James Ramsey New Exec Chef at The Goodnight
James Ramsey, who has helmed Fore in Lakeway and his own restaurant, Silver and Stone in Georgetown, has now taken over the reins at The Goodnight on W.Anderson. This is a bit of a coup for owner David Goodnight as Ramsey is very well-respected in the industry. I’ve always enjoyed his highly creative yet approachable […]
Homespun Kitchen Broadens Menu
We sat down to a pleasant surprise the other night at Homespun Kitchen in Dripping Springs. Not only was a cool blue grass band holding forth on the outside deck but inside we saw the menu had broadened to include some very tasty sandwiches. I love a good Cubano and they had introduced one. Think […]
Did Restaurant Indifference Contribute to the Biker Shooting in Waco?
According to Waco police, the violent biker melee which erupted Sunday in and out of Twin Peaks restaurant and left nine killed could have been prevented had restaurant officials been more cooperative. The jist of this is that the Waco chain restaurant has a regular Thursday “biker night” and openly caters to the area biker […]
Chez Zee Makes Jimmy Kimmel Go Bananas
Stopped at Chez Zee today for lunch, and heard the story of Jimmy Kimmel and owner Sharon Watkins’s Banana Cream Pie. Seems that Sharon had just developed her new version of the pie. A couple of Kimmel staffers stopped in, tried the pie, and told Sharon that Banana Cream was Jimmy’s favorite pie. So Sharon […]
Heard on the Street: New Developments in the Restaurant Biz
Mizu to Seque into the 2nd “Grove”? The ill-fated Mizu in Lakeway, which closed on New Year’s Day, and which had one of the most spectacular views in Austin, may soon house the 2nd iteration of Reed Clemon’s highly successful Grove in Westlake on Bee Caves Road. Reed, who first hit paydirt with his Granite […]
The Russian House to Finally Open on Friday, October 19th
Had my first look at the interior of the new Russian House on 5th and Trinity (next to Rival’s Steakhouse) and received assurance from co-owner Varda that the long-awaited opening will actually occur on Friday evening, October 19th. Her husband, Chef Vladamir and GM Constantine have decorated the place with Russian kitsch so that it […]
Fans of JP Mueller’s BBQ Have a Tense Moment
A faulty propane line at JP Mueller’s caused the fire department to temporarily close the popular BBQ trailer on South 1st over the weekend. Rumors immediately started to spread that the place was permanently closing. But I was there today, Wednesday, and all was well. They were running out of sausage and turkey as usual […]
Adam Weisberg Turns Zen on South Congress into a Full-Service Concept: The Lucky Robot
Adam Weisberg has been successful staying ahead of the curve in dining trends. He spotted an opening for self-serve Japanese fast food and hit a home run with his Zen stores across the city. Now, he’s at it again and has changed the South Congress Zen into the Lucky Robot. Customers will have a more […]
Bo Theriot Assumes Controlling Interest in Soleil. Recruits Chef David Burton Sanchez from Apatite Café
This is a big story for the Lakeway area and for foodies all over Travis County. Oasis owner Bo Theriot announced today that he has purchased a controlling interest in Soleil, the Mediterranean restaurant adjacent to the Oasis. Soleil, which has been open for almost a year, had been helmed by famed Texas chef Robert […]
Sandra Bullock Graces Bess on New Year’s Eve
For all the Sandy Bullock fans who head to Bess on 6th St. hoping for a glimpse of Austin’s uber star only to leave disappointed should have gone on New Year’s Eve. Sandy was there with fellow actor and ostensible new beau Ryan Reynolds. Sandy, according to breathless reports on ET, wad dressed as a […]
First Dinner at Vince Young Steakhouse Very Encouraging
We had dinner at Vince Young Steakhouse on Saturday night. It was our first full meal at the recently opened restaurant at 3rd and San Jacinto. The place was almost full and it seats a goodly number of diners. The dinner was quite good. I had the Charcuterie Platter that featured Duck Prosciutto, House Made […]
Snacks with Jeff Trigger at “2nd”
I first met Jeff Trigger when as the new manager of the Driskill Hotel, he had the good sense to bring chef David Bull to Austin. Well, now Trigger runs the La Corsha Hospitality group and he and Bull have reunited at the two restaurants in the new Austonian high-rise: “Congress” and the more casual […]
Brian O’Neill Lands as New GM at Chez Zee
Another Belmont alumnus, Brian O’Neill has landed as the new GM at Chez Zee. After a stint at Max’s Wine Dive, Brian is where he belongs. A great restaurant pro, he will be a huge asset to owner Sharon Watkins as they take the iconic Chez Zee into a new era.
Ben Nathan Reconnects with Matt Luckie
I’ve always been a fan of Chef Ben Nathan’s work. I think he had a hell of a run at the Belmont working under highly stressful conditions. He’s now back with original Belmont owner Matt Luckie at the new Lavaca Street Grill. This is one that I’m looking forward to. I hope he brings back […]
CK Chin and George Thomas Depart Imperia
When Imperia at 4th and Colorado debuted a few years back with its ultra chic “vibe dining” concept, the idea was to clone the wildly successful Tao in Las Vegas. I doubted whether Austin was ready for the Vegas idea of uber cool dining and partying but the restaurant itself certainly became one of my […]
