself beautifully to meats and cheeses or to just sipping. The finish is long and pleasing and I'm inclined to think you can enjoy this for years to come. Who knew?

I take back anything I've said about Beringer over the years. Laurie Hook introduced me to an entirely different line of wines and I am grateful to her.

I think one was to be in love with nature to make great wines. And Laurie loves to garden. She even took in a stray chicken that she thought was a rooster and named it Henry. When she finally determined that it was a chicken [one can make that mistake] she changed its named to Henny. But I think you get the idea. This woman, trained in an Oenology at UC Davis, is a force to be reckoned with. We're heading out to Napa this summer for some more Beringer tastings. And who would have thought that?

Relevant links:
Twin Liquors
Taste Select Wines

06/13/08

Cabernet Sauvignon: The Grape of Destiny

In most upscale restaurants across Austin, you will usually see an extensive part of the wine list usually devoted to cabernet sauvignons. The cabernet sauvignon grape is the most widely grown in the world for wine production. Many think that this is an ancient grape but in truth, a DNA analysis in the 1990's proved that it's actually a hybrid of Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet franc that dates back about three hundred years.

You can find great cabs all over the wine world: in the Bordeaux region of France, of course; but also in Italy, Australia, South Africa, Chile and in the Napa Valley of California. The grapes do well in moderately warm, semi-arid regions that provide long growing seasons. Their tougher skins means these grapes are also pretty resistant to the diseases that can destroy a vineyard.

Cabernet Sauvignons can smell like black currants with a degree of weediness or bell pepper. The good ones are usually lively and rich and because of this, many finish with a firm astringency: this is due to the higher level of tannins. These tannins are more noticeable in cabs because the wines are fermented while in contact with the skins and seeds (the source of the red color). Typically, tannins soften as cabernet sauvignons age and the taster will note milder flavors that become more obvious: according to Wine Spectator, aromas of cedar, leather, violet and cigar box often prevail.

Ironically, many women tend to shy away from cabs because they are perceived to be "big" wines. The truth is, I've always felt that the term big is a misnomer for this wine. Rich, full-bodied, bold all work for me. And what's wrong with that ladies? What's more, as cabs age and the tannins diminish, aside from being an elegant accompaniment to steaks and chops or seafood dishes with a burre blanc sauce, a good cab will pair nicely with damned near anything! And it drinks just as well sans the accompaniment of food.

Right now, some of my favorite cabs are Callifornia based: Caymus Special Selection (the '03 is incredible) is nothing short of remarkable. Silver Oak is quite good as well but I feel that Opus 1 (which gets enormous publicity) is good but overrated. The Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet may be the best of the lot. And film fans will find that Francis Ford Coppola knows a thing or two about wine as well: his 2003 Rubicon is equally delightful.

True, most of these wines are fairly pricey, but they do make for a very pleasant experience. On a somewhat lower price level, Stag's Leap makes a wonderful cab. Also, for about $15, Hess has a lovely 2005 Cab.

And do try the amazing cab blend from South Africa, the 2005 Ernie Els Stellenbosch. This wine is getting better by the day and in a few years, it will be too expensive for casual consumption. But it's ready and totally drinkable now. Twin Liquors on 71 at Bee Caves has some in stock.

Of course, the beautiful Bordeaux's from France also feature the cabernet sauvignon grape. Of course, the history here is remarkable. The classic names are steeped in antiquity: Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, and the always astonishing Chateau Haut-Brion. 2,000 was a fantastic year for these great wines along with many others in Bordeaux and these are now hitting the shelves. If you can get your hands on a bottle, split it with friends if you have to. But if you're a wine fan, you will enjoy a bottle of one of the all stars.

Tasting: You don't have to be a wine snob to enjoy a good bottle of Cabernet sauvignon. Enjoy it for what it is. Have fun with it. When you first open the bottle and the sommelier pours it for you, gently swirl it around in your glass. This will increase the surface area of the glass that the wine makes contact with and will enhance its natural aroma (very critical in the first impression of a Cabernet).

Then put your nose to the rim of the glass and inhale deeply. If you detect an aroma of a moldy newspaper or a wet dog, there's a good chance your bottle is corked. That does not mean that it has pieces of cork floating in it; rather, a corked wine is one where the cork has been affected by a bacterium which then taints the entire bottle of wine.

Your odds of opening a bottle that's corked are about 1 in 30 so it shouldn't happen often. Normally, you'll get very pleasant aromas from your deeper inhalation (often known as the nose or boquet). Wine expert Stacy Slinkard suggests what to do next when you're ready for the first sip. Start with a small one and let it roll around your tongue. Then allow a small breath of air in through your lips (this takes a bit of practice) and let the wine mingle with the air. This is called swirling. And it will let you taste the flavors even more fully.

As you begin to enjoy your wine, pay attention to what's known as the "finish". This is how long the flavor lasts. Also tilt your glass to the side and see if there are any rivulets running down the glass. These are known as "the legs" of the wine and are an indication of the wine's alcohol content. Most cabs have fairly high alcohol contents.

So there you have it. The Cabernet sauvignon is my favorite wine: either as a French Bordeaux or it's Napa valley cousin. Remember, the younger cabs, as a rule, are going to have fairly high levels of tannins. Give these wines extra time to open after uncorking. If you're fortunate to have an older cab, well then just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Twin Liquors has a number of excellent value-priced Cabernets along with a good selection of the more notable bottles.

03/18/08

Click here to find archived Openings, Closings, and Food News & Commentary

Openings

Garrido’s Opens Downtown at 360 Nueces

David Garrido is one of the Austin culinary heavyweights: he walks in that rarified air of David Bull, Tyson Cole, Jeff Blank, Elmar Prambs and other serious players.

So we welcome him, after many years at Jeffrey’s and other exotic ports of call, to the new Garrido’s, a kind of upscale Taqueria at 360 Nueces.

The number is 320-8226 and the web is www.garridosaustin.com

As usual, the initial reviews on the user-generated websites are out in abundance and almost useless: they range from the absurdly hideous to the ridiculously sublime: hence, essentially useless to a reader trying to decide.

You go to a place like this because of the reputation of the owner: then you give it a couple of months to settle in before you start hurling the uniformed invectives. Then you post your review, which I will do at that point.

06/30/09

Yoli and Michael are Back at Mama Roux

Those of you who’ve been in Austin for awhile will fondly remember the original Gumbo’s on Bratton Lane in Round Rock. It was a tiny little spot in a strip center (space currently occupied by It’s Italian) but it was a Cajun delight. The gumbo, the etouffee, it was all marvelous. Michael in the kitchen and Yoli at the front of the house made a potent team. They sold the original Gumbo’s and after a couple of years of wandering in the culinary wilderness, they decided to give it another go and I’m glad they did.

They’re back, with the debut of Mama Roux on July 10th at 13000 N. IH35 at Parmer in the center next to Lowe’s. Can’t wait for this one. Call 490-1304.

06/30/09

‘Get Sum Dim Sum’ Opens on N. Lamar

A new dim sum restaurant has opened on N. Lamar called Get Sum Dim Sum. They don’t have the traditional carts: just order off the menu. But they get things out quickly and expeditiously. Their menu is not as extensive as some of the other dim sum houses and reviews from readers of www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com have been fairly positive. Their website is still under construction but the phone is 458-9000.

06/26/09

Waterloo Ice House Opens at Galleria in Bee Cave

A new Waterloo has opened in the Shops at the Galleria out in Bee Cave. And it is HUGE! It has seating for 550, far larger than the other Waterloo locations. So far so good on the food. We’ve already dined there twice and the fare is vintage Waterloo. Great burgers, wings, fish tacos, et al.

The Grand Opening celebration is on June 20th. For more information, go to their website.

06/18/09

Mangieri’s Opens 2nd Location in Lakeway

Mangieri’s, known for serving East Coast Style pizza, has opened a 2nd location at 2133 Lohmans Crossing Road in Lakeway. My father, Rob, has always been a huge fan of the Sicilian and Marghertia pizzas. Mangieri’s was also mentioned in the most recent and most widely read Pizza Wars! Let’s hope the new location goes above and beyond, and we wish them good luck! For more information call (512) 263-0188 or visit their website.

06/18/09

Non La Asian Cuisine Opens in Lakeway

Owner Sean Ly opens Non La in Lakeway located at 2121 Lohman’s Crossing Road. We stopped in the other night for dinner. I ordered the Pho Chicken Soup to cure my cold, my father ordered the Panang Curry and the Pad Kee Mao. His Panang Curry was so good, not only did my father have to box it up before I could finish it all up, but I had to go back a week later and get my own! Go check it out, ask for Sean and tell him we sent you! For more information call (512) 263-8882 or visit their website.

06/18/09

The Long Awaited Grand Opening of Yu Sushi Izagaya Scheduled for June 11th

After months of waiting for a liquor license, Yu Sushi Izagaya will have its grand opening Thursday June 11th. They will be serving $3 draft beers, half price appetizers, and half price specialty drinks. Located at 206 Colorado, this place has got some serious sushi! Please call (512) 708-8887 if you have any questions.

06/10/09

Looking for Pan Asian in Dripping Springs? Try Koi Lantern

I have yet to try this Pan Asian restaurant in Dripping Spings but our readers have been sending in their commentaries. So far it appears to be a mixed bag. But I will get out there very soon. In the meantime, there ain’t a lot of Asian cuisine in Dripping so give it a shot. www.koilantern.com.

