Salt Lick Adds Bison Ribs to the Menu

Posted by on Aug 1, 2019 in Barbecue

Just when you thought the iconic Salt Lick BBQ couldn’t dish up any better pork ribs, Scott Roberts and crew unveil bison ribs. They just explode with flavor and your cardiologist will be pleased. 😉 I certainly was!

When Tex Mex Meets Austin Style BBQ: Welcome to Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Posted by on Jul 26, 2019 in Barbecue

In my quest to finish my article in Forbes magazine on Austin BBQ, my path led me to Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ on Manchaca. I had to schmooze my way through the line as I tracked down owner Miguel Vidal and his wife Melody. Seems that Miguel worked for Kevin Williamson at Ranch 616 off […]

El Patio, Austin’s Model for Hospitality and Longevity, to Close August 9th

Posted by on Jul 23, 2019 in Closings, News

Owner David Joseph and Rob at recent anniversary celebration for El Patio The loss of El Patio can only be measured in personal terms, at least for me. Like so many other Austinites, El Patio has been a foundation for us. I can’t count the number of times festive events in our lives have revolved […]

Forbes.com Chooses Rob for Article Rating Austin BBQ

Posted by on Jul 22, 2019 in Barbecue, News, Rob On Cuisine, Rob's Blog

So you thought that Texas Monthly was the only go to source for rating Austin BBQ? Turns out Forbes.com, the website of nationally distributed Forbes Magazine, has shown an interest in BBQ in and around Austin, so they asked Rob to rate the local scene along with a ranking of his favorites. The article is […]

Chinatown Westlake Keeps Raising the Bar

Posted by on Jul 15, 2019 in Asian, Chinese, Cuisine, Fine Dining

Ronald Cheng showing his lighter side at Chinese New Year bash There was a time in Austin not that long ago when most Chinese restaurants were fairly predictable and boring. You know: #10 was hot and sour soup, #9 was beef and broccoli, and so it went. Most dishes were on the Cantonese side and […]

Rob Heads to Tillie’s in Dripping Springs for a First Tasting and Chat with Exec Chef Brandon Martin

Posted by on Jul 11, 2019 in Dripping Springs, News, Rob On Cuisine, Rob's Blog

Tillie’s is a collaborative ensemble of Texas cuisine with international flair. Located at Camp Lucy Resort in Dripping Springs, it derives its name from owner Whit Hanks’ great grandmother, who was an enthusiastic world traveler and co-founder, along with her husband Lewis, of The Austin Country Club. Stay tuned – we’ll be back soon with […]

Rob Enjoys Terrific Wagyu Tasting at III Forks

Posted by on Jun 29, 2019 in Cuisine, Rob's Blog, Steaks

Wagyu is the name for Japanese beef. It is beautifully marbled and highly prized for its amazing texture. In a tasting At III Forks last week, I had the chance to sit down with Chef Eric Nixon and sample various cuts of Wagyu raised in Pittsburgh, Tex. The beef is characterized by layers of fat […]

What’s with Austin’s Odd Fascination with Lines at Restaurants?

Posted by on Jun 24, 2019 in Rob's Blog

If you go out to eat in Austin fairly often, as my wife and I do, you’ll almost surely happen upon a place with a ridiculously lengthy line. Yes, the restaurant may be good, but there seems to be an almost unusual tolerance for the lines and subsequent waiting at these spots. So here’s a […]

Poke Austin Breaks out the Best: 100 Pounds of Copper River King Salmon

Posted by on Jun 21, 2019 in Hawaiian, News, Restaurant Events, South

Man, what a way to sample the best tuna in a poke bowl! Starting Thursday at Poke Austin on Brodie until they run out. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss this!!   Poke Austin 5601 Brodie Ln #1200A Austin, TX 78745 (512) 891-8368

What do St. David’s Health Care Partnership and Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q Have in Common?

Posted by on Jun 7, 2019 in News, Rob's Blog

If you’re thinking the answer is that Rudy’s is a preferred dining location for the staff at St. David’s, well, that may indeed be true. But the bottom line is that both companies have received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for business excellence. So keep that in mind before your next surgical procedure or […]

Rob’s Recommendations for Fathers Day 2019 Dining Out

Posted by on Jun 3, 2019 in Holiday Dining

June is here, and Father’s Day is swiftly approaching. Time to figure out where to take Dad for a good meal – and luckily there is no shortage of great options. Below are some ideas for Father’s Day dining in and around Austin that should please just about any father!   THE OASIS The Oasis […]

Saltillo to Open on East Side

Posted by on May 31, 2019 in East, News, Openings, Rob's Blog

A new mixed-use concept with an emphasis on restaurants is in the works. Saltillo is coming soon to East 5th. It will house one of my favorite restaurants, Poke Austin. This will be their 2nd location with the original to remain on Brodie. We’ll keep you posted on the opening date.

Homespun Kitchen in Dripping Springs Makes Remarkable Comeback from Flooding

Posted by on May 29, 2019 in Dripping Springs, News, Rob's Blog

Given the images in this photo it would be hard to imagine this restaurant opening its doors literally less than a week after the disaster. But Homespun Kitchen and Bar owners Randy Ford and Jennifer Walker were not to be deterred by the deluge. Water was pumped out of the restaurant. Walls were repaired and […]

Jennifer Ling and Trent Schneiter: From High Finance to Poke Austin

Posted by on May 21, 2019 in Cuisine, Hawaiian, South

There’s a great back story to how Poke Austin on Brodie Lane got started. Trent Schneiter worked in high finance where he first met Jennifer Ling, who hailed from China and had an MA in economics from UCLA. Trent had always enjoyed cooking and dining out. Jennifer also had family in the restaurant biz in […]

Fun Things to do at Mouton’s Bistro & Bar (Beyond Enjoying Cajun Fare!)

Posted by on May 19, 2019 in Cajun, Cedar Park, News

  I enjoy the Cajun food at Mouton’s Bistro & Bar as you’ve probably seen. But here are some weekly events you may not have been aware of: Monday – kids eat free! Buy one adult meal get a kids menu item free. Tuesday – Happy hour open to close. $5 appetizers, $1 off all […]

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