Swift’s Attic on Congress to Open Apr. 16th
The buzz on this place has been nothing short of amazing, and it’s been growing since the fall. And it ticks me off that we’ll be out of town for the soft opening the first week of April. But you put C.K. Chin at the front of any house with Stuart Thomajan and his partners […]
Estancia Churrascaria Closes 290 South Location: Opens Larger Store at Arboretum
Many fans of Estancia Churrascaria (me included) were sad to see the recent closing of the 290 South store next to the Holiday Inn Express. But owner Ironi has opened a new and larger location of the popular Brazilian steakhouse at the Arboretum. I had lunch there last week and the place is larger and […]
Southwest-Style Chisos Grill Opens Next to Cafe Blue at Galleria
It began with a bowl of Chad’s mellow Lobster Bisque, (with ample chunks of lobster and crab), continued with Presidio Tostadas with roasted pulled pork, smoothed along with a lovely salad of spinach and greens and finished with two kick-ass entrees: a red Chile rubbed Pork Chop with a Burgundy mushroom sauce and Texas Gulf […]
Check Out Rio on Pleasant Valley at E. 5th
For those who fondly remember Sampaio’s, Rio on Pleasant Valley will evoke pleasant Brazilian memories. This is a little joint that is not too long on ambiance but way long on flavors and textures. I had lunch there recently and greatly enjoyed my choices. I hadn’t had any decent Yucca fritters for some time and […]
All Star Burger Opens at Galleria
Shane Street has opened a lot of successful restaurants in Austin including Cool River and Steiner Ranch. But those were all GM gigs for other owners. Last week he opened his own place at the Galleria called All Star Burger. It’s on the main drag just down from Dillard’s and Cafe Blue. The place celebrates […]
Cho Sushi Japanese Fusion Opens at Former Site of Mizu in Lakeway
David Cho is turning into something of a sushi impressario in the Lakeway area. First he opened a store on Quinlan Park Road in 2009 and most recently, Cho Sushi Japanese Fusion at the site of the of the old Mizu on RR 620 at Lohman’s Crossing. Cho, who began his career with Midori Sushi […]
Tokyo Steakhouse of Round Rock Opens Austin Location on Burnet at Former Site of Benihana
Fans of teppanyaki and sushi will be happy to know that the recently closed Benihana on Burnet at Research (formal address is 9070 Research, Suite 305) has reopened as the Tokyo Steakhouse: this is the 2nd location for the independently owned restaurant with the original being in Round Rock at La Frontera Mall. Tokyo Steakhouse […]
Cafe Malta Opens at 3421 William Cannon
A new Mediterranean-styled restaurant has opened at 3421 William Cannon (at Brodie) called Cafe Malta. Tried it for the first time a few days ago and this place has a lot of promise. Their signature dish, the Maltagliati is a house-made pasta topped with a ragout of roasted pork and a mellow sauce of tomatoes, […]
Sap and Madam Mam Split: Divide Restaurants
Heard from Sap today, co-founder of the Madam Mam’s dynasty, that his divorce with his wife had been finalized. As a result, Mam will continue to operate the Anderson and Guadalupe stores, while Sap is going to rebrand the Westgate store as Sap’s Fine Thai Cuisine. I know this has been a struggle for both, […]
Trento Opens Across from Davenport Center on Highway 360
I have long loved the food at NorTH. Well, the long time manager, Donnie, has moved on to open his own place called Trento at the site of the former Gumbo’s on Highway 360 across from Davenport. We went to the soft opening last week and the food was quite good. Loved the Italian fare, […]
Good News: Café Blue Opens Year-Round Location at the Galleria
The opening we talked about on the radio several weeks ago has occurred. Café Blue, long one of my favorites out at Volente Beach has opened a 2nd location adjacent to Dillard’s at the Galleria at Highway 71 and 620. I love the food at Café Blue and this new location means they can stay […]
Roppolo’s Gets Much Larger at 316 E. 6th Location
I’ve always enjoyed the tasty and larger than life pies that Mark Roppolo has cooked up on 6th St. But his new location on 316 E. 6th has one thing Roppolo’s has always lacked: space! The 316 E. 6th location has several floors of space and tables and chairs not to mention some huge ovens […]
Great News in Hudson Bend: Los Pinos has reopened!
I am pleased to report that Los Pinos, one of my very favorite Mexican restaurants in Austin, has reopened after the unfortunate fire that closed their doors for almost six months! I spoke to proprietor and Chef Margarito Maldonado and he is firing on all cylinders at his new facility on Hudson Bend Road (off […]
Muscle Maker Grill Opens on Congress at Former Site of Marakesh
Muscle Maker Grill is a small East Coast chain of upscale casual restaurants with a nod toward the healthy side of the dining scene founded in 1995 by body builder Rod Silva. Their first Austin (and Texas) restaurant opened on Congress at the site of the former Marakesh on 906 Congress. Owner Matthew DeLeon discovered […]
The Texas Olive Store to Open in Dripping Springs Saturday, Dec. 10th
The former owner of the Lighthouse BBQ in Spicewood is not easily deterred. So Rick Mensik has opened the Texas Olive Store in Dripping Springs at 2530 W. Fitzhugh Road (off Highway 290). Dripping Springs, as it turns out, is a great place to make Olive Oil and that’s what Rick’s operation is all about. […]