06/02/09

Verona Ristorante Italiano Opens at the Y in Oak Hill

Reza Faridi knows his way around Italian food from his tenure at Giovanni’s in Round Rock and from his time at the Treehouse on S. Congress.

So a welcome player in Oak Hill is his new restaurant Verona Ristorante Italiano. It’s in the Oak Hill Shopping Plaza on Highway 71.

They are newly opened and I’m already getting some favorable emails from our readers. The website is www.veronaustin.com.

06/02/09

Perlas Opens in the Space on S. Congress vacated by Mars

Larry McGuire and his team from Lambert’s Downtown BBQ have stuck again, this time with Perlas at S. Congress in the site formerly occupied by Mars.

On first glance, I thought it was Mexican in concept. But upon stepping inside, the immediate impression is nautical, a Cape Cod kind of vibe. Our first lunch there was quite good: I had the Soft Shell Crab BLT. Neat idea and very tasty. Our lunch was a bit on the pricey side, coming in at over $60 for two salads and two entrees (tip included). But the attention to detail is obvious. And the quality is apparent. So we shall see!

www.perlasaustin.com

06/02/09

Terra Burger Adding Second Location To Northwest Austin

Terra Burger will be opening their 2nd location June 1st at 10611 Research Blvd., right in front of the Costco. The new location will be family friendly with a drive-thru window, a shaded backyard seating area, a playland, and a kids splash feature. Rob is a big fan of the Veggie Terra Burger and the Sweet Potato French Fries; we’re betting that the new location will continue the high quality of food and service.

For more information call (512) 436-8570. Or Click Here to see their Menu.

05/21/09

Max’s Wine Dive to Open May 12th on San Jacinto

You craving some fried chicken along with champagne? Why the hell not, right? Well wecome to Max’s Wine Dive on San Jacinto. This is a restaurant that makes up rules as they go along and if that doesn’t sound like Austin, then what does?

The official opening is on May 12.

So if gourmet comfort food and spectacular wines from around the world is your thing, then head over to Max’s at the corner of 3rd and San Jacinto. 512-904-0111 or visit their website.

Brian O’Neill former GM of the Belmont will be at the helm, and we KNOW that will be good!

05/05/09

Silver and Stone Opens in Georgetown

Downtown Georgetown has a new fine dining restaurant called Silver and Stone. It’s located at 501 S. Austin Ave and it’s helmed by Main Street Grill alumnus James Ramsey.

The menu looks thoughtful and very attractive. I can’t wait to check it out. www.silverstonerestaurant.com/home.

04/08/09

Doc’s Drafthouse in Pflugerville Now Open

Taking the place of the former Water Tank, Doc’s Drafthouse Bar and Grill will have its grand opening April 2nd at 15821 Commerce Drive in Pflugerville. Doc’s serves great comfort food and has a wide variety of libations; something, in our opinion, that would serve Pflugerville very well. $3 burgers, $2.50 beer specials, and hourly giveaways of Doc’s Gift Cards! Come out, have a beer and a burger, and help celebrate the grand opening April 2nd! For more information call (512) 251-3620 or go to www.docsaustin.com.

03/26/09

Café Blue Reopens out at Volente Beach

Yeah! Café Blue has reopened. Spring Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10 pm and Sunday from 11am to 9pm. This was one place that I really hated to see close last fall. They were cranking out some seriously good food. But the good news is that they are back, the lake is rising a bit, and the food and the scenery should be wonderful. Call 996-8188 for reservations or go to www.cafebluetx.com.

03/13/09

El Sol y La Luna moves to 600 E. 6th St. and Opens for Business

One of our long-time favorite Mexican restaurants has moved from its S. Congress location to 600 E. 6th St. They opened Tuesday, March 3rd.

El Sol y la Luna (the sun and the moon) features a diverse menu and clientele. I love their Shrimp Enchiladas and their Gorditas as well. And it’s good that they moved over to that part of Sixth street to give The Boiling Pot along with Habana a little bit of company.

Nilda de la Lata is a neat lady and one of the savviest female restaurant entrepreneurs around. Best of luck to her. Call 444-7770 for reservations.

03/04/09

Ronald’s Cheng’s Chinatown Downtown Opens Next to Kenichi

The space next to Kenichi on W. 5th St. has been home to several restaurants: Noodleism, which enjoyed a nice run, and Bellisimo, which was around barely long enough for a cup of coffee.

The new restaurant in that space, Ronald Cheng’s Chinatown Downtown, will in all likelihood be around much longer than either of the previous two. Why? Because when it comes to Chinese cuisine in central Texas, Ronald Cheng is the man!

Ronald Cheng

I’m buzzed about this new opening. Fans of Chinese food have had slim pickings in the downtown area. But Chinatown Downtown will change that. Cheng will offer Dim Sum lunches and will stay open late for the party crowd. And I am selfishly pleased because it’s only about a half mile from my office on S. Congress.

Cheng started the original Chinatown on Bee Caves Road back in 1983. He opened up the Greystone store in 1991. Both have been incredibly popular. And I’m sure the new store will continue the string of success. Call 637-8888 for reservations.

02/16/09

Mighty Fine Burgers to Open 2nd Store on Brodie: And Run a Superbowl Ad Sunday

Mighty Fine Burgers is opening their second store on 5601 Brodie in Sunset Valley on February 3rd. Seems that Austin has fallen in love with Mighty Fine if their sales at the North Mopac and Braker store are any indication. On top of that they’ve also scheduled an ad for the godfather of all media events, the Superborwl. The ad should run between the 3rd and 4th quarters. See it here.

01/30/09

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Opens Second Location at The Domain

One of my favorite steakhouses, Fleming’s, is opening its second location today at The Domain in N. Austin. Aside from very tasty USDA prime steaks, Fleming’s also serves over 100 wines by the glass and is a very good spot for business dining or a date night out.

Operating Partner Reuben Rolf said: “We’re really happy to be a part of this area. I’ve been smelling paint and concrete for quite a while now during construction so we’re all delighted to start smelling some wonderful steaks tonight.” Amen to that!

Call 835-9463 for reservations or more information.

01/26/09

Finn and Porter at the Hilton to Reopen on January 21st

After half a million dollars of renovation, Finn and Porter, the signature restaurant at the Hilton, will reopen on January 21st. The innovations include changes to the menu as well, some tweaking in the absence of the departed Chris Bauer, and a new look. I had a few bites at a private tasting several weeks ago and I was blown away! I’ve always like this restaurant but I think it’s going to move up a notch if what I tried is any indication of the new menu.

Call 482-8000.

01/16/09

Bennigan’s Downtown Gives way to Fiddler’s Hearth

The old Bennigan’s at Riverside and Barton Springs has made way for a new restaurant venture called Fiddler’s Hearth. This is an Celtic-style establishment serving Irish, Scottish, Welsh and a variety of other Celtic cuisines. It’s family owned with locations in Indiana and Austin.

Looks like they’re serving all the obligatory pub grub including Banger’s and Mash, Fish and Chips (with cod), Irish Stew. Welsh Rarebit, Sheperd’s Pie, along with Traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage. They also have Boxty’s and Gallette’s, potato and buckwheat pancakes in that order, along with Scotch Eggs and Whiskey Cream Shrimp.

At first glance the menu is most impressive.

Website is www.fiddlershearth.com.

01/08/08

Yu Sushi Izgaya Opens Downtown at 206 Colorado

In what must be truly called a labor of love, Sushi Sake owner Gary Chiuq finally got his new restaurant Yu Sushi Izgaya opened downtown on 206 Colorado. It took three years and much heartache but the build out is complete, the interminable permit process is done, and the place is open.

There’s no website yet but you can phone for reservations at 708-8887.

01/08/08

Tony C’s Pizzeria Ready to Open at Hill Country Galleria

You’ve heard me talk about family-owned Italian joints before and one of my favorites is Ciola’s in Lakeway. They are about to branch out into the pizza business with the opening of Tony C’s across from the Cinerma at the Hill Country Galleria.

We went to the private New Year’s Eve party and the place looks terrific. The entire wall of the two-story restaurant boasts a massive red brick façade and the oven is east-coast authentic. Dan and Tony Ciola have studied the art of New York/CT pizza and have made several pilgrimages to Pepe’s in New Haven and Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn and I cannot wait to taste this pizza. We’ll let you as soon as it opens.

But next time you visit the Hill Country Cinema, take a peek into Tony C’s. It looks like it’s gonna be fun!

01/02/09

Karibu Ethiopean Restaurant and Bar Opens on 1209 E. 7th

In a city that has precious if little ethnic cuisine, we welcome the opening of Karibu Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar on 1209 E. 7th St.

Owner Solomon Kassa is very enthusiastic about his new restaurant and justifiably so. So just what is Ethiopian cuisine? It starts with the “injera” and goes from there. A very fun and tasty dining experience. But I’ll let you discover it. Call 320-5454 for more information.

