Who Cares What’s In It?
There’s a variation of an old expression that two things no American wants to observe being made are laws and hot dogs (sausages work here as well). But unlike most laws which one or more subgroups inevitably wind up despising or resenting, virtually every American loves the hot dog. And one man hugely responsible for […]
European Bistro in Pflugerville to Close August 31st
I have been a huge fan of this Hungarian-themed but wonderfully eclectic restaurant since it opened 11 years ago on E. Main in Pflugerville. Anna and Piroska are two women who are at home with the nuances of eastern European fare and they have a small but devoted following of area foodies. Had they opened […]
So You Want to Open a Restaurant?
I was the keynote speaker four years ago at a small business seminar hosted by the City of Austin. Attending was an audience of 125 prospective restaurant owners. About a third of those people opened ultimately either a food trailer or brick and mortar restaurant. And about 80% of those failed within the first three […]
Russian Restaurant to Open on East 5th Downtown
A hearty Nazdorovye for all fans of Russian cuisine. The Russian House which is about to open on E. 5th has an extensive menu ranging from the familiar Borsch and Beef Stroganoff to more esoteric fare such as the Tsar’s Ukha (a soup made of rooster, small fishes, sturgeon, crawfish and perch and of course […]
Brothers and Sisters Dish at Hao Hao and Hao-Q
One of the more interesting and intriguing familial pairings of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine can be found at Hao Hao on William Cannon and at Hao-Q on Far West. Even more interesting is that brothers Kevin and Young Quach are partners in the restaurants, Hao Hao and Hao-Q respectively, with their wives Lyn and Hong, […]
Japanese Styled Mizu in Lakeway to Finally Reopen
First there was the electrical fire which brought operations to a halt. Then there was the lengthy repair period (too lengthy for some skeptics) and finally the infamous FOR LEASE sign that appeared in front of the restaurant with on of the best views in the city (turns out the sign had nothing to do […]
Top Chefs Deserve Top Judges
I watched Paul Qui’s victory on Top Chef Texas with chauvinistic pride and admiration for his talent. What I didn’t like was the boring cadre of old fart judges like Emeril Lagasse and Tom Colicchio who kept muttering “sweet and savory” and “textural integrity” ad infinitum ad nauseam. The game has changed. The so-called icons […]
Salty Sow Opens on Manor
The seriously talented team behind Moonshine and Hopdoddy is at it again with the Salty Sow (Austin’s ongoing infatuation with all things porcine) on Manor Road at the site of the former Red House Pizzeria. Larry Foles and Guy Villavaso, and the two newly-minted gazillionaires from the sale of Eddie V’s have come up with […]
Rivals Steakhouse Opens Downtown on East 5th
Can Austin handle yet another steakhouse? Well owner Bryan Soltis is betting that it can. Soltis, who hails from a successful run at Iron Cactus is shaping his restaurant toward Ray LeMay’s (Ray’s Steakhouse) old philosophy. If you’re paying $40+ dollars for a steak, then the salad and sides should come with it. I like […]
Consumer Reports Reveals Results of Massive Restaurant Survey
I’ve always found Consumer Reports to be fairly useful for evaluating cars, appliances, et al. But they recently drifted into some unfamiliar territory for them: dishing about restaurants. OMG! They should have left this one alone. A massive reader poll released today trashed such American icons as Denny’s, IHOP, Johnny Rockets, Friendly’s and others. Now […]
Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves Gorge on Goucho Grub at Austin Wedding
I had no idea former Dazed and Confused star and current headliner of Magic Mike Matthew McConaughey was a fan of South Ameriacn style meat on the skewer. But he likes it to the extent that he and South American wife Camila Alves had the folks from Austin’s Estancia Churrascaria hand-build a fire pit on […]
