Rob begins new feature for the Austin Business Journal
There are some great back stories behind popular Austin restaurants and Rob’s new column for both the print and online versions of the Austin Business Journal will focus on them. ABJ Editor Colin pope brought the idea to Rob last Fall after reading a number of back story pieces Rob had written for www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com. The […]
Can Hudson’s Reinvent the Magic?
After a much ballyhooed sale and then opening followed by an abrupt closing, the iconic Hudson’s on the Bend near Lakeway has new ownership and plans are underway for a new concept coming soon. This is exciting news for local foodies to be sure. But the fair question is: can the culinary magic that Jeff […]
Rob’s Valentine’s Dining Suggestions
Looking for a special place for Valentine’s Day dinner in the Austin area? Here are a few of my all-time favorite choices. Valentine’s menu at The Oasis Jobell Café & Bistro – another great Valentine’s Day choice The Russian House’s prix fixe Valentine’s menu Creek Road Café: A Valentine’s mandate! Another […]
Dishes I Absolutely and Constantly Crave
Oasis at Lake Travis Chicken Fireballs The Chicken Fireballs at The Oasis are irresistible – love these fiery little doodads! Coconut Shrimp at Café Blue Can’t get away from this crunchy and savory delight from the creative mind of Café Blue’s Chef Ben Nathan. Great as an appetizer or entree. EurAsia’s Gyoza An unexpected pleasure […]
Biderman’s Deli on Far West Satisfies Sandwich Cravings
This tasty Salami Deli Sandwich is calling out to sandwich lovers. Recommendation? Try it soon!!! Biderman’s Deli 3742 Far West Blvd., Suite 101 Austin, TX 78731 (512) 340-1404 www.bidermansdeli.com
Eurasia Hard to Turn Down
This photo was taken opening day at Eurasia Sushi Bar & Seafood in Oak Hill and I haven’t stopped going since. The food is just too good! EurAsia Sushi Bar and Seafood 7101 West Hwy 71 Suite #C13 Austin, TX 78735 (512) 382-0968 www.EurasiaSushiAustin.com
Rob’s Fearless Food Predictions for 2018!
Ronald Cheng of Chinatown and Street restaurants Traditionally we use the first day of the new year for some admittedly tongue-in-cheek predictions about the local and national food scene. Happy New Year fellow foodies! 1. Distant relatives Ronald Cheng and C.K. Chin will partner in a new fusion concept called Cheng, Chin and Everythin’. 2. […]
Sullivan’s Steakhouse to Close After 20-Year Run
I must tell you that while this saddens me, it is not surprising. Downtown Austin literally has more steakhouses than it knows what to do with. It was inevitable that one of the dominoes would fall. But that’s capitalism for you. Thing is in the late 1990’s Sullivan’s lounge was THE place to be seen […]
New Year’s Eve Dining in the Austin Area
New Year’s Eve will soon be upon us. Posted below are special menus from Jobell Café & Bistro, Juliet Italian Kitchen, Café Blue Classic Seafood & Oyster Bar, and III Forks. We’ll list more as we receive them. Happy New Year from all us at DiningOutWithRobBalon.com! Jobell Café & Bistro Juliet Italian Kitchen Café Blue […]
Austin Restaurants Open on Christmas
Well, if you’re reading this you’ve decided to forego the shopping, preparation, cooking and then the cleaning up associated with Christmas dinner. Not there’s anything wrong with choosing not to cook on the big day. It does come with a lot of hassle, not the least of which usually falls on the distaff side of […]
Fareground Food Hall to Open in mid January
Well this is interesting. What do you get when you take the essentials of a good food trailer park and then ramp it up to a brick and mortar edifice? The answer is Fareground Food Hall which will house some familiar restaurant names with engaging concepts. It’ll be located on Congress between Caesar Chavez and […]
Rob Reviews Red Ash Italia
There’s been a lot of buzz about the Italian-styled Red Ash Italia over the past year. Of course, as is my style, I’m never the first to rush in the door. I like to wait for a new restaurant to settle in so the back and front of the house have time to get in […]