Chinatown North on Greystone to Reopen
Talk about bad luck: while Chinatown’s Ronald Cheng was in Beijing recently, a truck ran into the gas line at the Chinatown Greystone location. But pending a final inspection, the popular restaurant should be open either this weekend or shortly after. Now that is good luck for all Austin foodies!
Dishes Worth Rediscovering
The dish above is the Chicken Schnitzel at Homespun Kitchen and Bar In Dripping Springs. It was and still is a favorite, but its presence on the menu has been inconsistent (the reason for which I can find no ready answers). If you’re craving a terrific and savory dish, next time you go to this […]
Behind the EurAsia Sushi Bar & Seafood TV shoot
We do a lot at Dining Out with With Rob Balon, but there’s much more we do that restaurants may not be aware of. Lately we’ve been drawing on my background in TV and film to create TV spots for newer restaurants. I’ve stayed behind the camera for a change and focused on writing, producing, […]
Rob Makes First Visit to Hops & Thyme
There’s something reassuring about walking into a new restaurant where you know the chef, the head waiter, and their work. And everything just feels right. Such was the case with the new Hops & Thyme Beer Garden and Brasserie in Lakeway. After sampling a killer bratwurst sandwich with caramelized onions and desserts made by the […]
The Absolutely Stunning Fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grille
There has been a long running argument for years over who has the best fries in Austin, but after lunch this past week I simply have to weigh in on the side of owner Bick Brown and his crew at Hyde Park Bar & Grille. Their fries have great taste and skin with a killer […]
Rob’s Suggestions for Easter Brunch
April is usually lovely in Austin, especially on Easter Sunday. So here are some of our suggestions on where to bring your family for brunch. The Oasis – A perennial favorite, The Oasis on Lake Travis is known for its stunning views and exceptional dining. Their Easter brunch is always a great choice. […]
SXSW 2018 Dining Suggestions
Looking for the best places to eat around Austin during SXSW? Here are a few that you’ll not want to miss! Hoover’s Cooking on Manor – Very close to downtown on the East Side. Micklethwait Craft Meats – East side location and top ten BBQ! Red Ash Italia – Best Italian food downtown […]
Rob begins new feature for the Austin Business Journal
There are some great back stories behind popular Austin restaurants and Rob’s new column for both the print and online versions of the Austin Business Journal will focus on them. ABJ Editor Colin pope brought the idea to Rob last Fall after reading a number of back story pieces Rob had written for www.diningoutwithrobbalon.com. The […]
Can Hudson’s Reinvent the Magic?
After a much ballyhooed sale and then opening followed by an abrupt closing, the iconic Hudson’s on the Bend near Lakeway has new ownership and plans are underway for a new concept coming soon. This is exciting news for local foodies to be sure. But the fair question is: can the culinary magic that Jeff […]
Rob’s Valentine’s Dining Suggestions
Looking for a special place for Valentine’s Day dinner in the Austin area? Here are a few of my all-time favorite choices. Valentine’s menu at The Oasis Jobell Café & Bistro – another great Valentine’s Day choice The Russian House’s prix fixe Valentine’s menu Creek Road Café: A Valentine’s mandate! Another […]
Biderman’s Deli on Far West Satisfies Sandwich Cravings
This tasty Salami Deli Sandwich is calling out to sandwich lovers. Recommendation? Try it soon!!! Biderman’s Deli 3742 Far West Blvd., Suite 101 Austin, TX 78731 (512) 340-1404 www.bidermansdeli.com
Eurasia Hard to Turn Down
This photo was taken opening day at Eurasia Sushi Bar & Seafood in Oak Hill and I haven’t stopped going since. The food is just too good! EurAsia Sushi Bar and Seafood 7101 West Hwy 71 Suite #C13 Austin, TX 78735 (512) 382-0968 www.EurasiaSushiAustin.com
Rob’s Fearless Food Predictions for 2018!
Ronald Cheng of Chinatown and Street restaurants Traditionally we use the first day of the new year for some admittedly tongue-in-cheek predictions about the local and national food scene. Happy New Year fellow foodies! 1. Distant relatives Ronald Cheng and C.K. Chin will partner in a new fusion concept called Cheng, Chin and Everythin’. 2. […]
Sullivan’s Steakhouse to Close After 20-Year Run
I must tell you that while this saddens me, it is not surprising. Downtown Austin literally has more steakhouses than it knows what to do with. It was inevitable that one of the dominoes would fall. But that’s capitalism for you. Thing is in the late 1990’s Sullivan’s lounge was THE place to be seen […]
New Year’s Eve Dining in the Austin Area
New Year’s Eve will soon be upon us. Posted below are special menus from Jobell Café & Bistro, Juliet Italian Kitchen, Café Blue Classic Seafood & Oyster Bar, and III Forks. We’ll list more as we receive them. Happy New Year from all us at DiningOutWithRobBalon.com! Jobell Café & Bistro Juliet Italian Kitchen Café Blue […]