The Paella at Segovia restaurant out at the Y at Oak Hill. This is moist, with that classic paella flavor featuring clams, scallops, lovely shrimp and sausage. This is one of the best paellas around.

The Lobster Tacos at Iron Cactus. I am one who usually wants my lobster with drawn butter period! But when I tasted the lobster tacos at the Iron Cactus at the Hill Country Galleria, I was knocked out. The flavor is amazing.

The Shrimp Mojo de Ajo at Verdes on Hamilton Pool Road. If you like shrimp, and you want something that will quite literally melt in your mouth, the Mojo de Ajo at Verdes will make you a believer.

The Carnitas at Los Pinos on Hudson Bend Rd. Lost Pinos is this little gem of a restaurant that serves the most interesting and tasty carnitas I’ve ever tried. Chef Margarito Maldanado is at the helm here and he is good!!!!!

The Dragon Rib at Imperia on Colorado at 4th. Wow! Chef Joe Tellus has coaxed more flavor out of a short rib than may be humanly possible. I can’t stay away from it. Add the lobster mashers and you are in culinary bliss.

The Eva Longoria Pasta at the Latin Café on Cesar Chavez. Formerely Dona Emilia’s, the Latin Café sizzles with interesting new flavors. This is a seasoned shredded beef with a criollo sauce, caramelized onions and bowtie pasta. No wonder Eva gained so much weight on Desperate Housewives!

The Sagra Pizza at Sagra Trattoria on 1610 San Antonio. This is a great pie that blends tomato sauce, eggs, pecorino cheese, spinach, mozzarella cheese and just a skosh of truffle oil. This take me back to Wooster St. in New Haven.

The Escargot at Louie’s 106 on 106 E. 6th St. If you love the aromas and delicate tastes of well-made escargot, then look no father than Louie’s 106. They’ve made our top 20 for a reason. The escargot are sautéed in garlic and white wine and served with herb walnut butter And then dipping with sourdough bread is just over the top.

The Whole Maine Lobster at McCormick and Schmick’s (downtown at 4th and Congress and at the Domain). This is one place where size does NOT matter. Want a 5 pounder? Just call ahead a few days and it can be done. The bigger the lobster, the sweeter the meat.

The House Bacon Panini at Taste Select Wines on Cesar Chavez is Bill McGory IV at his best! Add the roasted tomato aioli and the arugula with fontina cheese. Oh my! Pair it with a nice glass of Pinot Noir and all is well!

There are always people who are frustrated by an inability to find a good place to dine on Thanksgiving. Let me give you suggestions for some places that are still available and where the food is also very good. Corazon at Castle Hill. They have just reopened and are getting back on the radar. The menu looks awesome and they have openings! GO THERE

The Veranda at Northcross Mall each Thanksgiving Sam Kattan manages to pull off something more spectacular than the last year. People are stlll buzzing about the ’07 Thanksgiving. He’s at Northcross Mall at the former Hooter’s location. And lost some visibility because of all the construction. But don’t let that deter you. He has availability.

The Latin Café. Formerly Dona Emilia’s, the Latin Café has lower price points and broader culinary target, embracing the whole of Latin America. Wonderful food and they’re going to be doing a deep-fried turkey along with all the other goodies. They will have availability.

The European Bistro in Pflugervlle has fantastic Thanksgiving dinners. And there’s usually availability. Anni and Peroska have one of the finest, yet unfortunately most undiscovered, fine restaurants in the area. Ask for Anni when you go and tell her I said hello.

The Bakehouse is one of the best value restaurants around for Thanksgiving. They’ve catered many of our infamous Christmas parties and always to rave reviews. Carl does a great dinner for only $12.95 for adults.

Judge’s Hill Restaurant is high-end dining at its best. Impeccable food from the folks who brought you a Sterling Affair.

Pricey but worth every penny.

McCormick and Schmick’s at the Domain is doing the more traditional Thanksgiving dinner than their downtown sister restaurant. Turkey et al for only $19.95. Now that’s not bad.

Estancia Churracaria. What a great place to go for Thanksgiving dinner! The salad bar is huge and very tastefully done and the strolling gauchos with their skewers of meat roasted in sea salt are about as good as it gets. The cheese rolls are worth the price of admission, which by the way, is quite reasonable considering the “espeto comido” style of dining.

