New Pub/Restaurant the “Draft Pick” Opens on 1620 East Riverside
Maurad Belkacem knows a thing or two about comfort food and service. The genial owner of the popular local Texican restaurants has opened a new concept at 1620 East Riverside. It’s called the Draft Pick, a clever take on the sports bar-restaurant concept. Opening day will be March 16th. This one should be good. For […]
South By Southwest 2011 Dining Suggestions
Well, it’s that time of the year again. The sprawling, dynamic bundle of creative energy known as South by Southwest has once again brought it’s unique array of music, film and IT folks to Austin. Now, recognizing that SXSW does change the dynamic of downtown dining a bit during its tumultuous 10-day run, here are […]
Café Blue Reopens for the Weekends
Café Blue is now open on the weekend, and should be opening up for their full schedule at the start of April. They are currently updating their menu, we’ll be sure to post an updated copy as soon as it’s complete. I personally can’t wait until they are open every day of the week. The […]
The Best Selling Wine in the U.S?
You may be surprised by the answer to this one but the winner is Australian import Yellow Tail. According to A.C. Nielsen Yellow Tail sells millions of cases a year of its $8-10 per bottle wines. It was introduced to the U.S. in 2001 and by 2005 became the first wine ever in the U.S. […]
Raymond Tatum Opens Three Pigs Trailer on East 11th
One of our favorite chefs, Raymond Tatum (late of Backstage Steakhouse) has opened a trailer on East 11th called Three Pigs. The theme is obviously pork, and knowing Tatum as I do, this is going to be very good. At East 11th and Rosewood.
Romantic Restaurant Proposals
A recent poll of married women revealed that almost a third regretted the manner in which their husbands proposed to them. Many expressed disappointment at the lack of romance and originality displayed at that critical and apparently memorable moment. As I look back at my own proposal or lack thereof as it ultimately turned out […]
Carrob’s Cafe is an Amazing Little Joint!
In a little alley right around the corner from The Boiling Pot on East 6th lies a new restaurant called Carrob’s Cafe. The name is an anagram which combines the husband-and-wife owners’ (Carol and Rob) first names. My first taste was the broccoli and cheese soup and I was blown away. It was that good. […]
Best New Austin Restaurant in the Past Year: Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Highlights on Runners-Up
We have, with pleasure, named Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Oak Hill as the best new Austin restaurant of the past year. Actually, it’s a little more than a year but who’s counting? When this restaurant debuted at the spot where so many others (Jean’s Pierre’s, The Y Bar and Grill, Nunnzia’s, Senorita’s, et al.) had […]
Celebrity Gossip: Vince Vaughn, Mark Henry, Brad Womack
Apparently funnyman Vince Vaughn has now become a “regular Joe” at Zen on South Congress. He was seen there twice this past weekend, chatting up some local women, and downing several Tiger Shrimp bowls. Apparently Robert DeNiro took a liking to the place as well during the Austin filming of Robert Rodriguez’s slasher action pic […]
Upper Decks Sports Bar Opens on Barton Springs
Austin has added yet another sports bar to the rapidly growing number of places that make up that genre. Upper Decks is the name, and it’s at the site of the former Bennigan’s across from Aussie’s on Barton Springs. Like so many of the newer sports bars (i.e. Cover 3) this menu is more ambitious […]
Austin Restaurant Community Mourns Passing of Yoli and Michael Amr
Stunning and devastating news from Round Rock this morning. Two of my favorite people in the Austin restaurant community, Yoli and Michael Amr, the founders of the original Gumbo’s and current owners of Mama Roux on Parmer Lane were found dead in their Round Rock home. Early indications point to a murder suicide. Yoli, a […]
Ciola’s Transitions into Dominick’s Italian-American Restaurant
Longtime favorite Ciola’s came under the new ownership of Dave Staab in July 2010, and has now transitioned into “Dominick’s.” Their new website touts, “Our name has since changed, but our high standard of service, quality cuisine and wine selection, and respect for tradition have remained the same.” We’ll keep you posted on more updates […]
