March 9th Blog
I managed to make it unscathed through three days of hosting the Jeff Ward Show on 590 KLBJ-AM earlier this week. Aside from the usual 4-page, invective laced single-spaced email from someone with more time than sense, the feedback was good. Topics ranged from HPV vaccinations to the latest blunder by the Texas Supreme Court, purity balls, and my continued loathing for right-wing bimbo Anne Colter who attempted to denude John Edwards by calling him a “faggot” on her website.
When I attempted to actually use the word faggot on the radio, the board op informed me while not one of the “seven deadly words”; faggot has fallen into the grey radio area of “let’s not go there either.” This is all in direct response to the heavy-handed tactics of the FCC as they continue to react to pressure from the right to sanitize radio and TV. Since no station wants its license yanked, most quickly comply. And you can’t blame them. But the ultimate losers are the listeners. You’d think we should be the ultimate arbiters: if we’re offended, then we simply don’t listen. And the offending station thus suffers in the ratings and consequently in profit margin. But the FCC wants to do our thinking for us.
Wednesday we talked food for the day. The likelihood of needing the kill button on a food day is remote. We had a panel with Howard Kells from Dona Emilia’s, Rick Dietrick of Vin Bistro and Russell Arnold from ZuZu’s. These guys have been through it all and we had a fascinating hour as they explained the day-to-day challenges and rewards of owning and operating restaurants.
Next time we do a panel, I’m going to have Sharon Watkins from Chez Zee, Hoover Alexander from Hoover’s Cooking, and Bernie Brozek from Romeo’s.
Then Brent Childs, exec chef from Sandra Bullock’s new Bess joined us on the phone for an update on how they’re doing. He was reluctant to talk much about Sandy (understandably) but she apparently has had considerable involvement in menu design and continues to take a proactive role. Good for her. I can’t stand these faux celebrity restaurants (like Kobe Bryant’s) where the star simply lends their name to build the brand. Those are usually nothing more than an exercise in hubris.
And then we got to talk restaurants with callers for almost two hours. That was very cool: my favorite part of the show. It’s my pleasure to help you find restaurants you might otherwise not know about: like Drakula, Sampaio’s, Pacifc Star Oyster Bar, Cherry Creek Catfish, Cibo, Pao’s, Tomo, Dragon Gate, Dry Dock at Canary Nest and many more. And to reiterate: that’s why I don’t do many nasty reviews. I’d prefer to spend my energy on telling you where to go than where not to go. We have dozens of fine, little restaurants in the city that need to get some exposure. If I can direct your attention toward some of them, I’m a happy camper.
The South by Southwest Music/Film/Digital Media/et al Conference is in town this week along with the Rodeo and Livestock show. How’s that for two disparate groups of diners? Then throw in St. Patrick’s Day and you have a real circus. But the local restaurants have got to be licking their chops. My suggestion: if you want to dine downtown this weekend, plan ahead. There will be lots of competition for reservations. Try some of the places that don’t always get swamped like Thai Tara, Silhouette, Thai Passion, La Traviata, Aquarelle, and the Boiling Pot, just to name a few.
Several cool items of note:
McCormick and Schmick’s has gone to a new level in providing fresh seafood. Chef Joe Ramirez tells me that when halibut season begins on March 17th, his restaurant will have Austin’s only fresh halibut until the season ends in August or September. The restaurant will take a loss on the dish but Ramirez figures it’s worth it to continue to build their brand for the freshest seafood.
Also, if you like you java at a place with a little attitude, stop by 2401 E. 6th and try Hot Mama’s coffee. This place is the brain child a former sex therapist from Alaska named Holly who believes that coffee is the definitive and perhaps only personal moment in most of our days. So it damn well better be served with love and genuine affection. This is one of the most interesting places I’ve been to in a long time. As a sex therapist, Holly is adamant about the fact that while one can fake an orgasm (and she should know), one cannot fake good coffee. Try the Hot Mama’s Latte. Also great snacks.
