The Iconic Bakehouse in South Austin To Close June 15th
It’s hard to imagine too many restaurants (Hill’s perhaps) that have been more integrally involved with south Austin than the always interesting and iconic Bakehouse on Manchaca near Stassney. Indeed, I can still remember my first bite years ago of one of their famous sausage crisps. But all good things alas must come to an […]
Welcome to our First Podcast on Dining Out with Rob Balon
Our first guest is Chef Louie Ciola, former exec chef of the popular Ciola’s in Lakeway, then chef at some uber-hot Minneapolis restaurants. He recently returned to Austin as executive consultant to the TC4 group which includes the Tony C’s at the Galleria and Avery Ranch, and the League Kitchen and Taverns in Lakeway and […]
Ronald Cheng’s Impressive Comeback
I’ve known Ronald Cheng and admired his work for over thirty years, since he and former wife Linda began the original Chinatown on Bee Caves Road in Rollingwood. Ronald almost single-handedly raised the bar for Chinese cuisine in Austin. No more #6 with egg rolls and fried rice on his menu. You could sample food […]
David Bull and the Evolution of Austin as a Major Food City
I can remember the day almost as if it was yesterday. We had gone to dinner at the Driskill Grill in the famous downtown hotel. It was a slow night for a Saturday and we were surprised to see that the restaurant was staging a “mystery dinner” evening. You know: one of those dreadful events […]
Aroma Italian Kitchen Opens on South Lamar
I’ve been griping about the lack of good Italian restaurants in South Austin for some time. Thanks to the folks who opened Aroma Italian Kitchen at 3401 South Lamar, I can shut up for awhile. Getting great feedback (especially on the Gnocchi) on this owner-operated spot near The Broken Spoke. All ingredients are locally sourced […]
It’s All Good BBQ Even Better Than Last Time
Had lunch at It’s All Good BBQ in Spicewood last week, and I was blown away. The brisket was moist, juicy and perfectly smoked. Tender as hell. Ditto for the sausage that I hadn’t like as much the time before. And you almost have to call ahead to reserve your Beef Rib. Head Smoker Frankie […]
Dojo Izakaya Packs in Late Night Crowd
Had dinner the other night at the new Dojo Izakaya at Burnet and 183. The concept is small plates, sake and beer, and late-night reveling. And of course, great food. Now while I was there the place was comfortably full. But my friend’s daughter went several hour later, about 11pm and she said it was […]
Brad Meltzer: Mr. Teppayaki
Most Teppanyaki/Hibachi restaurants I’ve been in have been owned and operated by Asians. So how did a Jewish guy from Massachusetts become a pivotal force in the Texas teppanyaki scene? It’s an interesting story. Meltzer is a Renaissance man to be sure. He studied accounting in college, and it was in that capacity that he […]
Salt and Time Settles in on the East Side
If you are a fan of charcuterie, bacon, great salami and other goodies, you need to pay a visit to Salt and Time Butcher Shop and Salumeria at 912 East 7th. This recently opened store front gives the artisan owners a real chance to strut their stuff. People can buy at the counter or stay […]
Great Oysters in the Burbs: Café Blue
Growing up in New England where clams on the half shell ruled the day, I came down here with a complete lack of appreciation and understanding of oysters. Well that certainly has changed. Ever since Auggie Garrido coaxed me into my first platter of oysters at Eddie V’s about 14 years ago, I have been […]
Former Sobani in Lakeway Gives Rise to Mexican-Themed Don Mario
I loved Sobani on Highway 620 near Lakeway. One of my favs. But alas, it could never gain traction in the uber-competitive local area restaurant market. So when a sophisticated upscale Asian-American fusion place doesn’t make it, what do you do? Looks like the new owners have decided to roll the dice with Mexican formatted […]
Chinatown on Bee Caves to Open Wednesday, May 14th
After quite a wait, considerably longer than Ronald Cheng and his partners would have cared for, the 30th anniversary reopening of the original Chinatown will occur on Wednesday May 14th. I’m really buzzed about this one. I had just begun my first TV restaurant review gig on KXAN-TV (then KTTV) Channel 36. Walked in with […]
Austin Restaurant Attire
Austin has a reputation as a city where if a guy puts on a long sleeved shirt for dinner, he’s said to be dressing up. Only one restaurant in the city (Restaurant Jezebel) has a formal dress code and they’ve only got eight tables. I don’t care to wear a jacket and tie when I […]
Mother’s Day Dining Recommendations 2014 – ARCHIVED
Every year we usually name dozens of restaurants serving Mother’s Day Brunch. This year, as we did at Easter, we’re narrowing the list a bit to focus on some spots that you may not automatically think of, but are well worth the visit. So bring Mom to one of these little gems, and she will […]
