Austin Restaurant Community Mourns Passing of Yoli and Michael Amr
Stunning and devastating news from Round Rock this morning. Two of my favorite people in the Austin restaurant community, Yoli and Michael Amr, the founders of the original Gumbo’s and current owners of Mama Roux on Parmer Lane were found dead in their Round Rock home. Early indications point to a murder suicide. Yoli, a […]
Ciola’s Transitions into Dominick’s Italian-American Restaurant
Longtime favorite Ciola’s came under the new ownership of Dave Staab in July 2010, and has now transitioned into “Dominick’s.” Their new website touts, “Our name has since changed, but our high standard of service, quality cuisine and wine selection, and respect for tradition have remained the same.” We’ll keep you posted on more updates […]
Kyoto on Congress Closes its Doors
The ranks of downtown Sushi restaurants continue to be depleted with the closing of Kyoto on Congress. Last year saw the rapid closing of Yu Sushi Izagaya on Colorado. Kyoto was one of the first, if not the first, to open in Austin and dates back to the early 80’s. I had many meals there […]
Kenobi at the Arboretum Closes
The sushi wars just claimed another victim in the Austin area: Kenobi at 10000 Research Blvd. has recently closed its doors. I liked this place and was in the process of compiling a schedule to shoot a review there. So much for that! It’s too bad, but it may indeed be a harbinger of things […]
Backstage Steak House Does Last Serving on Sept. 18th
This is a real blow to foodies in the Spicewood area to be sure. Raymond Tatum, on of my favorite chefs and the ownership team at the Backstage Steakhouse are closing things down. That leaves Lakehouse Café, Ilsa’s Kitchen, Poodie’s Hilltop and Angel’s Ice House as one of the few “go to” food destinations left […]
Primizie Osteria on East 11th Closed
Continuing the string of bad luck for restaurants on E. 11th St. (refer to Ms. B’s) it has come to our attention that the formerly popular little osteria Primizie has closed. I liked the place early on and that thought it drifted a bit. But as always, sorry to see any restaurant bite the dust.
Saba on 4th St. Segues into M Two
After almost ten years in business the popular Saba Blue Water Café has segued into a new restaurant called M Two. With Chef Mat Clouser at the helm, the innovative menu includes such interesting items as the Thai Melon Salad (sweet meets tart), the Eel Bacon with fried bread (delicious) and the Pulled Lamb Sandwich […]
Roy’s on 2nd St. Closes
This was a shocker. The staff at Roy’s got a call from corporate on Monday, May 24th, and the news as not good. They were to cease operations. Roy’s, part of a very high end chain began by fusion chef Roy Yamaguchi of Hawaii, was an exemplary dining location in Austin. They opened at the […]
Cissi’s Market on South Congress Closes
It seemed to be an idea made in marketing heaven. Take an upscale, high-end grocery and deli and drop it into the middle of a teeming, regentrified South Congress. Yet Cissi’s market, next door to first Mars and then Perlas and on the other side of Guero’s never seemed to gain much traction with its […]
Fuddrucker’s Closes Two of its Three Austin Locations
If you’re a fan of burger chain Fuddrucker’s, you’ll have to content yourself with the store at Brodie Oaks off South Lamar. The other two stores, at Anderson Lane and N. IH-35 have closed. I’ve always liked Fuddrucker’s. We used to take the kids there a lot when they were much younger. But it was […]
Joe DiMaggio’s at the Domain Closes
This was one gorgeous restaurant. The ambiance and the pictures of Joe and Marilyn Monroe were amazing. But in my opinion, from a food point of view, it never realized its full potential. Now, I don’t have any idea if this impacted the closing. The Domain is one high-rent district and it may have simply […]
Veranda on Anderson Lane at Northcross Closes
Sam Kattan is an Austin restaurant veteran who knows his way around the industry. I don’t think even he envisioned the problems he would face when he opened the Veranda at the site of the former Hooter’s off Anderson Lane at Northcross Mall. Firstly and endlessly, it was one torn up parking lot after another, […]
Louie’s 106 on 6th St. Closes
Louie’s 106, a staple of elegant dining on 6th St. for years, closed over the weekend. Owner Joe Elminger has been a fixture on the Austin restaurant scene for many years with Sardine Rouge, and Baby Louie’s to name just a few. This was a classy restaurant, long favored by the downtown business crowd. And […]
Thai Tara on 6th St. Closes
This one really bums me out. I have enjoyed this place for years and have come to be a big fan of Yupa Rushing. They had a decent lunch crowd but could never seem to make much headway at dinner. The curries were great as were the stir-fry (pad) dishes. I will really miss Thai […]
Sampaio’s Brazilian Restaurant Closes
I hope this is not the ending chapter in the engaging script that Magna Sampaio has crafted over the last several years on the Austin food scene. But for now Sampaio’s appears to be closed and we’ll keep you posted on any further developments.