12/23/08

Fion Wine Pub and Bistro

Steiner Ranch has seen a recent surge in places to wine and dine. Fion Wine Pub and Bistro is one such new location off Quinlan Park Road from Highway 620 just east of Mansfield Dam. Fion started out as a wine retail store that also allowed customers to drink of the premeses. The pub offered cheeses as well and has since added bistro dining. Reports from residents of Steiner Ranch have been good.

Check them out at www.fionwinepub.com.

12/01/08

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse Opens off Highway 620

It’s been a long time coming but there’s a new steak house in southwest Austin across Highway 620 from The Oasis. Steiner Ranch Steakhouse has a commanding view of the lake and a menu that offers quality prime steaks, chops, and seafood. This is an area dominated by various forms of Mexican cuisine and a steak house has been a much-needed alternative.

The design of the restaurant is absolutely stunning and the interior décor is quite inviting and comfortable. There is ample room for public dining on the first and second floors and lots of space for private parties and events.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Burdette Open the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

Shane Street, who helmed the popular Cool River for five years, is the GM of this new venture. He brings a high level of experience to the table and besides that, he GETS what customer service is all about.

The principal ownership group consists of Don Burdette, Bobby Steiner and Kelly Gray. Call for reservations at 512-381-0800. Open for lunch and dinner.

12/01/08

Twin Liquors Opens New “Marketplace” at Hancock Center

The new Twin Liquors Marketplace opening at Hancock Center will be much larger than the typical Twin store. It will feature over 7,000 different wines and spirits as well as having an inventory of nearly 1,000 cigars. The marketplace will include a tasting bar for wine and spirits along with educational seminars led by Twin Liquors wine authorities.

For more information call 451-7400 or www.twinliquors.com.

Wine Tasting Bar at the new Hancock Twin Liquors Marketplace

11/21/08

Five Guys Burgers Opens at 3208 Guadalupe

This is a national chain that has a rabid following tantamount to In and Out or Carl Jr’s. They yell at you (East Coast Style) when you walk in the door. Growing up as I did in CT, you take that stuff for granted. But down here, I don’t know. Frankly, the longer I live in Texas, the less I like that kind of vibe.

But the burgers are good and the fries are as well. The key is: are they up to some of the local favorites we already have down here? (Hut's, Dan’s, Sandy’s, Dirty’s, Mighty Fine, Top Notch, Casino el Camino) just to name a few. Well, you’ll have to be the judge of that.

They are very recently opened down on the drag at 3208 Guadalupe. Learn more about them at www.fiveguys.com.

11/20/08

Mama Fu’s Opens on Colorado at Corner of Cesar Chavez next to Taste

The popular local Chinese restaurant chain Mama Fu’s is opening Sunday, November 23rd at 100 Colorado on the corner of Cesar Chavez. The lunch is a fast casual format with a transition to full service for dinner utilizing the same mneu. This is great news for the downtown area which is greatly lacking in Chinese restaurnts.

11/20/08

Cover 3 Sports Bar Opens on Anderson Lane

As an ex- football player, I was amused by a sports bar naming itself after a defensive strategy which employees three deep defenders each guarding one-third of the deep zone.

Now, whether that will resonate to non football players is the key. Thus far however, according to management, the ratio of women to men has been 60/40, highly unusual for a sports bar.

Cover 3 has opened on Anderson Lane at the site of the old Flores restaurant. At first glance, the menus appear somewhat pricey for a sports bar, especially one that is not downtown. But sports bars have always been a tougher sell in Austin, particularly because we don’t have any professional teams (sorry UT fans). Perhaps this one will be the place that breaks the mold.

The management team is really solid. Matt Dodson, late of Z Tejas, is one of the owners. Also, the Eddie V’s principals are involved.

So we shall see. Call 374-1121.

11/17/08

Maria Maria opens on Colorado next to Kenichi

Jeff Dudham knows how to do the celebrity restaurant thing far better than most. He’s made it work with McCovey’s after baseball player Willie McCovey, Joe DiMaggio’s (in the Domain), and now with Maria Maria, a collaboration between legendary musician Carlos Santana and Chef Roberto Santibanez. This is the third Maria Maria to open with more slated across the country.

For more information, go to www.mariamariarestaurants.com.

11/14/08

Cabo Bob’s Opens on 500 E. Ben White

If Freebird’s or Chipotle is your thing, then you need to know about the opening of Cabo Bob’s at 500 E. Ben White. They make burritos and tortillas in a fast-casual environment. I myself have tended to lean toward Freebird’s (partially because they are virtually next door to our office on S. Congress) but also because the burritos are darned tasty.

But we’ve already received a few enthusiastic emails about this place so I will indeed check it out and let you know my take. Phone is 432-1111.

11/11/08

Perry’s Steakhouse opens at 7th and Colorado

Perry’s Steakhouse, originated in Houston, opened at 7th and Colorado on October 24th. The restaurant is family owned and is helmed by Exec Chef Casey Simmons. The Sous Chef is Xavier Martinez. And you guessed it, the featured fare is steak, and lots of it. Seating capacity is 350. Check out their menu at www.perrysrestaurants.com.

The downtown area has more than an abundance of Steakhouses. But that will probably not deter a successful launch for Perry’s. The three basic food groups of the Austin dining scene have always been Steak, Tex-Mex, and BBQ.

11/06/08

Fujian Grand China Buffet Opens on N IH 35

I am not one to usually get too excited about Chinese buffets. But the Fujian Grand China Buffet at 8709 N. IH 35 (site of the former Old San Francisco Steakhouse) looks very clean and very good. I like the décor: very modern and I noticed they were regularly replenishing the trays. This is always a good sign.

They also took their sweet time on the build out. Most buffets rush into business in a couple of months. No so with Fujian. Phone is 977-8822. Let us know what you think by clicking here.

11/03/08

Corazon at Castle Hill Opens

Cathe Daily spent 18 years turning Castle Hill into one of Austin’s legendary restaurants. Finally, driven by vendor costs, she was forced to change formats and close the restaurant. But not for long. Castle Hill has been refitted and rebranded into Corazon at Castle Hill. Corazon meets “heart” in Spanish and boy does this restaurant deliver! Chef Mike Taddeo, a Castle Hill veteran, has crafted a menu with no price point over $20 but with no compromise whatsoever to entrée portions and overall quality.

I love this place. Check out their menu at www.corazonatcastlehill.com.

10/31/08

Historic Paggi House on Riverside to Reopen October 16th

It’s been a long wait for area foodies but the Paggi House is back. My first experience with this iconic restaurant (it was housed it an historic inn where General Robert E. Lee had once spent the night) goes back to 1982. It was one of Austin’s best restaurants at the time and it remained so for years until it was forced to close while a condominium project was constructed behind the restaurant. It was named after businessman and icemaker Michael Paggi who lived with his family at the inn until his death in 1911.

I took a tour of the newly reomodeled Paggi House last week and I was astonished. Gone is the tiny kitchen, the flimsy chairs, and the ever present hint of antiquity. It is lush, comfortable, and boasts a much larger kitchen with an outside bar. There is increased decking outside for happy hour sipping.

And the menu, put together by Exec Chef Shane Stark, looks very inviting. Appetizers include a Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Wild Gulf Shrimp Hudson Valley Foie Gras, and Duxelle Ravioli. Main Courses include a Sweet Potato Gnocci, Lemon Sole, NY Strip and Wild Salmon.

Call 473-3700 or go to www.paggihouse.com.

10/16/08

The Texican Opens its 3rd Location at Brodie Oaks

We got to dine at the new Texican Friday night with our friends Carol and Skip Weed, Owner Maurad Belcacem (pictured below) was beaming with pride and justifiably so. The restaurant is in the building formerly occupied by Trudy’s and originally by a place called J. Callender’s.

Marge had the Shrimp Flautas (killer dish) and I had the Cabrito. As always, it was moist, tender and full of flavor. Carol and Skip both had cheese enchiladas that were done El Paso style. And they were delicious. We finished up with flan and sopapillas and staggered out happy.

Phone is 707-1733. www.texicancafe.com

10/06/08

Iron Cactus Opens at Hill Country Galleria

A mall that was literally devoid of dining opportunities when it first opened has finally seen the advent of some great local restaurants.

Opening this weekend at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave is the third Austin location of The Iron Cactus, a restaurant that features the popular Mexican Grill concept. We dined there at a preview dinner on Wednesday night and the food was spot on. The Lobster Tacos literally stole the show but the Carne Asada and the Fish Tacos were great as well. The margaritas were 100% agave and were tart and tasty. I was also pleased to see John Laney, former owner of the Y Bar and Grill. A real pro, he's joined owner Gary Manley and the gang assuring a strong management ream.

Iron Cactus Jefes: Gary Manley, Mike Pottorff, Bryan Soltis

Iron Cactus also will feature a Sunday Brunch that will run from 9am to 3pm.

09/26/08

Texican Set to Open 3rd Location at Brodie Oaks

One of my favorite Mexican joints, The Texican, is opening their third location Wednesday, October 1st at the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center at S. Lamar and Ben White.

The Texican has a long history on far south Manchaca Road and opened up at Lakeline several years ago. The fare has an El Paso influence and i really like the place. The Shrimp Flautas are to die for and the Cabrito is the best in town.

Aside from being a classy restaurant operator, Maurad Belkacem is also a hell of a golfer and all around nice guy. Selfishly, I'm delighted about his because the new location is substantially closer to my house.

