Dojo Izakaya Packs in Late Night Crowd
Had dinner the other night at the new Dojo Izakaya at Burnet and 183. The concept is small plates, sake and beer, and late-night reveling. And of course, great food. Now while I was there the place was comfortably full. But my friend’s daughter went several hour later, about 11pm and she said it was […]
Salt and Time Settles in on the East Side
If you are a fan of charcuterie, bacon, great salami and other goodies, you need to pay a visit to Salt and Time Butcher Shop and Salumeria at 912 East 7th. This recently opened store front gives the artisan owners a real chance to strut their stuff. People can buy at the counter or stay […]
Former Sobani in Lakeway Gives Rise to Mexican-Themed Don Mario
I loved Sobani on Highway 620 near Lakeway. One of my favs. But alas, it could never gain traction in the uber-competitive local area restaurant market. So when a sophisticated upscale Asian-American fusion place doesn’t make it, what do you do? Looks like the new owners have decided to roll the dice with Mexican formatted […]
Chinatown on Bee Caves to Open Wednesday, May 14th
After quite a wait, considerably longer than Ronald Cheng and his partners would have cared for, the 30th anniversary reopening of the original Chinatown will occur on Wednesday May 14th. I’m really buzzed about this one. I had just begun my first TV restaurant review gig on KXAN-TV (then KTTV) Channel 36. Walked in with […]
Saccone’s Pizza Scores Major Victory at Pizza Expo in Las Vegas
Saccone’s Pizza on Highway 620 in Austin returned victorious from the prestigious Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Owner Dan Saccone, a New Jersey native who has delighted Austin pizza lovers for years with his East Coast style pies, won Best Southwest Pizza in the regional competitions and came within an eyelash of finishing in the […]
Breaking News: Trento in Westlake Closes to Make Way for a Third Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Always liked Trento, the family operated Italian restaurant in the Davenport area off Highway 360. But owners Frank and Nina Seely were having a tough time making things work financially. So a deal was struck with the Jack Allen’s Kitchen team, and in a few months Jack, Tom and the team will have their first […]
Dojo Izakaya Trending on Burnet
Izakaya is the name for a popular phenomenon in Japan: smallish restaurants that cater to beer and sake and small plates meant to be shared, socialization, and late-night reverie. The Austin version can be found on Burnet just south of 183 at the site of the former Tokyo Steakhouse. It’s called The Dojo Sake Bar […]
Sumo Gaining Traction in San Antonio
Brad Meltzer knows a thing or two about how to run a Tepanyaki restaurant. And since he was sadly forced to close his Benihana in Austin (on Burnet) due to some totally unnecessary legal wrangling with the parent company (currently being played out as we speak in Austin’s federal court), he did the next best […]
Former Ciola’s Chef Louie Ciola Returns to Austin
For many years Ciola’s in Lakeway was one of my favorite restaurants. First, it was papa bear Dan Ciola who got the ball rolling, and then the baton was passed to son Tony who team with his cousin, chef Louie Ciola, for some very memorable meals. Well, as Tony prepared to start upscale pizzeria Tony […]
Downtown Capital Grille to Open in Late April
Darden’s Capital Grille, one of the restaurant behemoth’s (Olive Garden, Red Lobster) newer more upscale concepts is set to open in late April on West 4th at the former site of the Spaghetti Warehouse. Prime steaks will be another a featured aspect of the menu, along with Kona Burgers and Lobster Mac and Cheese. Darden […]
Saccone’s Scores in Las Vegas Pizza Expo
Dan Saccone, the owner of one of Austin’s long-time pizza favorites, Saccone’s on Hwy 620, obviously brought his A game to the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas last week. Saccone’s won the category of Best Pizza in the Southwest in the pizza competition, and came excruciatingly close to a Top 3 spot in the entire […]
Chinatown on Bee Caves Nearing Completion
Spoke to Ronald Cheng today about the impending opening of his new Chinatown Restaurant located at the same site of first Chinatown that opened 30 years ago and revolutionized Chinese cuisine in Austin. The restaurant has encountered the usual unexpected permit and construction issues that plague virtually all new restaurants. But Ronald is optimistic that […]
Experience New Seafood Symphony Kabob at Perry’s Steakhouse through April 19th
Perry’s newest arrival is a harmonious hanging presentation of blackened tuna, seared scallops, grilled shrimp, smoked salmon and pan-roasted sea bass, accompanied by a creamy ginger sauce for dipping. It’s a delightful treasure that’s Rare and Well Done. Specially priced at $19.95 from 4-6pm every day through April 19th. A limited-time offer. 114 W. […]
Homespun Ramps Up Quality Dining in Dripping Springs
I am really buzzed about Homespun in Dripping Springs. Located at the site of the former 131 Cafe, this place is destined to be one of my go-to joints. Michael St. Germain, the new chef from Colorado has trimmed the old menu and put in a delicious new array of choices. The Deviled Eggs are […]
Stinson’s Bistro Opens 2nd Location on Lake Austin Blvd.
The original Stinson’s Bistro on 4416 Burnet began as a trailer primarily serving a variety of coffees. It has evolved into a brick and mortar restaurant that is still heavy on the coffee (opens at 6:30am), but has now added salads, paninis, and other lighter fare. Favorable reports from our readers are coming in. The […]
