laV Opens on 1501 East 7th

Posted by on Mar 7, 2014 in Openings

After much speculation and anticipation, laV, featuring Provencal inspired French cuisine and an impeccable wine list has opened on East 7th earlier this week. At the helm are executive chef Allison Jenkins and noted international sommelier Vilma Mazaite. Like so many other hot, new restaurants as of late, this one is gracing that East Side […]

Blackbird and Henry Opens at 3016 Guadalupe

Posted by on Mar 3, 2014 in Openings

For one brief shining moment, or so it seemed, Marble Falls had two amazing restaurants literally across the street from each other. The first was Patton’s on Main, helmed by Patton Robertson who had opened Spago in Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck. Alas, the restaurant did not make it. The second, which also closed was […]

Sap’s Fine Thai Cuisine Opens 2nd Store on February 21st!

Posted by on Feb 21, 2014 in Openings

One of my favorite Thai spots, Sap’s Fine Thai Cuisine has finally opened the long-awaited 2nd store at Burnet and 2222. This is a big hit for the Allendale neighborhood as the restaurants at the rear of the shopping center that Sap’s now occupies had all failed badly. Do not see this in the cards […]

Jack Allen’s to Provide Food for the Intel Club at Dell Diamond

Posted by on Feb 19, 2014 in Openings

Good news for food and baseball fans. The Intel Club at Dell Diamond has partnered with Jack Allen’s Kitchen to provide food service when the season begins April 3rd. The yearly cost of membership to the club (which has a panoramic view of the field) is $75. One-time visits will require a $10 surcharge. Many […]

Crave Opens Downtown at 340 East 2nd (Former Site of Roy’s)

Posted by on Feb 18, 2014 in Openings

Crave, a smallish national chain featuring steaks and seafood, unique comfort foods reflective of this area, along with a sushi bar, has opened next to Fleming’s downtown at 340 East 2nd Street. The chain which features restaurants in Nebraska, Minnesota (where it originated), Florida and Ohio is bullish on service and ambiance along with their […]

Shawn Cirkiel Opens Chavez at the Radisson

Posted by on Feb 7, 2014 in Openings

Shawn Cirkiel is on the move again. Long one of my favorite chefs, from his debut at Jean Luc’s Bistro (now Perry’s) and then to Parkside, Backspace and Olive and June, Cirkiel’s work has always been about amazing creativity blended with a sense of culinary integrity and a refreshing candor about his roots. His latest […]

Andiamo Seeking a Few Great Servers

Posted by on Jan 31, 2014 in Openings

Neat little Italian restaurants like Andiamo rarely have openings for servers. But the unexpected departure of a few long term veteran servers has led owner Daniella Marcone to ask us for help. And we shall gladly oblige. If you’re an experienced server looking for a great gig, call Daniella at (512) 719-3377. Andiamo is one […]

Pho Natic Opens 3rd Location in Cedar Park

Posted by on Jan 31, 2014 in Openings

The fast casual Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Natic, opened a 3rd location in Cedar Park on January 31st. Pho Natic is family owned and offers up a variety of tasty and promptly served Vietnamese dishes. The Bahn Mi Sliders are a good example of new ideas coming out of the kitchen.

Cho Sushi in Lakeway and Steiner Ranch Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

Posted by on Jan 17, 2014 in Openings, Restaurant Events

I’ve always liked Cho Sushi in Lakeway and Steiner Ranch. Ironically, the Lakeway store of 620 was where the former Mizu got its start. Now they are celebrating a well-deserved 2nd anniversary. John and David Cho are two very talented brothers who have created two really good and very creative restaurants in this area. And […]

Sobani In Lakeway Closes: Also Upper Decks Downtown

Posted by on Jan 17, 2014 in Closings, Openings

One of my favorite restaurants in Lakeway has bitten the proverbial dust. Sobani, on 620 a few miles east of Lakeway Center, was a terrific little fine dining spot that was a favorite of mine. I guess you could argue bad location, but then how do you explain The Salt Lick and Wink? No, I […]

Sap’s Announces Grand Opening of 2nd Restaurant in Mid-January

Posted by on Jan 16, 2014 in Openings

Sap’s Fine Thai Cuisine at Westgate adjacent to Central Market has announced the mid-January opening of their second restaurant at 5800 Burnet Rd. in Allendale Village. That’s at Burnet and FM 2222. A lot of restaurants have had difficulty at this spot, but we expect no such problems will plague the talented and engaging Sap. […]

Abel’s North Grill and Tap House Opens at Site of Former Cool River

Posted by on Jan 8, 2014 in Openings

The dynamic duo of Austin dining, Austin and Ellis Winstanley, have added Cool River on Parmer to their growing portfolio. It has opened, all 28,000 square feet of it, as Abel’s North Grill and Tap House. The duo also are in the process of bringing Artz Rib House on Lamar back to the fray. They […]

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken About to Open at 2nd and San Jacinto

Posted by on Jan 3, 2014 in Openings

Heading to the soft opening tonight of Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken. Grand opening will follow shortly. Really looking forward to trying this place. It’s a very small chain out of Memphis and my friend Brian O’Neil is at the helm. So that bodes well. I’ll post an update on Monday!

French Quarter in Round Rock Forced to Close

Posted by on Jan 3, 2014 in Closings, Openings

In yet another example of the rather cavalier attitude with which municipalities treat restaurants, the city of Round Rock has purchased the land on which the French Quarter RR is located, and the building will be demolished to make room for a bridge! Well, at least the Parmer and I-35 French Quarter is alive and […]

Shandeez on Anderson Mill: Distinctive Persian Cuisine

Posted by on Dec 18, 2013 in Cuisine, Openings, Rob On Cuisine

If you have a occasional craving, as I do for Middle Eastern cuisine, then you should try Shandeez on Anderson Mill. For starters the Hummus is smooth and nicely textured, and the Tabouli has a very fresh flavor and is not too spicy (as can sometimes be the case). The meats are delicious and distinctive. […]

Load More