09/26/08

Fine-Dining Olivia’s opens at 2043 S. Lamar

There’s a new restaurant open at 2043 S.Lamar called Olivia’s. It’s the product of a husband and wife team: James and Christina Holmes. The chefs are James Holmes and Morgan Angelone.

Their collaboration Chefs Holmes and Angelone has led to a fusion of both French and Italian dishes with an emphasis on produce from local growers. The name of the restaurant comes from the Holme’s 21/2 year old daughter Olivia.

Phone: 804-2700. Web is www.olivia-austin.com.

09/12/08

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop Opens on 1905 S. 1st

Who doesn’t love a good cupcake? I know I do. And there are cupcakes (plus other goodies) in abundance at the newly opened Sugar Mama’s at 1905 S. 1st. I tried one of the lemon cupcakes and while I personally would have preferred a toping with a bit more texture, the flavor was excellent.

Sugar Mama’s is right around the corner from the Soup Peddler on Mary. Phone is 590-1002. www.sugarmamasbakeshop.com

09/04/08

Little Woodrows’s Opens at Galleria Shops Parkway Across from Hill Country Galleria Mall

If you like to gnosh on an array of good comfort food and choose from a wide selection of over 100 beers, you will enjoy Little Woodrow’s. LW’s is exactly what the Bee Cave area at Highway 71 and Highway 620 needed!

Address is 12801 Shops Parkway, Suite 100 next to Lowe’s.

08/25/08

Malaga Tapas and Bar Opens new Location on 2nd St.

Longtime Warehouse District favorite Malaga is moving to 440 West 2nd St. having outgrown its current location on 4th St. Beginning August 25th, managing partner and exec chef Alejandro Duran will open the doors at the new location. I have always enjoyed Alex’s deft touch in the kitchen and his adroit pairings of tapas with just the right wines.

I’m looking forward to this!

08/22/08

Mesa Ranch South Opens at Site of former Marco Polo at IH-35 and Oltorf

Steve Ray and his bride Lane have branched out and opened a south location of their popular Mesa Ranch at Spicewood and Mesa.

Mesa Ranch South at IH-35 and Oltorf opened last week at the site of the former Marco Polo at the Clarion Hotel.

I stopped in for lunch today for a Quesadilla with Cabrito and it was delicious! I’ve been a big fan of the mesquite grilled steaks, and the Mexican-styled fare at the original location. The new store has added several dishes like a Porterhouse for 2 and Lane’s Salmon Salad just to name a few.

Mesa Ranch South is open for lunch and dinner. www.mesaranchaustin.com. I’m delighted to see this new restaurant in the area, especially after the demise of Wan Fu!

Phone is 916-8787.

08/15/08

Historic Frisco Reopens at Site of Former Curras on Burnet

They don't come much more iconic than the famous Frisco, known for its breakfasts, burgers and colorful wait staff.

And after a long wait, the restaurant reopns today at the site of the former Curras on 5819 Burnet Road.That's a good opening for that area which recently saw Tien Hong close and is not exactly restaurant row.

The Frisco has legions of long time fans and appears to be poised to make some new ones with is fancier new digs.

Good for them... and good for us. (512) 459-6279.

08/07/08

It’s Official: Athenian Grill Opens on W. 6th across from Ruth’s Chris

You can tell when a place is sorely missed. Anil Simicia called me today and told me he opened The Athenian Grille faster than he had expected because people kept coming up and banging on the door (while construction was in progress).

You may encounter a few opening jitters regarding service, but The Athenian Grille is back is business. It’s on 6th St. directly across from Ruth’s Chris steak house, and ironically, not far from its old location at 8th and Colorado.

I got an email from a guy who works around the corner on Congress and says he’s already had lunch there three times in three days!

So, finally, a fun story: something nice to talk about. I wish Anil the best. He has a lot of fans who have waited patiently for months for this new venture to get off the ground. As for me, I’m heading over to get my favorite gyro platter.

07/25/08

Café Panini Is Worth A Visit on N. Mays in Round Rock

07/21/2008

Japanese Yume To Open at Triangle Development at 47th and Lamar

If you enjoy the restaurant “Bo” at La Frontera Mall in Round Rock, you’ll like Yume at the Texas Triangle Development and adjacent to Mandola’s at N. Lamar and 47th St. Same creative owner. And brother to Phoenix Pai, the peripatetic owner of Tokyo Steakhouse and Dragon Gate. The chef is Ricky, from Uchi.

The fare is a kind of Japanese/Island fusion with all sorts of interesting dishes. We went to the grand opening Saturday, July 19th, night and had a killer Sounomono, delicious Yucca Fritters, along with some pristine blue fin toro and lovely himachi. Can’t wait to sample the Coffee-flavored Pork Belly and the Wasabi infused Short Ribs.

07/21/08

Athenian Grille Set to Open Around July 28th

Spoke with Anil Simicia today and he informed me that things are going well with the finishing touches of the new Athenian Grille on W. 6th across from Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. After a very successful run at 8th and Colorado, Anil was forced out of that space by a larger tenant with deeper pockets and ultimately, with the help of ousted councilwoman Jennifer Kim and the city, he secured a loan (no Las Manitas here) and was able to relocate and rebuild.

Athenian Grille has a lot of fans who are probably counting the days until July 28th. It is the only full-service, white table cloth, fine-dining Greek restaurant in the downtown area.

07/11/08

Senoritas' Opens at the Y in Oak Hill

A husband and wife duo have embarked upon a concept unique to Austin dining: two restaurants under one roof. Opening in the space left by the former Y Bar & Grill is Nunzia's, which is the upscale dining part of the process. As you walk in, to the left of the building is the brand new second addition: Senoritas'. We had some appetizers at Senoritas' the other night and they were good: particularly enjoyed the queso.

Oak Hill has been under-restauranted for quite some time. So it's good to see these two new restaurants rolling the dice. We wish them the best. (512) 394-0220

07/10/08

Bambino’s Sandwich Shop Opens on the Drag Just North of Campus

With pictures of everyone’s favorite gangsters adorning the walls and The Godfather I, II, III running in continuous loops on big screen TV, you would think somebody from New York might have opened this sandwich place.

And you’d be right. Bambino’s is an interesting and eclectic kind of sandwich joint with genuinely good grub. One of my favorite sandwiches thus far: The Godfather (of course). Bambino’s is NYC deli style sandwiches and it doesn’t come any better than that.

07/03/08

Spanish-styled Segovia opens at the Y at Oak Hill

Segovia opened several weeks ago at 7010 TX-71 W., in the strip center adjacent to McDonald's at the Y at Oak Hill. The menu features an interesting collection of tapas, several different paellas, killer porkchops (lechon), roast suckling pig, and lots more. The owner Landon Curry, spent many years in Barcelona where he developed an insatiable craving for Spanish cuisine.

Segovia is open from 11am to 11pm daily. (512) 579-0726. Website.

07/01/08

Cafe Blue Back in Action at Volente Beach

After several years of starts and stops, the newly refurbished Cafe Blue is alive and well at Volente Beach on Lake Travis.

The ownership has been significantly upgraded this time around, and Ifully expect Cafe Blue to become a major player on the Lake dining scene.

8714 Lime Creed Rd., (512) 996-8188.
Click here to visit their website.

06/12/08

My Generation Family Restaurant opens in Round Rock

I like the name. And according to manager Doren Dippel, this restaurant has one prevailing concept: you walk into the restaurant as part of the family and NEVER leave hungry. What’s not to like about that.

The fare is basic comfort food and in times like these, comfort food becomes almost a default option for the average diner.

Address is 1208 N. IH 35 (take the Rt 79 exit in Round Rock) Phone is 388-9444.

06/06/08

Dimassi’s Lebanese / Syrian Buffet Opens on 183

I was surprised to learn that this restaurant is part of a chain out of Houston. It has a local look and feel to it. And it is all about Mediterranean goodies, with a particular emphasis on Lebanese and Syrian foods. There are two buffets loaded with hummus, tabouli, falafel, kabobs, fatoosh, makloube, salads, and a Lebanese stuffed cabbage that is delicious. A quick stop for lunch there the other day was rewarding. More than I expected.

It’s at 12636 Research in the location that was previously occupied by Serrano’s. Phone is 258-0395

05/22/08

Verdes to Open on Hamilton Pool Road

If you have your ducks in order, just about any time you open a Mexican restaurant in Austin you should be able to make a go of it. The new owners of Verdes on Hamilton Pool Road off Highway 71 are hoping that will be the case. The cuisine is Mexican grill, somewhat similar to what Steve Southern does at The Iron Cactus The chef/proprietor (Joel Munugia) is a an alumnus of Carraba’s so he knows a thing or two about grilling.

Two prior business at that location (The Alpenhof and Lazy Fork) that emphasized steaks and BBQ ultimately didn’t make it. But who doesn’t like Mexican, right? So once more into the fray. And good luck to them! For more information, call 263-0500.

04/04/08

Parkside Opens at Former Site of Dan McKluskey’s on W. 6th

Sean Cirkiel has long been one of my favorite chefs in the city. As the former wunderkind at Jean Luc’s Bistro on Colorado, he developed a legion of fans. So I’m very pleased to announce that he is back on W. 6th St. with a new oyster and raw bar concept called Parkside. Sean managed to open just in time for SXSW and actually lived to tell about it.

