Bee Caves Road Strikes Again: ZuZu, Bella Serra and Zoot All Close
There is something positively weird about Bee Caves Road in Westlake and on toward the town of Bee Caves when it comes to restaurants. With the exception of The Country Line, Chinatown and the Grove, I can’t think of any owner-operated spots that have lasted there for any length of time. More recent casualties include […]
Back by Popular Demand: Pizza Wars 2011, Tony C’s Hits the Top Spot!
Welcome to the recurring series that we fondly refer to as Austin Pizza Wars. This is the 5th installment and it’s interesting to see how much has changed since we published the original Pizza Wars some years ago. Many of our readers know that I am originally from New Haven, CT, the birthplace of Neapolitan-style […]
Memorial Day Weekend Dining Tips
The Memorial Day weekend is upon us. And with the temperatures soaring, our thoughts go to the lakes, water, food and libations. Of course, we are happy to help with recommendations regarding the latter two. Lake Travis has an abundance of neat places on, near, and above the water. On the water we love the […]
Annoying Trends in the Restaurant Industry
There was an interesting article in the Zagat blog about what a number of national chefs consider to be extremely annoying trends in the restaurant industry. Well, this food critic is in almost complete agreement with most of the suggestions. I’ve also added a few of my own. 1. The Rise in Communal Tables. Boy […]
More of Rob’s Favorite Appetizers
By popular demand, here are some more of my favorite soups and appetizers from the Austin restaurant scene.They are unfailingly tasty and have achieved “go to” status for my family and myself. The She Crab Soup at Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is a low country chowder that’s flat out tasty. It’s made of cream, lump crabmeat, […]
Original “Thirsty Girl” Lands in Austin
One thing that has changed dramatically in the hospitality industry lately is the growth of the female market for wine. In fact recent surveys have shown that women now account for 64% of the total wine drinking population in the U.S. And it’s not just white Zinfandels and other blush wines but a variety of […]
Japan Radiation Issues Concerning U.S. Sushi Restaurants
We’ve all heard the stories about radiation levels in the ocean near several Japanese cities hitting dangerously high levels in the aftermath of the March 11th earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The resultant worries about what this radiation can mean to marine life, specifically fish and seaweed (nori) have worked their way across the Pacific to […]
Got $45,000 You Don’t Particularly Need at the Moment? Book an Evening with Dan Duckhorn
If you are one of the lucky Austin residents to whom the expenditure of a substantial amount of cash on what may seem to many as a frivolous indulgence is no big deal, then have I got a great suggestion for you! For a mere $45,000 you can book an evening with Dan Duckhorn, the […]
The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival Celebrates Another Year
The little gathering that Ed and Susan Auler began years ago has found a permanent home in Austin and an abundance of fans from not only central Texas but around the country. The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is back for another year and this upcoming weekend from March 31st to the final […]
Westlake Footballers Take the Rudy’s Rib Challenge for Habitat for Humanity
One thing you can always count on is that Rudy’s BBQ is going to be at the center of things when it comes to charitable works and altruism. I had a chance to cheer on some of the Westlake Chaps football team not long ago as they pigged out on Rudy’s St. Louis Ribs in […]
Former Belmont Exec Chef Ben Nathan Makes Debut at Chez Zee
One of my favorite chefs, former Belmont executive Chef Ben Nathan, has landed as the major domo at Chez Zee on Parkcrest off 2222. This is a great move for manager Brian O’Neill and owner Sharon Watkins. Nathan is creative, has a deft touch in the kitchen, and is the kind of guy who can […]
South By Southwest 2011 Dining Suggestions
Well, it’s that time of the year again. The sprawling, dynamic bundle of creative energy known as South by Southwest has once again brought it’s unique array of music, film and IT folks to Austin. Now, recognizing that SXSW does change the dynamic of downtown dining a bit during its tumultuous 10-day run, here are […]
Best New Austin Restaurant in the Past Year: Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Highlights on Runners-Up
We have, with pleasure, named Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Oak Hill as the best new Austin restaurant of the past year. Actually, it’s a little more than a year but who’s counting? When this restaurant debuted at the spot where so many others (Jean’s Pierre’s, The Y Bar and Grill, Nunnzia’s, Senorita’s, et al.) had […]
Celebrity Gossip: Vince Vaughn, Mark Henry, Brad Womack
Apparently funnyman Vince Vaughn has now become a “regular Joe” at Zen on South Congress. He was seen there twice this past weekend, chatting up some local women, and downing several Tiger Shrimp bowls. Apparently Robert DeNiro took a liking to the place as well during the Austin filming of Robert Rodriguez’s slasher action pic […]
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 […]