Austin has a wonderful selection of Tex Mex joints which we’ve written about on many occasions. Interior and coastal Mexican cuisine need a little love as well, and what better weekend than to tell you some of my favorites. Verdes is a hot, new Mexican grill on Hamilton Pool Road off Highway 71. Joel Mungia has crafted a very tasty yet not overwhelmingly spicy menu. The Chili Relleno with a poblano cream sauce is to die for. The shrimp wrapped in bacon are also scrumptious. And do try the Shrimp Fajitas.

Azul Tequila on Ben White next to Target has been a long-time favorite. Their Cochinita Pibil is as good as you can find in central Texas. Also love the Chile Relleno with an almond cream sauce.

Los Pinos is on Hudson Bend Road just past the dam off Highway 6720. Chef Margarito Maldanado prepped at Mirabelle for 8 years and he is at the height of this talent. The Carnitas are amazing! They also do beautiful breakfast tacos each weekday morning.

Iron Cactus has long been a favorite for their mesquite grilled dishes. The Carne Asada con Adobo is amazing! And they’ve added a new dish: Lobster Tacos. Now I’ve always thought that the only way to eat lobster was steamed and dipped in drawn butter. Guess what? I’ve found a new way. Iron Cactus has also opened a new location at the Hill Country Galleria across from the Town Hall.

Fonda San Miguel is the dean of all Mexican restaurants in Austin. Tom Gilliland and Miguel Ravago have created something with staying power. The Sunday brunch is one of the best in the city. The Camarones (shrimp) in Chipotle is a perennial favorite as is the Chuleta de Cerdo (pork chop). And do try the Sopecitos de la Casa.

Manuel's is another long-time favorite. The first time I had their Queso I was blown away. They use Monterrey Jack cheese, tomatoes, poblanos and onions and you become addicted to this. They also make a green mole that I actually like (and I am not a mole fan as a rule). This is a popular spot for business lunches.

El Sol y La Luna is the kind of place that will lift up your spirits on any visit. Nllda de la Lata is a gracious and knowledgeable owner and she runs a tight and tasty ship. Great weekend brunches and the Shrimp Enchiladas with sour cream on Fridays are over the top. I also love the Gorditas!

Cantina Laredo is a downtown Mexican dining spot that got off to a bit of a slow start but has become a very popular dining spot. They make a beautiful table side Guacamole Salad and I have become a huge fan of their Carnitas. I also really like the Shrimp Flautas.

This being Halloween weekend, there’s going to be lots of parent-child interactions and to paraphrase Paul Simon, nuclear family reunions. So let’s focus on restaurants that have food that is kid-friendly but that still works for older siblings and mom and pop. Hangtown Grill has a very popular location in Westlake at 360 and Bee Caves (next to Thai Spice) and has just opened at 2222 and Burnet. What’s not to like here? Burgers, pizza, fish tacos, and scrumptious milk shakes. The kiddie décor has been replaced by a more upscale ambience but the kids still like it, and what’s more, they eat free!

Jason’s Deli has six Austin locations and tell me a kid who doesn’t enjoy a visit there. When Rusty Coco, one of the founders asked my daughter Lauren how long she’d been going there, she replied without hesitation: “Since I’ve been alive!” My kids always loved the free soft ice cream machine that was the imperative signature to the end of the lunch or dinner.

Dan’s Hamburgers is a kid favorite if I ever saw one. Winner of our FOX 7 “Best Cheeseburger in Austin” a few years ago, they have kept up their good form as my recent visits there have confirmed.

Hoover’s Cooking is another joint that kids and parents find very appealing. With locations at Manor and Research, Hoover Alexander is one of the nicest guys and best cooks you’ll ever find. No kind can resist his cornbread or his incredible mac and cheese. The adults can’t lay off the Smothered Porkchops or the Chicken Fried Steak.

Mighty Fine Burgers also seems to appeal to both generations. The cheeseburgers are amazing and the fresh cut fries are a must with the younger set. I actually saw two kids on my last visit, about 7-8 years old, wolfing down the fries and running back up to get another order. The atmosphere is totally kid friendly and they squeeze their own lemonade there.