Call 474-9898 for more information.

03/21/08

“Taste” Opens next to III Forks

Taste has opened at 202 W. Cesar Chavez, next to III Forks in the downtown Entertainment District. This is a combination wine bar and upscale-casual bistro with the unusual addition of a retail wine outlet.

The establishment is locally owned, by two brothers and their wives.

For more information and to check out their wines and menus, go to www.tasteselectwines.com.

03/17/08

Trattoria Lisina Adds Sophistication to Cuisine in Driftwood

Went I first met Damian Mandola as a fellow participant in the Ton of Fun charity benefit for Big Brother and Sisters of Austin, I was struck by how amiable the man was. He really enjoyed what he was doing, and he lived life large.

His latest venture, the follow-up to Mandola’s Italian Market at the Triangle on 47th St. is Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood, Texas which is adjacent to the winery which Damian began there several years ago. The restaurant looks like it’s located in Tuscany and the ambiance is very nice. The food thus far, Tuscan theme continued, has been quite good.

The address is 13308 FM 150 West in Driftwood. Phone is 512-894-3111. Web is www.trattorialisina.com.

02/28/08

C. R. Surf and Turf Opens in Cedar Park

Many foodies in Austin are aware of the iconic Sea Dragon restaurant off 183. Later a Sea Dragon II opened which was forced to close due to landlord issues. Hal Lien, proprietor of Sea Dragon II, moved out to Cedar Park, and instead of doing Chinese, opened a seafood/steak/sandwiches restaurant called C. R. Surf and Turf. It’s on 1431 across from the Post Office and Just West of the Railyard Shopping Center.

We stopped there over the weekend and sampled. The Gulf Oysters were cold and fresh and very tasty: the gumbo had a nice mild roux but still with a little bite; the Fried Shrimp were delicious with a lovely batter; the Ribeye with grilled shrimp was also very tasty. This place has a lot of potential and was certainly needed in growing Cedar Park.

The address is 601 E. Whitestone (Suite 200 adjacent to The Railyard).
Phone is 260-0600.

01/22/08

Jenny’s Kitchen Opens at Spicewood and 183

This is a neat little fast casual Asian restaurant with a Malaysian theme. It’s in the same shopping mall that houses the legendary Sambet’s at Spicewood and 183. The address is 8650 Spicewood Springs Road.

This is strictly a “to go” kind of joint where one gets the option of choosing different Malaysian sauces with different dishes. I had the shrimp with black pepper sauce and it was excellent. And the Home Style Country Sauce is a treat. Also try the Fish Fillet Pan Fried Noodles. Delicious!

Phone is 257-3647.

01/22/08

El Greco (Greek Fast Casual) Opens at 31st and Guadalupe

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat. El Greco is not a Mexican restaurant, even though it may sound like one. It’s actually a very good fast casual Greek bistro at 31st and Guadalupe. It’s name after the famous painter El Greco who, while he may have resided in Toledo, Spain was actually born Domenicos Theotokoupolos on the isle of Crete. He called himself El Greco (the Greek).

That being said, this place is very much worth visiting. I’ve already tried several items including the pork gyros, the moussaka, the beeftekee and the amazing zucchini mushroom dip.

www.elgrecoaustin.com.

01/02/08

Mighty Fine Burgers Opens at N. Mopac and Braker

This is a new burger joint that makes, well, mighty fine burgers. The expression was one of the favorites of founder Ken Schiller’s grandfather. So why not? Kind of rolls off the tongue anyway. My grandfather’s favorite expression was “peachy keen” but I think he would have been OK with “mighty fine.”

The menu is simple: hamburgers and cheeseburgers made of fresh, ground chuck (done while you watch), fresh-cut crinkle fries, Coney dogs, shakes, and tart lemonades. The burgers are all cooked medium plus but they will do medium if you ask. (I would recommend that.)

I’ve already tried it a couple of times and the burgers are pretty damned good. Ditto for the fries. Another plus: quick wait times. And lots of room for the whole family.

www.mightyfineburgers.com.

01/02/08

Sagra Trattoria Opens at Fomer Location of Mars on San Antonio

That cozy little house on 1610 San Antonio that was home to Mars for many years has a new occupant: Sagra Trattoria.

The chef, Gabe Pellegini, is from Houston with lots of cooking experience in the big apple. The restaurant is bistro style with an emphasis on the freshest ingredients.

In Italy, a Sagra is a local festival that in many instances centers around food. The restaurant plans to continue the tradition of hosting monthly sagre where a particular food will be featured.

Their website is www.sagrarestaurant.net.

12/19/07

Gypsy Opens on Barton Springs

A new Italian restaurant has opened on Barton Springs: it’s called Gypsy. It’s only a few doors down from Vinny’s café and not far from Romeo’s as well. But the reports have been favorable thus far on the cuisine at Gypsy and particularly the wine list.

12/13/07

Check out The Austin Greek Deli

Amer Karaki is one of these guys you should run into when you have the blahs. His infectious smile and great Gyros and Souvlakis are enough to brighten anyone’s day.

Amer’s little restaurant is on Hancock. He’s open from Monday-Saturday, 11am-7pm. 459-6363.

12/13/07

Java Garden Opens on Pleasant Valley at Riverside

I stopped in this week to take a peak at the all-day buffet at the new Java Garden at Riverside and Pleasant Valley. Much to my delight I saw my old friend Jenny who was one of the former owners of T&S Seafood. She is now helming this place and after my first pass through the line, it was immediately obvious.

The Chinese dishes were good, fresh, and most importantly, not loaded with MSG and not at all greasy. They will also have menu service in a couple of weeks as they are rounding the menu into shape as we speak.

11/29/07

Brazillian Steakhouse Fogo de Chao opens on 3rd St. next to Melting Pot

After much anticipation, the nationally known Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao has opened an Austin location on 3rd St. across from the convention center.

Fogo originated in Sao Paulo, Brazil and expanded to the US at the suggestion of former President George H. Bush. They now have 11 stores in this country.

This has been quite a year for churrascarias in Austin. Earlier this year, a smaller version of Fogo named Estancia Churrascaria opened on Highway 290 S. next to the Holiday Inn Express.

For more information go to www.fogodechao.com.

11/09/07

Blue Bamboo Opens in the New Galleria Mall at Highways 620 and 71

We’ve already started getting emails in on this new place at the Hill Country Galleria. The cuisine is Vietnamese and since we live out that way, I am buzzed that something Asian finally opened out there. www.gobluebamboo.com.

10/30/07

Subsin’s Thai Restaurant Gaining Steam at 5517 Manchaca

South Austin has never been a haven for Thai restaurants. But that’s changing. First Madam Mam’s opened up a store on Westgate and recently Subsin’s has opened at 5517 Manchaca.

My initial experience was quite good as I enjoyed some very flavorful Pud Thai and Pud Kee Maow along with a Pananag Curry (maybe a little heavy on the coconut) with tofu. Price are also quite reasonable. Call 462-1450 for more information.

10/16/07

Joe DiMaggio’s Italian Chop House Opens at Domain

First it was Jasper’s and the Kona Grill, then McCormick & Schmick’s and NoRTH. Now the latest restaurant to open at the Domain is Joe DiMaggio’s Italian Chop House, owner Jeff Dudem’s homage to America’s Joltin’ Joe, arguably the most famous ball player/athlete of the post Babe Ruth era.

The priceless pictures of Joe and Marilyn Monroe, his wife for a brief period in the 1950’s, and of Joe with his New York Yankee teammates are just amazing. They make the restaurant come alive with a warmth and vitality that is hard to describe.

Currently open for dinner at 5:30 pm. 835-5633 for reservations

10/12/07

ZuZu’s to open Monday, October 15th, on Bee Caves Road Just West of Highway 360

The restaurant that proved that “healthy Mexican dining” is not an oxymoron, ZuZu’s, has opened a second location on Bee Caves Road just west of Highway 360. The official opening is Monday, October 15th. ZuZu uses no lard, and its dishes are tasty and almost addictive. For more information go to www.zuzuaustin.com.

10/10/07

Doc’s Backyard Opens on Brodie

Doc’s Motorworks has become a popular fixture for comfort food lovers on S. Congress. Now, a sister restaurant is open at 5207 Brodie Lane. For more information, call 892-5200 or go to www.DocsAustin.com.

10/08/07

Blue Dahlia Bistro Opens at 1115 E. 11th St.

Things are heating up on E. 11th St. In addition to the opening of Primizie Osteria, the Blue Dahlia Bistro has opened at 1115 E. 11th St. The Blue Dahlia features the work of executive chef Amy Quinn and includes organic fruits and vegetables from local growers in a variety of colorful soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Fred Nelson of Freddie’s Place is also a partner.

Call 542-9542 for more information.

09/27/2007

Kahuna’s Icehouse opens on Highway 620 in Lakeway: at site of former Pronto’s

The fast casual Pronto did not resonate with the Lakeway crowd and recently closed. But Tony Ciola and John Innes, of Ciola’s down the street in Lakeway, noted that there was a hole for a good burgers/sandwiches/wings/pizza joint and so they launched Kahuna’s Icehouse in the same location as the former Pronto at 3626 Highway 620. Phone is 263-0036 or check out www.kahunasicehouse.com.

