Rob’s Favorite Dishes at Austin’s Newer Restaurants
I’ve tried a lot of great new dishes in the past six months. Some have made it into my reviews and some are still waiting for print. But I wanted to share some of them with you.
My only negative on Sway is that I drove by it three times before finding it. The sign is microscopic. But the food is amazing. My favorites thus far have been the wonderful Shu Mai, a variation on the Dim Sum stalwart. And the Pad Kwetio is a delightful dish.
This combination of wide rice noodles, pork bellies, Chinese Broccoli, tofu and black wok water is unusual yet undeniably compelling with a rich flavor that lingers on the palate. Lovely decor as well.
El Naranjo
Owners Illiana and Ernesto opened this neat little restaurant in the booming Rainey Street area. They were essentially political refugees from Mexico but blended comfortably into the Austin scene.
I love the Rajas con Crema with chile poblano and slices of onion cooked in Mexcian cream and Panella cheese. Now that’s a wonderful tradition.
Also really enjoy the Tampiquena served from a cut of Wagyu flank steak that is wonderfully tender with the requisite spices. This dish resonates long after the last bite.
At 6th and Lavaca, this restaurant and brew pub serves up delicious food under the guidance of Chef Emilio. The Tempura Eggs and Pork Belly Wafflers were a blast. Great composition of flavors and textures. And the grilled Veggie Sandwich is absolutely worth a try. May not be the lowest caloric veggie sandwich around but who cares: the taste is spot on.
Soto
This great little find up at Lakeline Mall is run by a 28-year old wunderkind named Andy. His Fire Salmon is a smash. You can literally roast thin cuts of fresh salmon over an open flame to your satisfaction. The spices are amazing!
I love the Grilled Black Cod as well. The fish melts at first bite and the flavors keep on coming.
And sashimi fans will love the presentation of the o-toro on a huge carved block of ice. Killer and pristine tastes as well.
Another place like Sway that can be missed, but don’t. There’s no sign or street address on the white building. But it’s at East 6th and Comal.
Paul Qui never ceases to amaze. He brings a sense of passion and contemplation to his menu that that I haven’t seen in a while.
The menu varies daily but try these. The Ode to Michael Bras is a chilled eggplant dashi and a variety of local farm grown veggies. Smashing.
The Kinilaw is a must try. It’s an amberjack Filipino ceviche that will literally rock your world.
Communication between the front and back of the house has markedly impoved since their frenzied opening several months ago. Which means it’s a great time to go.
This is the coolest little ramen noodle house to hit town and with my old pal Tatsu-san at the helm (formerly from Imperia) I would expect nothing less.
The Ton-Katsu Orignal is a simple yet wonderfully compelling dish.What’s wrong with pork bellies, tasty broth, and those addictive noodles? Absolutely nothing.
My favorites: any noodle dish on the menu actually. The stories about two hour waits are exaggerated: ours was about 5 minutes and worth every one of them. Very affordable as well.
What’s not to like a place that let’s convention fly in the face of kick-ass creativity? Gordough’s is a confectionery like no other. So you wanted Fried Chicken on a luscious donut? Then try the Mother Chucker. How about a bacon smothered donut (The Flying Pig)? No problem and it’s friggin’ awesome.
Then there is the Fat Elvis. Well I’ll let you and your cardiologist figure that one out!
Exception here. Imperia is not a new restaurant, but they have a new chef (Ian Kokeler) and a new menu and it is blissfully good. The Edamame Potstickers are insanely good and there is a new dish that bowls me over: Seared Foie Gras atop Sticky Rice. Say no more. Just enjoy.
Also love the Pork Belly Steamed Buns. As good as you would expect a perfect rendition of this classic to be.