1626 Café on S. Manchaca is another local kid spot. The pizza is quite good, the burgers are bodacious and real [that has a familiar ring to it] and on top of that they have a cool game room. If ever there was a place where families were fated to spend time together, it’s 1626 Café.

Pok-e-Jo’s is a BBQ joint that I get great feedback on from parents who take the little ones there. They have multiple locations and the chicken, always a kid favorite is moist and tender. They also love the baked potato casserole. For the adults, Pok-e-Jo’s delivers some seriously good BBQ.

So sample some of these this weekend. Your kiddos will thank you and you’ll be pleased as well. And remember, you COULD have been dining at Chuck E Cheese.

Here we are approaching another fall weekend. For some reason, as the weather quickens, my yearning for Asian foods always ratchets up a few notches.

So where to go:

How about to 2013 Wells Branch Parkway and Chon Som (means spoon and fork in Thai)? Nat and Alicia really know how to create some mouthwatering dishes. I love the Drunken Noodles and all the sushi is fresh and reasonable. Plus Chon Som is a genuinely fun place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Another very cool place to go is Tomodachi at 4501 W. Pamer (up from Cool River). Owner Steve Riad worked at the uber hot Nobu in Los Angeles and the guy knows how to slice fish! This is the real deal for Sushi and Japanese. 821-9472.

Newly opened at the Triangle off 47th and Lamar is a wonderful new restaurant called Yume. The concept is a fusion of Japanese and Island (Caribbean) fare and it absolutely rocks. You can try dishes from the fattiest toros to a mellt-in-your-mouth yucca patty. Oh and do try the Chocolate Coffee Rub Pork Belly and the Beef Oishi. 407-9001

On W 6th St. across from the Star Bar you’ll find another of my Thai favorites: Thai Tara. Yupa Rushing has crafted a great little restaurant here with wonderful curries, lovely satays, and probably the best Pad Prik King in the city. The Pad Thai is to die for as well. 236-0856.

And how could we forget one of the oldest and certainly the best Chinese restaurant in the city Chinatown Greystone. Ronald Cheng has forgotten more than most chefs know about Chinese food. His Thai Pepper Basil Shimp is to die for, as are the Jade Dumplings and the Vegetable Lo Mein. Oh, and how could I forget the Sea Bass and the Honey Pepper Beef. I could go on but I think you get the point. 343-9307

Chinatown is upstairs from the mother of all Austin sushi bars, Musashino Owner Smokey has tutored such luminaries as Tyson Cole of Uchi and Chef Tatsu of Imperia. In his own kitchen, he is the unchallenged master, in my opinion. 795-8593

It looks like we’re finally going to have one of those classic Texas fall weekends: pleasant temperatures, relatively low humidity; the kind of weekend that makes you want to jump in the car and go.

So what better time than to check out some of our “road trip” recommendations.

In Johnson City, you’ve got to try a marvelous little restaurant called the Silver K Café. It’s owned by a couple who came down to the Hill Country from Seattle to retire. But they just couldn’t handle all the leisure: so they started a restaurant. It’s named after Kaye, the Mrs. In the duo, and the food is terrific. I’ll be posting a formal review in a few weeks but for now, just click on the link to see their website.

In Marble Falls, by all means try Patton’s on Main. This is a local boy makes good story is there ever was one. Chef Patton Robertson, a Marble Falls high graduate, went off to see the world, became a chef, worked for Wolfgang Puck and eventually decided to come back to Marble Falls and open a restaurant. I love this place. Patton works with local growers and features dishes unique to the Hill Country. One of my favs is The Wild Mushroom Soup.

Another must stop on your road trip is Café Mangu in Pflugerville. This is THE definitive Caribbean restaurant in the area with wonderful Yucca Fritters, Lechon Asado (pork loin) and a killer Arroz con Pollo [chicken with rice]. I love this place. The mojo is on the money and the staff is very friendly.

And if you’re heading north on Highway 71 toward Spicewood make sure to grab a bite at Angel’s Icehouse. This is a classic Texas road joint with oodles of tasty comfort food. The Macaroni and Cheese Wedges are a caloric disaster but are they ever good. Ditto for the Chicken Fried Steak and the giagantic Bacon Swiss and Mushroom Burger. There’s live music out back on weekends and a lively bar scene as well. Ask for Mary or Sara, the two cutest restaurant owners around, and tell them we sent you.

