Lighthouse Bar-BQ & Grill Opens in Spicewood
The Briarcliff neighborhood near Pedernales Park has been enriched by the opening of the Lighthouse Bar-BQ & Grill. It’s set in a great little spot overlooking an inlet off Lake Travis. We’ve already gotten good reports on this from our Gonzo Gourmet Club members. And the staff seems poised to have killer summer on the […]
Rob Samples Apatite Café
Had my first tastes at David Sanchez’s Apatite Café at the Galleria behind Mandola’s Thursday night. This is a thoughtful, intimate and highly sensual dining experience. Sanchez, who hails from Vail, opened this with his wife. I thought the name Apatite was a play on “appétit,” but no. Apatite is actually the name of a […]
Sobani Opens in Lakeway
I just dined at the coolest little Bistro on Highway 620 near Lakeway: the place is called Sobani and it’s really quite good. The food is eclectic and it has a small but most interesting wine list. I tried the Mushroom Soup with just a hint of cream and truffle. It was excellent: full of […]
Hugo’s Opens on South Lamar Adjacent to Zach Scott Theater
For those who fondly remember Sampaio’s Brazillian restaurant on Burnet (and I’m one of them) I have good news. The irrepressible Magna Sampaio is back with a new concept on S. Lamar called Hugo’s. It’s Mexican this time (can you blame her?) but one thing Sampaio understands is good food, regardless of the culture it […]
Contigo Opens on 2027 Anchor Lane
A new restaurant has opened in east Austin: it’s called Contigo. The food is based on the meals served over the years at Contigo Ranch in S. Texas. And the menu looks most intriguing. There are charcuterie platters. small plates with offerings like Cauliflower Gratin and Fried Quail Legs, and the entrees boast offerings like […]
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, […]
French Quarter Grille Opens at Former Site of Mama Roux
Dave Gore was the right-hand man to Michael Amr at Mama Roux for many years. He has now taken that experience and opened the French Quarter Grille at the same location. May 2nd is the official opening. The tragic passing of Yoli and Michael Amr cannot be erased by the opening of a Cajun restaurant […]
New India Cuisine Opens on South Congress
Well, Indian food has made its way to South Congress in the form of New Indian Cuisine at 2304 South Congress. The cuisine emphasizes the Coastal areas near Mumbai. I tried the Cabbage Chala Dan and it was excellent with a side of chutney. The Chicken lollipops were also good. There are numerous fish dishes […]
“Meltzer” Opens Off North IH-35 Across from Appleby’s
Brad Meltzer, former Austin mayoral candidate and owner of the Austin Benihana restaurant and the reinvigorated Wing Zone on W. 24th St. has begun another new restaurant off North IH-35 just south of 183. It’s called Meltzer Uptown Pub and from a first tasting, I am impressed. The fare ranges from appetizers (Pork won tons […]
Wyland’s Ocean Blue Opens at Galleria
A unique new seafood restaurant has opened at the Galleria next to Dillard’s. It’s called Wyland’s Ocean Blue and the concept is serving only sustainable seafood. This means that they use sources that can be sustain or increase future production without jeopardizing the ecosystems from which it came. It’s a great idea on paper but […]
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 […]
New Pub/Restaurant the “Draft Pick” Opens on 1620 East Riverside
Maurad Belkacem knows a thing or two about comfort food and service. The genial owner of the popular local Texican restaurants has opened a new concept at 1620 East Riverside. It’s called the Draft Pick, a clever take on the sports bar-restaurant concept. Opening day will be March 16th. This one should be good. For […]
Café Blue Reopens for the Weekends
Café Blue is now open on the weekend, and should be opening up for their full schedule at the start of April. They are currently updating their menu, we’ll be sure to post an updated copy as soon as it’s complete. I personally can’t wait until they are open every day of the week. The […]
Raymond Tatum Opens Three Pigs Trailer on East 11th
One of our favorite chefs, Raymond Tatum (late of Backstage Steakhouse) has opened a trailer on East 11th called Three Pigs. The theme is obviously pork, and knowing Tatum as I do, this is going to be very good. At East 11th and Rosewood.
Upper Decks Sports Bar Opens on Barton Springs
Austin has added yet another sports bar to the rapidly growing number of places that make up that genre. Upper Decks is the name, and it’s at the site of the former Bennigan’s across from Aussie’s on Barton Springs. Like so many of the newer sports bars (i.e. Cover 3) this menu is more ambitious […]
