Garbo’s Opens on Bratton Lane
I walked in to the restaurant that was formerly owned by my late friends Yoli and Michael Amr. After several iterations (including That’s Italian), the place is now called Garbo’s, and they whip up the best Lobster Roll this side of Lincolnville, ME. Heidi Garbo started out with a trailer, and now has moved to […]
Olamaie Opens Tuesday at 1610 San Antonio St.
Driven by the perception of a void in Southern cuisine in Austin, the new Olamaie opens Tuesday at 1610 San Antonio. The cuisine promises to be a modern spin on Southern classics, with as much local sourcing as possible. Only American wines will be served. The chefs are CIA trained. Michael Fojtasek and Grae Nonas […]
Porter Ale House and Gastropub Drawing the Late Night Crowd
Mention pork belly sliders to me, and I’m yours. Mention Cheese Pierogis, and I am even more committed. Thus my passion for the Porter Ale House and Gastropub 3715A South First. It seems like we have a plethora of gastropubs these days around Austin. You know what? It’s fine with me. I love neighborhood joints […]
Foxhole Culinary Tavern Opens on 183
A new restaurant has just opened at 13995 North 183, and it’s called Foxhole Culinary Tavern, located in the building that used to house Bennigan’s. After looking at the menu however, I’m sure that this place will soon erase all memories of Bennigans. I see everything from wonderful looking Short Ribs to Lobster Mac and […]
A First Dinner at laV
Since the demise of Aquarelle and Mirabelle, Austin foodies been pining for an elegant and beautifully appointed French restaurant. The recent debut of laV on East 7th should make a lot of those foodies happy. As many of you know, I don’t like to rush to a new restaurant. So our first meal at laV […]
Shahi Delivers Middle Eastern Fix on North Lamar
Who doesn’t like a great Gyro or some Shawarma or a smooth Hummus? But Shahi Cafe on North Lamar just south of Parmer is much more than that. They have a Lamb Shank that will purse even the tightest pair of lips, and the traditional Gormeh Sabsi that features a fragrant herbed stew with lamb, […]
Homespun Kitchen and Bar Introduces Sunday Brunch
Man, am I glad to see this. Dripping Springs is not exactly awash in a sea of quality weekend brunches. So the recent addition of a Sunday Brunch from 10am-3pm at Homespun Kitchen and Bar is great news. I’ve grown to really appreciate this mother/daughter-operated place at 131 Mercer just off 12 and 290. The […]
Rodney Henry Bringing Dangerously Delicious Pies to East Austin
Rodney Henry is a pizza fanatic (who isn’t these days?) from Baltimore who has fallen in love with the increasingly cooler and hipper side of East Austin. He will open a permanent trailer for his Dangerously Delicious Pizza brand at the Lost Well, a bar and music venue on the East Side in September (according […]
Winner of Zed’s Chef’s Dinner
One of the fun aspects of Vodka Fest at Zed’s this year is that we picked out one lucky ticket. That person gets to invite a friend, and together they’ll join Rob for a five-course dinner prepared by chef Adrian. Champagne, wine and cocktails (especially some vodkas) will also flow. If this dinner is anything […]
Terry Blacks BBQ Opens on Barton Springs
A year ago, Craig Gatewood and his son had opened Peso and Bucks on Barton Springs at the site of the former Vinny’s Italian Cafe. Alas, the enterprise quickly folded, and then the rumor mill took over. First it was to be a food trailer court, then a sign came up touting a Black’s BBQ […]
The Hollow Brings Life back to the Georgetown Square
Since the heady days of the late Silver & Stone and Monica’s 701, the square in downtown Georgetown has been grappling with a massive case of customer indifference. That should change with the opening of The Hollow at 708 South Austin Ave. Former Zed’s exec Jacob Hilbert is at the helm in the kitchen and […]
Winners at Taste of North Austin
The Taste of North Austin was held at The Domain Saturday. 25 restaurants participated (from north and northwest Austin) and there was much tasting to be done by myself and the other judges. The winners were NoRTH, (Arancini), Urban (house made salmon on crostini) and Zed’s (Tuna poke with an Irish car bomb cake shot). […]
Get Ready for Our Annual Pizza Wars Feature
Coming very soon will be one of our most anticipated yearly features: Pizza Wars. This will be our 8th year of the piece and man how things have changed since then. Indeed there have been changes since last year’s piece: more openings and closings. And a major shakeup in the Top 5. How’s that list […]
Aroma Italian Kitchen Opens on South Lamar
I’ve been griping about the lack of good Italian restaurants in South Austin for some time. Thanks to the folks who opened Aroma Italian Kitchen at 3401 South Lamar, I can shut up for awhile. Getting great feedback (especially on the Gnocchi) on this owner-operated spot near The Broken Spoke. All ingredients are locally sourced […]
It’s All Good BBQ Even Better Than Last Time
Had lunch at It’s All Good BBQ in Spicewood last week, and I was blown away. The brisket was moist, juicy and perfectly smoked. Tender as hell. Ditto for the sausage that I hadn’t like as much the time before. And you almost have to call ahead to reserve your Beef Rib. Head Smoker Frankie […]