And if you’re heading East on Highway 71 towards Bastrop, stop at the Hyatt Lost Pines resort and dine at either the excellent Firewheel Café or their signature Stories restaurant (the subject of this week’s review). Stories is the newest addition to our Top 20 and it’s a sensational restaurant. Check out my review either on our site or click on the FOX 7 archives link and see the TV feature. Great place!

Also, there’s a little pecan store on 71 not far from the Hyatt resort called Berdoll’s Pecan Farm. They’ve got this gigantic flashing neon sign outside and I love the chocolate covered pecans. This place looks like an early Vegas gift shop but the pecans and the pie are excellent. This place is a guilty pleasure. (512) 303-6517

Austin abounds with excellent choices for Sunday Brunch: from the very high end of Fonda San Miguel and Trio to the more modestly priced but not less excellent fare at Dim Sum places like Shanghai and Chinatown.

Here are some of my favorites:

Trio at the Four Seasons: Still the best brunch in town in humble opinion. Pricey but worth it.

Fonda San Miguel. By far the best Mexican brunch in town. Also pricey and also worth it.

Iron Cactus. All three locations including the new store at the Hill Country Galleria. Very reasonable brunch ($14) featuring American and Mexican breakfast fare.

Café Blue at Volente Beach on Lake Travis. Order off the menu and make sure to try the Eggs Benedict Arnold ($12) or the Devil’s Cove Burrito. Both are terrific.

Chez Zee. One of the few restaurants to have both a Saturday and Sunday brunch (9-3pm). Highlights include the Migas, The Crème Brulet French Toast (decadent) and the Omelets.

The Oasis. Killer lake views and excellent brunch choices under the watchful eye of Chef Matthew Weyland. I always start with the Paritas and then the Crawfish Benedict!

Shanghai. Fantatic dim sum brunches on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm. John and Raymond Yim know a thing or two this Chinese classic.

This weekend will be chaotic to say the least in the downtown area. With ACL and a UT home game, well, do the math.

So to paraphrase Horace Greely, "Go to the suburbs, young man!" There's lots of great dining options outside the downtown area.

For Italian, try Andiamo at Burnet and Rutland. Great food and classy atmosphere.

For Chinese, head to Shanghai at Middle Fiskville Rd and IH35. Marvelous family food from Raymond and John Yim.

For a great steak, by all means go to Cool River on Parmer Lane. I love this place.

For Thai and Vietnamese, head out to Bee Caves and Blue Bamboo. Not only is Lan a great cook, she also does pedicures at the shop next door! Talk about multi-tasking.

For Mexican, Rosie 's on Highway 71 and a bit further at Hamilton Pool Road, Verdes. Both are Balon family favorites.

And over in Lakeway, by all means try the wonderful Ciola's (Southern Italian), Thai Spice (Thai), Pao's (Mainland Chinese) and further up Hwy 620 don't forget the beautifully rebuilt Oasis with a sparkling new menu helmed by one of my favorite chefs, Matthew Weyland.

Here is a quick synopsis of some of my favorites both in and out of Austin.

Rudy's BBQ. The moist brisket is absolutely fantastic. The best in the universe! And, according to a recent study at Texas A&M, it is actually good for you! Also love the St. Louis Ribs and the Creamed Corn.

The Salt Lick. Though their white table cloth experiment in Davenport Village failed, the original in Driftwood is still as good as it was in 1969 when it opened! Great sausage, ribs and wonderful potato salad. And the atmosphere is downright bucolic. Also opening, more appropriately, in Round Rock.

Uncle Billy's. Just celebrating its first anniversary, Uncle Billy's on Barton Springs blends BBQ with the amazing brews of master Brian Peters. I like the Jalapeno Cheese Sausage and the brisket salad the best. Also really over the top is macaroni and cheese. Try Brian's IPA as well.

The Green Mesquite. You want to talk iconic? This place goes back to the 1940's. But today it serves up good BBQ along with burgers and chicken fried steaks. I really like the Sausage Sandwich and the Mesquite Smoked Wings. Seriously good smoked chicken as well.