Got some food to go the other day and the wings were quite good. And even after we got them home, the fries still had texture, and were crisp and tasty.

09/19/2007

Emilia Hurtado Back in Action at Casa Colombia

The woman who started the whole Colombian cuisine craze in Austin, Emilia Hurtado, has opened Casa Colombia on 1614 E. 7th just west of Huston Tillotson College.

Stopped by several days ago and tasted several of her standards: the Arepas with chorizo and the Arroz con Pollo. Both were spot on.

It’s a decent size restaurant and can accommodate larger parties. Call 495-9425.

09/14/2007

Italian Dining Makes its East Austin Debut with PRIMIZIE

Mark Spedale and his wife Lisa wanted to open the first Osteria in Austin. In Italian hierarchy, there are ristorantes (most formal), trattorias (more casual) and osterias (most casual). The Primizie Osteria 14 1000 E.11th St has just opened, taking advantage of the trend toward fast-casual dining. It offers pastas, pizzas, a variety of Paninis, and other more casual Italian comfort food. Although it had only been open a few days when I first stopped in, there was already a group of folks in line ordering items to take out or to dine in. Mark is a highly experienced baker and the Panini I tried was delicious.

Spedale and his wife are from Houston. Mark trained at the Culinary Academy in Portland, OR and then returned to Austin to start a catering firm. The success of that firm led to the opening of Primizie. Call 495-9425.

09/14/2007

Long-awaited TRIO opens at Four Seasons Hotel

I have been a long-time fan of the work of Chef Elmar Prambs of the Four Seasons Hotel. For years, his inimitable Cafe at the Four Seaons was the standard against which all restaurants in the city judged themselves.

And now, after exhaustive preparation through the spring and summer, the next generation of excellence at the Four Seasons is ready to open under Prambs' steady hand. The new restauarnt is calle TRIO and it emphasizes a menu anchored by the classics: prime steaks, seafood and fine wine. Prambs and Chef de Cuisine Todd Duplechan worked with many local growers to insure the freshest and highest-quailty products be made available to the restaruant.

Guests can also sample a trio of wine pours preselected by award-winning Sommelier Mark Sayres or create their own personalized "trio" from the restaurantrs extensive wine selection. Guests may also opt to select a bottle from the more than 300 labels.

And now the burning question that I know you will all be asking: what's going to happen to Sunday Brunch? Arguably the most popular brunch in Austin, the Sunday brunch menu will continue with all your favorites: plus some new additions (and no deletions). Phew, glad we got past that one!

09/10/2007

Coming Soon at the Domain: NoRTH!

Hot on the heels of the opening last week of the McCormick and Schmick's opening at the Domain off N. Mopac comes a new Italian eatery from Scottsdale: NoRTH.

Slated for an opening around the 1st of October, North is one of the poster restaurants for a group known as Fox Restaurant Concepts. The menu for North takes its cue from a typical Italian trattoria and offers a fresh, modern approach to Italian cuisine.

Menu highlights will include House Bruschetta with Crescenza Cheese, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese Pizza, Fire Roasted Steak Delmonico with Creamy Spinach and Cipollina, and Strozzapreti (which interestingly translates to "preist chocker" in Italian) which is a pasta dish and which is served with mushrooms, wilted spinach and toasted pine nuts.

Executive Chef Christopher Cristiano is a Callifornia Culinary Academy Grad and a Wolfgang Puck (Spago) alumnus.

For an early look at the menu: click here.

09/10/2007

McCormick and Schmick's at The Domain Opens This Week

We went to the packed Saturday night opening party at the new McCormick and Schmick's at The Domain. The restaurant has a nice, open design with ample outdoor seating. It's unusual for McCormick and Schmick's to open a second restaruant in a city the size of Austin but Manager Mike Tobias (who is from San Antonio) tells me that Bill and Doug, the two owner of the company are bullish on Austin and are optimistic that the Domain will continue to add density.

The chef is UT grad Greg Sterin. His menu will include many of the items at the popular 4th and Congress location of McCormick and Schmick's but he will also include dishes that will be unique to that location.

McCormick and Schmick's flies its seafood in fresh daily. call 836-0500 for more information.

08/28/2007

Vibe Dining from Las Vegas to Make its Austin Debut at Imperia in Warehouse District

First, the location was the site of Mezzaluna, then Capitol Brasserie. Now nestled between Sullivan's and Truluck's we shall see the birth of "Vibe Dining" in Austin at the new Imperia which is set to open in August.

The concept of vibe dining as coined by Richard Wolf is to offer an almost non-stop and seamlessly integrated menu of dining, drinking, and socializing. The highest grossing restauarant in the United States, Tao Las Vegas, is the poster child for this concept. Dinner on one floor, dancing on the next. A table alone next to the dance floor costs $5,000! Last year, the restaurant grossed almost 56 million dollars!

Executive Manager C.K. Chin

I can't wait to see how this one comes off here in the River City. Does Austin have enough illuminati on hand to fuel the almost endless needs of a concept like this? We shall see. But you can rest assured that I will be there dining and partying.

Local entrepreneurs Michael Girard, Diggy Taylor and C.K. Chin are partners in this venture. The exec chef is Joseph Tellus who hails from San Antonio by way of New York and Las Vegas. He was the original chef at Tao Las Vegas (I have eaten there and it's amazing) and it should be something else to see what he turns out here in Austin.

UPDATE: NOW OPEN!

08/17/2007

Crawfish Shack & Oyster Bar Opens on Wells Branch

I didn't expect to find a Vietnamese guy and Cambodian gal at the helm of a placed called The Crawfish Shack at 2013 Wells Branch Parkway. I mean where's Bubba Jr. or Uncle Thibedeau?

Well, Hiep Nguyen may not be a Cajun but he has a background in wholesaling fish to restaurants in central Texas. And he likes to cook crawfish and shuck oysters. And apprently a good number of his customers are Vietnamese. And there's not a vermicelli bowl or Pho in sight on this menu.

The number is 252-7556.

08/07/2007

Ararat is back in patnership with Hot Mama's Coffeshop

The amazingly popular Middle-Eastern restaurant Ararat, which closed several months ago after lease issues (I guess they weren't "iconic" enought to merit an interest-free loan from the City Council) has formed an unlikely partnership with Hot Mama's Coffeeshop at 2401 E. 6th.

Ararat will utilize HM's kitchen space and outdoor dining areas in what both establishments see as a win-win scenario. I've always enjoyed Ararat's delicious blend of Northern African food and Hot Mama's amazing lattes and coffee drinks. So now, we'll be able to get both.

The opening is August 4th at 6pm. Featured will be dj professah funensteen, sexy bellydancer Rania, and Turkish coffe readings from Aramanth Healer. I will be there. This is just too cool to miss.

08/03/07

Roux Opens on 6th St at the site of the former Jazz

Californian Dan Janjigian, along with Carlos and Charlie's alum Chad Helton, has opened Roux on 214 E. 6th St. The cuisine is cajun fused with some regional American stylings and I'm excited about this one. The decor is early Bourbon St. and they've moved the bar to the front of the restaurant which kind of ennergizes the place.

I sampled a variety of dishes the other day, from the BBQ Shrimp to the Shrimp Etouffee (with a ruddy brown roux) and they were all quite good.
Janjigian's father has a very famous Armenian restaurant and the food heritage in his family runs deep.

Call 479-0474 for reservations or go to www.rouxaustin.com.

08/02/07

Hayashi Sushi Opens in Georgetown

Finally, Georgetown gets a sushi restaurant: the recently opened Hayasha. The chef (Cheng Lin) has an impressive background and I can't wait to go check it out. Address is 1019 W. University Ave. Exit 261 and take left at light. Go over I-35 and take left at Hwy 29. Look For Wolf Ranch Town Center. Make an immediate right after 2nd entrance to center. Look for water fountain. Call 512-868-9686 for more information.

07/16/07

El Gringo on Manor segues into Italian-themed Stortini

El Gringo, the former Mexican eatery on 1917 Manor, has rolled the dice and changed to an Italian format called Stortini. After a brief flirtation with the name Molto, Stortini (which is chef Kristine Kittrel's maiden name) has opened for business at the same location. This is the first Italian restaurant in an area that is inundated with good Mexican places. Call 391-9500 for more information.

07/13/07

“Shanghai Opens” at 6718 Middle Fiskville: Dim Sum Planned For Weekends

In a location that has seen several other restaurants including The Oishi Sushi House and the Golden Harbor buffet, Shanghai has opened with a Chinese menu and Dim Sum on the weekends. The address is 6718 Middle Fiskville east of Highland Mall.

This is a family restaurant: Alice and husband John Yim, daughter Becky and son Raymond have had several successful restaurants in Austin including Marco Polo a few years removed (when it was really good). Alice has recovered from a devastating accident and I’m delighted to see her back. She is a class act!

Phone is 458-8088.

06/18/07

Counter Café Opens on N. Lamar

I had a very nice breakfast several weeks ago at the new Counter Café on N. Lamar at the site of the former GM Steakhouse. The owner is a former restaurateur from Fredericksburg who really knows how to do a café. The eggs and sausage were excellent. Ditto for the their version of Eggs Benedict (Counter Benedict) featuring seared pastrami and a piquant hollandaise.

