My How Austin Sports Bars Have Changed
A few years ago it would have been a cold day in hell before I could have dragged by wife to a local sports bar to eat, much less to eat and watch a game. But times and sports bars have changed. Have they ever. Two in particular that she enjoys (me included) are the […]
Karaoke and Serious Chinese Food Blend at Chinatown on West 5th
We passed a most pleasant evening last Saturday night at Chinatown on 5th St. munching on chicken wings, dim sum, and the usual killer entrees at Ronald Cheng’s Chinatown. We sampled dishes like Salt and Pepper Shrimp, Jalapeno Scallops, Sesame Shrimp, and Honey Pepper Beef. We also had some wonderful crispy Tofu with vegetables in […]
80 lbs. Lighter, Rob Goes Back to Max’s Wine Dive!
Met Gonzos Art and Carol San Miguel at Max’s Wine Dive at 3rd and San Jacinto the other night. It had been a while since I’d been there (actually our last Gonzo Gourmet Dinner) and my exile had been self-imposed. While I was in my serious weight-loss mode, I simply couldn’t trust myself around J.P. […]
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 […]
Bee Caves Road Strikes Again: ZuZu, Bella Serra and Zoot All Close
There is something positively weird about Bee Caves Road in Westlake and on toward the town of Bee Caves when it comes to restaurants. With the exception of The Country Line, Chinatown and the Grove, I can’t think of any owner-operated spots that have lasted there for any length of time. More recent casualties include […]
Back by Popular Demand: Pizza Wars 2011, Tony C’s Hits the Top Spot!
Welcome to the recurring series that we fondly refer to as Austin Pizza Wars. This is the 5th installment and it’s interesting to see how much has changed since we published the original Pizza Wars some years ago. Many of our readers know that I am originally from New Haven, CT, the birthplace of Neapolitan-style […]
Memorial Day Weekend Dining Tips
The Memorial Day weekend is upon us. And with the temperatures soaring, our thoughts go to the lakes, water, food and libations. Of course, we are happy to help with recommendations regarding the latter two. Lake Travis has an abundance of neat places on, near, and above the water. On the water we love the […]
Annoying Trends in the Restaurant Industry
There was an interesting article in the Zagat blog about what a number of national chefs consider to be extremely annoying trends in the restaurant industry. Well, this food critic is in almost complete agreement with most of the suggestions. I’ve also added a few of my own. 1. The Rise in Communal Tables. Boy […]
Rocking on the Lake at the Gnarly Gar
You’ve gotta love the name for this floating restaurant on Lake Travis near Little Hust Harbor. The Gar is a lake fish and owner Todd Hynes challenged his staff to come up with a unique branding concept. One of his employees, an Aggie, came up with the Gnarly Gar. This may be a generational thing […]