Ruby's BBQ. Anthony Bourdain, the wild man of food, loves this place. And what's not to love? The Cajun Spice Beef Ribs are to die for. The Baby back Pork Ribs are also a blast. On W. 29th St.

The County Line. Golfer Ben Crenshaw sends the CL's beef ribs to his pals on the PGA and Champion's tours. As well he should. They are still the best I've ever tasted. Also really enjoy their pork loin.

Pok-e-Jo's. A local chain that has a fiercely loyal following. The Sausage is terrific and the Pork Loin is exemplary. And the sides! The Baked Potato casserole is the bomb as is the broccoli salad.

Cooper's BBQ. This historic joint in Llano has many things going for it, but the Big Chop has got to be the best. This is a center cut 2" pork chop cooked over mesquite coals. Amazing flavor here. Worth the one hour drive up highway 71 from Austin.

Southside Market and BBQ. 123 years old and going strong, this place is probably as famous as Dr. Phil's statue in Elgin. Great steaks and pork spareribs and of course, the best of them all, Elgin Sausage (hot and worth it).

This is not a formal review: not just yet. It's more of a reflection, a first-blush reaction, if you will, of what I suspect will be a permanent resident in our Top 20. It's the new restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel: Trio!

We've been there for brunch several times and I must admit, while the food was still excellent, I was a bit put off by the predominantly orange color scheme. It reminded me of early Las Vegas or the tacky part of South Beach in Miami. I wasn't sure which one.

But that was during the day. Somehow, the colors were less garish and more interesting in the evening when we tried our first off-the-menu meal at Trio. And what a meal it was! I have been a long-time fan of the inimitable Elmar Prambs, who helmed the Café at the Four Seasons since its opening and oversaw the transition last year into Trio. He is ably complemented by Sous Chef Todd Duplechan and Pastry Chef Naomi Gallego.

We started with several appetizers including an English Pea Ravioli which also included ricotta, corn and morel mushrooms. The flavors here were, as has usually been the case with Chef Prambs, impeccable. We also tried the Crab Fondue served with a crisp bruschetta. This was over the top. The sauce had huge chunks of lump crab in it and I wiped out my ample supply of bruschetta dipping up the delightful mixture.

We then tried the very engaging Roasted Beet and Bleu Cheese Salad. The flavors here were lovely. This is one of Elmar's favorites and it shows in the preparation.

Also tried the Trio of Baby Iceberg salad with an herb vinaigrette, Green Goddess, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressings. Crumpled bacon and caramelized onions topped this seriously tasty salad.

The entrees were redolent of the deft touch of Prambs and his crew. Marge had the Sauteed French Dover Sole. Every morsel of this dish was light, flaky, and coated with flavor. And Elmar Prambs would never do a menu without his classic Viener Schnitzel. Nor could I get away from dining at Trio without trying it. And the payoff was ample. The pork was tender and had a very mellow flavor to it. The accompanying Ramp Spaetzles were spot on: the perfect complement to this dish.

The other sides were quite good with one minor exception. I didn't care for the Truffle Macaroni. It was a bit over the top for me with that characteristic truffle taste that can overpower a dish.

The desserts were delightful. I tried the Lemon Tart with Fresh Rhubarb and the presentation along with the taste was stunning. We also tried a trio of raspberry, lemon and mango sorbets that went down very easily.

And yes, it was our anniversary. You know, I really like this job!

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.

Imagine for a moment a villa dramatically perched on the side of a mountain overlooking Acapulco Bay. Let you mind run further to a world-class chef available at your beck and call, to a bartender of great creativity and skill, and a house manager whose efficiency is rivaled only by her pleasant demeanor.

That about sums up our recent trip to Las Colinas, a five-bedroom villa in Acapulco. Every day our biggest responsibilities were to determine when we wanted our meals and what we wanted to eat. The rest was left to the amazing staff. Most days we arose between 9 and 9:30am, but if we arose at 10 it didn’t matter. Fresh brewed coffee was always waiting for us and breakfast was when we wanted it.

A typical breakfast might have consisted of a fresh fruit platter with papayas, multiple varieties of sweet mangos, watermelons, green melons, and pineapples. Later would come bacon, omelets made to order, incredible refried beans, homemade corn tortillas, chimichiles, and the sweetest most piquant pico de gallo that I’ve ever tasted. On alternate days, chef Leo made the most amazing French toast stuffed with bananas and cream cheese.