The place is clean and cute as a button. Interesting customers as well. My kind of spot. Check it out.

05/29/07

Fondue restaurant The Melting Pot to open a 3rd St location

There’s nothing like critical mass in the restaurant business. After Houlihan’s was unable to make a go of it at 3rd St across from the convention center, Brazillian BBQ monster Fogo de Chao announced its arrival for the end of the year in that same space. And also opening across from what they undoubtedly believe will be a huge pool of customer traffic, fondue-styled The Melting Pot will open its second location.

The first restaurant is out on Research and has done well. I’ve been there twice and enjoyed it both times. It’s a leisurely evening, given the time it takes to cook the meats, seafood, et al in the hot oil. But it’s an enjoyable one.

04/24/07

Patsy’s Cowgirl Café Opens on 5001 E. Ben White

Shannon Sedgewick and husband Michael, of Esther’s Follies and Liberty Lunch fame, have launched a new restaurant in S. Austin on Ben White. It’s called Patsy’s Cowgirl Café. If it sounds casual, it is. But the food looks promising as well. I had a quick lunch there on Monday and enjoyed it. I wanted to try either the Kinky Friedman or the Sandra Bullock but he damned pork chop special looked so good I had to have that.

They are open for lunch and dinner with different daily specials. Live music Thurs-Sat nites.

Call 444-2020 for more info.

04/16/07

Uncle Billy’s “Brew and Que” Opens on Barton Springs

The name says it all. Uncle Billy’s has opened on Barton Springs at the site of the former Mimosa. They are a brew pub and BBQ joint. And I’m betting that the guys behind this venture: Rick Engel and the team from Austin Java will be the first ones to make a restaurant work at this location since it was Good Eats back in the early 90’s.

For more information, go to www.unclebillysaustin.com.

04/13/07

Cannoli Joe’s Italian Opens April 9th on Highway 290 West

I have fond memories of the old Wolfe Nursery Building on 290 West. After playing poker and drinking all afternoon with my pals about a week before Christmas one year, I wandered into the place and was smitten by this hideous white Christmas tree. I fell in love with it, brought it home, and put it up, much to the dismay of my wife and children. I loved that ugly white tree for that one, brief Christmas that I was allowed to display it in our home. Never set foot in Wolfe’s after that.

But now I have a new reason to go into that building. It’s been given a massive overhaul and will soon be the home of a restaurant called Cannoli Joe’s which will open April 9th. Bob Hauser is the driving force behind this place that’s actually designed to make you feel nostalgic for old Italy. It’s an all-you-can-eat affair and the buffet line is supposed to resemble an Italian street. Sounds like fun. Call 892-4444 for more information.

04/05/07

Bottecelli’s Opens Chicago-style Italian on S. Congress

It’s all in the family at Bottecelli’s on S. Congress at the site of the former Texas Music Café (just south of the Continental Club). Two brothers with Austin food ties have opened up on S. Congress serving up Chicago-style Italian food. If you haven’t tried a good Chicago beef sub with hot peppers and sausage, then you just haven’t lived.

I went to school near Chicago for several years and I have sorely missed the kind of chow Bottecelli’s is bringing back. Another cool sandwich is the “Bottecelli”. Try the Original. This consists of Italian cold cuts and peppers and cheese inside of a fresh backed hoagie. It’s better than any stromboli you’ve ever tried.

They will also offer a daily pasta, lasagna, antipasto, bruschetta, et al.

Call 916-1315.

04/05/07

Ruggles Grill in Westlake Becomes Austin’s Cheesecake Kitchen: Official Opening April 5th

I liked Ruggles Grill right from the start when it first opened last year at the Alberston’s Shopping Center in at Highway 360 and Bee Caves Road in Westlake.

But the fickle Westlake crowd acted like, well, the fickle Westlake crowd. They’ve got all this money but don’t seem inclined to spend it on dining in Westlake.

So Ruggles has adapted and reimaged itself as Austin’s Cheesecake Kitchen, not to be confused with The Cheesecake Factory. The price points will be lower, but the food will be a bit more family friendly (I always loved their burgers anyway) and should be just as good.

Click here to see their new menu.

You can also call for more info at 330-9847.

04/02/07

All of a Sudden it’s Pouring Brazilian Restaurants: Estancia Churrascaria Opens Monday March 26th

No sooner had we broken the story on the imminent arrival of Fogo de Chao downtown when we learned of the immediate opening of another locally owned churrascaria called Estancia Churrascaria.

At the site of the former Texas Star Diner on Highway 290 S in Sunset Valley next to the Holiday Inn Express, Estancia is owned by Ironi Darosa. It will be a full-blown churrascaria with fire-roasted meats delivered to the tables on skewers along with sides. There is also a huge salad bar.

Call 892-1225 for more info.

03/26/07

Domain Opens with Dozens of New Restaurants

With much hoopla, the Domain, anchored by the long-awaited Nieman Marcus store, opened today in North Austin. The development is ambitious with long-term plans for retail, office, and residential development.

Equally ambitious are the restaurant offerings. Jasper’s, famous in Dallas for its “gourmet backyard cuisine” will be one of the tenants. Also opening their second locations in Austin will be downtown favorites McCormick and Schmick’s and

Flemings. And look for a California Pizza Kitchen as well as the popular Kona Grille.

This is an usual move for McCormick and Schmick’s as they usually only go to a second location when a city has more than 1,000,000 residents (Austin is considerably short of that number). So it’s a real compliment to Austin that a chain of that stature would consider the second location.

One thing to note however: as of this writing, it appears that none of the restaurants are locally owned and operated. That’s unfortunate.

03/10/07

Mayor Wynn cuts ribbon at City Hall’s Austin Java opening

It was a festive scene Thursday noon at the new Austin Java at City Hall. The Mayor was there to cut the ribbon and to celebrate one of the few locally owned restaurants in the so-called Entertainment District.

I like Austin Java. I think they’re a perfect choice for the location.

Got a kick out of the Mayor’s version of the genesis of the restaurant. Said he went to our “sister” city in Germany [exactly how many sister cities does Austin have?] and noticed they had a keg of beer in the bergermeister’s office. Said he immediately called Toby Futrell and said that we had to have a restaurant in City Hall. Not sure if that’s how it really went down but it’s an entertaining story.

03/08/07

McCormick and Schmick’s to Open Second Restaurant at Domain

Popular downtown seafood restaurant McCormick and Schmick’s has announced the opening of a second store at the new Domain development on N. Mopac. The center is anchored by superstore Neiman Marcus and will eventually host a slew of upscale establishments.

It’s unusual for McCormick and Schmick’s to have two restaurants in a place the size of Austin so it’s quite a compliment to the River City.

03/02/07

The Dry Dock at Canary Nest Opens on 5800 Burnet Rd.

Gail Johnson knows a thing or two about neighborhood establishments. Near our office on South Congress is the redoubtable Ego's, a place which for 30 years has defied the logic that location is everything. I'm happy to see the Dry Dock is the latest neighborhood addition, and this time he's added a very nice seafood/cajun menu to go along with the libations. Dry Dock is open for lunch and dinner, and has an active karaoke scene as well. (512) 371-3132

02/07/07

Brazilian Bakery and Coffeehouse “Bossa Nova” opens on E. 6th

A Brazilian couple who until recently had owned and operated bakeries in Brazil are now holding forth in the River City on 2121 E. 6th St.

Their son-in-law Roy Shapley is the manger of Bossa Nova. Hours are 7-7 M-F and 9-5 Sat/Sun. Number is 736-6887. And here’s hoping we don’t have to “blame it on the Bossa Nova”. [lol]

01/30/07

Chon Som Plans Grand Opening January 20th

While Thai and Sushi styled Chon Som has been open since the summer, and long enough to win over a strong local following, their official grand opening is scheduled for January 20th.

Nat and Marissa have promised to make this a fun and tasty evening. Diners will be able to sample from sushi and Thai favorites. Call 989-5559 to make a reservation.

01/12/07

Austin Java Opens Downtown in City Hall Building: January 15th

One of my favorite locally owned cafes, Austin Java, will open inside City Hall on January 15th. I’m glad to see someone local going into the so-called entertainment district.

The further good news is that free parking is also available inside the city hall building. Phone is 481-9400. Their menu will be comparable to the other two locations on Barton Springs and N. Lamar.

01/12/07

Lambert’s Downtown BBQ Swings into Business

Lou Lambert is back. Proprietor of the popular Lambert’s on S. Congress (which gave way to Will Packwood’s “7”), Lambert with partner Larry McGuire, has opened Lambert’s Downtown BBQ at 401 W. Second St. in the historic Schneider Building.

Don’t let the name BBQ fool you. This is much more than just brisket and ribs. This is primarily upscale fare at downtown prices and will include dishes like Alaskan king salmon and seriously marbled prime ribeye steaks. (512) 494-1500.

www.lambertsaustin.com.

01/11/07

Thai and Sushi Chon Som Opens on 2013 Wells Branch Pkwy.

You’ve heard me speak before of “Nat in the Kitchen” the former caterer supreme and sushi chef at Fujiyama. He and wife Marisa along with Nat’s sister-in-law have opened Chon Som on 2013 Wells Branch Parkway. This is a mixture of Thai, Japanese, and Sushi and based on my initial visits, so far so good. It’s a fun and tasty place. Phone is 989-5559 and web is www.ChonSom.com.