Lunch again occurred when we cared to have it. No timetables were set. A typical lunch might have been an astonishing mushroom soup, chalupas with pico de gallo, guacamole, and a tomatilla salsa, along with Mexican rice and refried beans (I could not get enough of these beans).

Or we might have been treated to asparagus soup, cheeseburgers with homemade papas fritas (French fries), and a lovely fruit salad. Whatever we wanted, all we had to do was ask and the staff would buy and prepare the food.

Dinners were served in a dining room constructed over a massive boulder that overlooks both the pool and the Acapulco skyline. Again, dinner was whenever we wanted it. The first night we began with an amazing cream of celery soup, a sparkling salad, and some of the best Chille Rellenos we’d ever tried. Dessert was homemade Key Lime Pie and it was to die for.

Another night the menu was a cool Avocado soup, a calamari salad, and an exquisite pan fried Sea Bass with fresh green beans and scalloped potatoes. Dessert was a killer flan.

And so it went: each meal more spectacular than the next. We picked out wines at the local wine store and drank several bottles each night that would have cost 200% more has we ordered them at a local restaurant.

The time in between the scrumptious meals was spent swimming in the pool that overlooked the bay, playing games in the spacious and totally comfortable outside living area, and ordering Rum Punches, Cervesas, Pina Coladas and whatever else we wanted from Fredo. We played games, read, watched videos, and totally indulged ourselves in one of the most beautiful weeks we’d ever had. Oh, and did I forget to mention the masseuses who were at our beck and call for just $25 for a 50 minute massage? The ladies went nuts over Raquel and her hand made jewelry (she put on a show at the villa).

So if you’re getting the picture here, with the exception of a short excursion to the Mirador Hotel to watch the famed cliff divers, we did not leave the Las Colinas compound for 8 days. There was no reason to. And trust me, if you are looking for beautiful accommodations, fine dining, and serene blissful days: in short, a really relaxing vacation, then Las Colinas is your destination.

Fredo may be the most congenial and talented bartender/waiter/tour guide we’ve ever met. Neat guy.

A view from the pool at Las Colinas. Rob spent an inordinate amount of time in there.

The upstairs dining room: beautifully appointed and with an amazing night-time view of Acapulco.

Leo, the chef extraordinare. Everything the guy touches turns to “oro”.

Mushrooms on the boil as Leo prepares his famous Cream of Mushroom Soup.

It always pays to develop a healthy relationship with the head chef. Here, Rob and Leo bond.

.
You want fresh? These tomatoes and tomatillos are right off the vine.

Delores, the house manager became pals with Marge.
Believe it or not, Delores has a 16-year old grandaoughter!

The downstairs dining area where we had breakfast and lunch.
From left to right: Marge, son-in-law John Taylor, Carole and Art San Miguel, and daughter Jen.

Fredo serves some amazing Cream of Asparagus soup.

John, Marge, Art, Hermes (our gardener), Carol and Fredo.

Alas, it’s time to leave. Where did the week go? For more information, go to www.theriotvillas.com.

05/08/2008

Welcome to yet another edition of our recurring series known as Pizza Wars. Our mission is to rank central Texas pizza joints into categories relative to their appeal. At the bottom, and deservedly so, is the always awful Dominoes. How this chain has survived is beyond me. Their crust is wretched: soggy and without taste. Just a neck above Dominoes is the woeful CiCI’s and the steadily declining Mr. Gatti’s. Little Caesar’s isn’t much better.

Double Dave’s is a bit of an improvement and Pizza Hut can sometimes actually be surprisingly edible.

Papa John's has improved, I’ll say that for them. Truth is though, that most of these pizzas must be eaten quickly. Time does not serve them well. And none of them can pass the refrigerator test. And I am still trying to figure out what the hell is so special about California Pizza Kitchen? The name? That’s all I can think of. Or perhaps that it’s at the mall. Shoppers are strange: they will eat average pizza because it’s where they are shopping.

Moving up, even though it’s a national chain, you have to give some props to Buca di Bepo. Their Margherita pizza is pretty darned good. I’m also starting to really like the pizzas at Craig O’s which has two locations on 290 and Balcones. Local chain Mangia makes a good deep dish pie but I’m not a big fan of that genre. But I’ve heard many good things about their pies from deep dish fans. Austin’s Pizza has declined a bit since their sale and downsizing, but they are still pretty good. Another good recommendation is Southside Pizza on S. Congress (442-4246).

Moving still much further up the food chain, I really like Mangieri’s in far S. Austin at Slaughter and Escarpment. This is a family-owned spot and their whole wheat crust is the bomb. In fact all their crusts are delightful. And do make it a point to try Rounder’s on W. 6th. Their garlic knots are amazing and the pizza is very tasty.

Also very good is East Side Pies over in east Austin. Serious east coast sensibilities here. Ditto for Brooklyn Pies with locations in N. Austin, Round Rock and Georgetown. Another recommendation is Arpeggio Grill on Airport just north of Highland Mall (419-0110). And the pizza at Vespaio Enoteca (441-7672), the sister place to Vespaio on S. Congress features wonderfully crisp crusts with interesting combinations. And what’s not to like about the venerable Frank and Angie’s? Don King turned me on to this place and I owe him a debt of gratitude. Also cool sandwiches and tasty cannolis. And Milto’s on Guadalupe has been cranking out excellent pies for a number of years. You want to talk vintage Austin? This it it.

At the very top tier, there are some serious contenders for the crown. Home Slice on S. Congress has become one of my favorites. It’s not quite New Haven, CT quality (as they advertise) but it’s very good. Kudos to them for having the huevos to try and do a clam pizza. Their crusts have classic east coast texture. Available by the slice. A relatively new player on the scene is Salvation Pizza (535-0076) on W. 34th St. (former home of Starlite). These people are from Hartford, CT and they know how to bring it. This is what a sausage pizza should taste like. Saccones, with a new location in Round Rock has vintage NY-style flavors and textures. They’ve been at or near the top of our list since they opened. And deservedly so. You want a gigantic slice of good pizza? Try Ropollo’s on E. 6th St. They get it right almost every time here and they have a walk-up window on 6th. I once ordered the large sausage and mushroom at our office. It must have weighed 10 pounds! The delivery guy had trouble getting it up the stairs.

And Brick Oven, the first pizza place I ever really liked in Austin is still doing well. They have locations on Slaughter, Red River and Jollyville and I still love their vegetarian pie. Great flavor! And whatever you do, don’t overlook the pizza at Cipollina on West Lynn. Crispy crusts, wonderful cheese, and great sauces and toppings. The quality of their pies may derive from the fact that they are an overall excellent restaurant that just happens to serve pizza as one of its offerings. Another old favorite still going strong is Reale’s on 183. This family-owned classic has what may be the best pepperoni pizza in the area.

So who is #1? I tell you what; it’s so close at the top that I can’t make up my mind. But you are welcome to cast your ballot here. Perhaps you can help me crown the new king for ’08.

12/21/07

This is one of the most delicious Thanksgiving appetizers you’ll find anywhere and it’s been a fixture in our household since the days when my grandmother worked her culinary magic every holiday season. Hint: Be careful when you put he mushrooms in the broiler. Watch them carefully because they can go from brown to charred in a nanosecond.

Grandma Balon’s Stuffed Mushrooms

3 boxes of white or “button” mushrooms. Larger is better than smaller.
3 cans of deviled ham
1 loaf of thinly sliced Pepperidge Farm bread
1 medium white onion
1 stick of butter
Thoroughly wash mushrooms.
Remove stems from all the mushrooms.
Cut each stem into tiny slices.
Remove the crust from the loaf of bread.
Dice about one half of the onion.
Sautee the onion until golden brown in 1/4 stick of butter.
Add the stems and continue to sautee for about five mintues
Add the rest of the butter and allow it to melt.
Add the ham and the bread: each slice quartered.
Stir until all elements are combined and you have one amazingly tasty stuffing.
Stuff each mushroom. Be generous.
Prepare broiler and get it up to heat.
Insert your mushrooms on a cookie tray or something similar and broil about 12 minutes until brown.
Be careful: broilers vary. Keep and eye on them.
They can go from brown to charred very quickly if you’re not paying attention.

Serve immediately. They are fantastic. And they reheat beautifully.

11/19/07