01/05/07

Waterloo Ice House Opens New Store at 9600 Escarpment and Slaughter

Waterloo Ice House has opened a new store at 9600 Escarpment at Slaughter in the HEB shopping center. This is the first of the Waterloo restaurants to actually be constructed from the ground up. And they will be offering the popular Weekend “Jumbo Skillet” which features an all-you-can-eat skillet of eggs, home fries, sausage and bacon waffles and pancakes. There is also a Tex-Mex version of the skillet. (The cost is $10.95 per person.)

12/13/06

Spec’s Wine and Liquor Megastore to Open Friday at Airport and 2222

Those of you from the Houston area will recognize the name Spec’s. It is the largest brand in that area for wine, spirits, cigars, gourmet foods and more. We are getting three Spec’s stores in Austin with the first to open Friday, December 8th, at Airport and Koening (2222).

Imagine merging a Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Grapevine Market and you have some idea of the enormity of Spec’s.

We’ll keep you posted as the others open. Their website is www.specsonline.com.

12/08/06

Sandra Bullock’s “Bess” Opens in Stradford Arms on 500 W. 6th

Brenton Childs is a restaurant pro with a strong local pedigree. He has assembled a quality team for the opening on Tuesday of Sandra Bullock’s first restaurant, Bess.

The restaurant will have southern European bistro style cuisine and an eclectic menu.

Bullock does not want this to be the typical “celebrity” restaurant a la Planet Hollywood. She wants it to rise and fall on its own merits. But the link to her is inescapable. She is an A list celebrity and people care passionately about what she does, especially if it’s starting a restaurant. And People Magazine has already broken the news. Hence, the restaurant opening will be under a much harsher spotlight than most.

But Childs says he is up to the challenge. “This ain’t my first rodeo” he deadpanned. And I personally think Bullock made a good choice.

The restaurant opens for lunch on Tuesday, November 14th.

11/13/06

Romeo’s To Open a Second Restaurant on the Square in Georgetown

The popular Italian bistro Romeo’s, a fixture on Barton Springs Rd. near Zilker Park in Austin, is scheduled to open on the square in downtown Georgetown at the site of the former Monica’s 701.

It’s my personal hope that this move will reverse the trend of businesses in Georgetown moving out toward the malls and away from the quaint and personable downtown area.

Thursday, November 9th, is the scheduled opening.

Hours are Sunday-Thursday 10:30am to 10pm and Fri-Sat 10:30am to 11pm.

11/03/06

Chef Will Packwood Storms Back into Action with Cibo on S. Congress

One of my favorite chefs in the area, Will Packwood, is back in action at the Italian-themed Cibo on 918 Congress at the site of the former Dariush.

Packwood, who formerly helmed Emilila’s as well as “7”, is concentrating on engaging dishes like Chichetti (Venetian tapas), Gnocchi, Risotto, and more substantial fare such as Pork Chops Milanese. I haven’t been there yet but I’m already intrigued.

On Monday, November 6th, they’ll open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call 478-3363.

11/02/06

Click here to find archived Openings, Closings, and Food News & Commentary

Closings

Yet Another Cesar Chavez Casualty: Latin Café Closes

The sudden closing of the Latin Café (formerly Dona Emilia’s) is another loss for fine dining with a Latin twist in the downtown area.

Howard Kells and his team fought the good fight but just couldn’t make it work. I am going to really miss the Eva Longoria Pasta and the Arroz con Pollo, oh and the Arepas were heavenly.

Coming so close on the heals of Taste’s closing, this is a very sad one-two punch for the Cesar Chavez area.

06/26/2009

Taste Closes Barely After a Year in Operation

It is with great regret that I note the passing of Taste. This great little restaurant/wine bar on Cesar Chavez, the notion of two young couples, had barely passed its first anniversary when the owners were forced to close the doors. The food was marvelous.

Taste might not have had the greatest location but the city of Austin didn’t help with another one of its ridiculous hatchet jobs with over a year of messy, traffic-clogging construction on Cesar Chavez that probably should have taken three months.

I will really miss this restaurant. I suspect my fellow foodies and wine fans will be equally distressed.

06/23/2009

Gypsy on Barton Springs Closes

Just spoke with owner Shawn Gamble and he confirmed that Gypsy, a neat little Italian restaurant on Barton Springs, has officially closed its doors. Too bad!

This location is starting to resemble some of the more infamous jinxed spots in the city that don’t seem to be able to sustain a quality restaurant. The irony of it is that Vinny’s Italian Café (don’t ask for Vinny by the way because there isn’t one) is just down the street and still open.

06/18/2009

Spanish-styled Segovia at the Y in Oak Hill Closes

This has been a bad year for higher end restaurants in Oak Hill on Highway 71.. First Nunzia and Senorita’s (which followed the Y Bar and Grill) bit the dust after not more than a year in operation. And Segovia, which was a very decent little Spanish restaurant, didn’t even last that long. Too bad: their paella was generally quite good and the young new chef had lots of potential.

At least the new Italian eatery Verona across the street appears to have had a successful launch.

06/12/2009

Byblos Lebanese Deli on I35 at Parmer Closes

Another ethnic restaurant bites the dust in Austin. Byblos, a classy little Lebanese deli at IH 35 and Parmer has closed. Haven’t been able to reach the owner yet, but if I can get some word from Elias on what happened I’ll pass it on. I enjoyed Byblos a whole bunch. Great Shawarma.

05/15/2009

Romeo’s In Georgetown Closes

Downtown Georgetown lost another restaurant last week: Romeo’s, the sister restaurant of the original Romeo’s on Barton Springs in Austin closed. Owner Bernie Brozek was unavailable for comment.

Prior to Romeo’s, the space had been occupied by Monica’s 701, another fine-dining restaurant that suffered from slow sales and was forced to close.

03/30/2009

Yume at the Triangle Closes Without Notice

In all the years I’ve done reviews on www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com, I’ve never had a restaurant go out of business during the week we actually filmed a review there. But such was the case for Yume, a very decent Japanese restaurant at the Texas Triangle at 47th and Lamar. The restaurant had opened as a fusion between Japanese and Caribbean Island cuisine. When they public didn’t accept that (as if often the case with fusion restaurants in Austin) they went to a more a traditional Japanese/sushi bar concept.

I thought both versions were quite good but apparently the restaurant was undercapitalized and got behind on the rent. The landlord pulled the plug this week, and that, as they say, was that!

Too darned bad.

03/06/2009

Nunzia's and Senorita's Close in Oak Hill

The restaurants that took over for the original Y Bar and Grill in Oak Hill have closed.

The concept was original: essentially two diverse dining establishments in the same building. One was the fine dining side (Nunzia's) and the other Latin (Senorita’s). All I could think of was a line from Robert Frost’s poem: two roads diverged in a yellow wood…Because when you walked in the door, Latin was to the left and upscale to the right. Apparently neither road was chosen enough. Too bad. I liked their food.

This leaves Segovia as the only high-end restaurant in the area.

01/08/2009

Mars to Close on Dec 22nd

When Laurie Simon moved her restaurant from 17th and San Antonio to the high rent district of South Congress just south of Riverside, it was a gamble. Much higher rent, but a larger store with the chance of much greater revenue. But after a promising start, the gamble failed and Simon sold her interest in the restaurant.

A new concept helmed by the former chef at Lambert’s Downtown BBQ will soon reopen at that location.

But it’s a sad day for fans of Mars, a restaurant with close to 20 years of history.

12/22/2008

Patton’s on Main Closes in Marble Falls

Just a few short months ago, Marble Falls was buzzing with high-end culinary activity. Then, 909 closed on short notice. And stunningly, less than a month later, Patton’s on Main (and for a time an occupant in our Top 20) closed. Just like that, the two best restaurants in Marble Falls gone!

The official reason for Patton’s closing is that the chef got an offer he couldn’t refuse to go back and work for his former employer Wolfgang Puck. My hunch though is that the offer was a lot easier to accept given the preponderance of unoccupied tables on many nights. Whatever the reason, I will miss Patton’s on Main. This was a great story: local boy goes off and conquers the culinary world and the returns home to amaze and dazzle his home town. Too bad that story couldn’t have had a few more chapters.

11/19/2008

Nuevo Leon on Slaughter at Escarpment Closes

After receiving a few emails from readers, I just confirmed with Rachel Davila, the founder of the iconic Nuevo Leon in East Austin that their new store at Slaughter and Escarpment had closed on the 31st of October.

I am shocked. Tex Mex is one of Austin’s favorite cuisines. And Nuevo Leon has good lineage. The other thing that’s surprising about the closing is that the area out around Circle C is so under-restauranted.

All the best to the Davila family on their remaining restaurant at 1501 E. 6th St.

11/11/2008

Closings continue to mount: Café 909 in Marble Falls will close next week and Al Capone’s in RR shuts its doors

Cafe 909 in Marble Falls has announced that it will close at the end of next week and relocate to Houston. As one of our readers pointed out “it could compete with the finest upscale restaurants in Austin”. Hard to argue with that! I wish Chef Mark Schmidt and his wife Shelly the very best. The restaurant they created in 2003 was a work of art and passion. They and it

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