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November 2009
‘Yes We’re Open’ Report #7
• Open: Red’s Porch, a restaurant billing itself as ‘half Cajun, half Tex-Mex, half Southern’ at 3508 South Lamar Blvd. 440-7337, www.redsporch.com.
• Open: Izumi, a West Lake Hills sushi restaurant and grill at 701 S. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360), No. 550. 328-3333, www.sushiizumi.com.
• Open: A fourth location of Torchy’s Tacos at 4301 William Cannon Drive. 514-076, www.torchystacos.com.
• Open: Frank’s Franks, a hot dog stand at 815 Main St., Bastrop. 512-788-5362, www.franksrocks.com.
• On the way: Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, a specialty cheese shop at 4220 Duval St. Owners Kendall and John Antonelli hope to open the store by late January 2010. www.antonellischeese.com.
• Closed: The Ben & Jerry’s ice cream location in West Lake Hills at 701 S. Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360), No. 580.
(American-Statesman photos by Mike Sutter)
Trailer Treasure: Man Bites Dog
Update 3/13/12: New locations at 5222 Burnet Road and 3005 South Lamar Blvd
After a visit to Chicago, Texas native Jeremiah Allen noticed that hot dog stands were underrepresented in Austin’s food culture. To remedy this, Allen opened Man Bites Dog on Nov. 14 in the South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery.
Now Austinites can enjoy hot dog creations from a traditional chili cheese dog to a more refined Italian Stallion (Italian sausage wrapped in pepperoni with provolone and marinara sauce), all from the same trailer.
Man Bites Dog offers 12 special hot dogs, both classic and quirky. The Bird Dog, one of Allen’s personal favorites, features chicken sausage with a sweet corn relish and pesto mayo. For a sandwich-inspired dog, there’s the Reuben — a Vienna beef frank with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing. For anybody who wants a more sophisticated bite, the Chicken and Brie dog served with mango chutney will do the trick.
There’s also the option to build your own, with a choice of franks, veggies, cheeses, sauces and relishes. Vegetarians can delight in a huge and hearty Where’s the Beef? dog (pictured above) served with smoky vegetarian chili, cheddar cheese and diced onions. All dogs range from $4 to $6 and are big enough to be fork-and-knife affairs.
But that doesn’t mean the bun should be ignored; the kolache buns are soft and sweet, serving as more than just a hot dog holder.
Man Bites Dog also sells baked beans, cole slaw and chips for sides and a choice of Sweet Leaf teas, sodas and bottled water to help wash that dog down. After ordering, Allen is happy to bring your food to your picnic table, giving you a Chicago-inspired dog with a side of Southern hospitality.
5222 Burnet Road, 614-1330 & 3005 South Lamar, 215-0422, www.manbitesdogaustin.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
(American-Statesman photos by Amira Jensen)
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Gifts with taste: Quivira wine, Corzo tequila
• From the Dry Creek Valley of California’s Sonoma wine region comes a line of preserves, honey and olive oil cultivated on the same land that produces Quivira Vineyards sauvignon blanc, zinfandel and other wines.
The figs in Quivira’s honey-fig preserves, for example, come from a 130-year-old tree that grows among the grapevines, and its olive oil is pressed from olives grown on the estate. Is it psychosomatic that they carry a back note of sweet, floral grape character? Decide for yourself. Wine and food products available through www.quivirawine.com and 800-292-8339. Prices range from $12-$15 for honey and preserves to $22 for olive oil.
• Contemporary design has its perks, even for tequila drinkers. Corzo, a 100 percent agave tequila in slim, rectangular bottles, is offering free personalized metal gift labels to slide onto its bottles of silver, reposado and anejo tequilas. The labels accept up to three lines of text with 18 characters per line, enough to say, “Happy Holidays, Dad” or to carry my favorite frozen-margarita recipe: “Blender margs: 6 oz frz limeade, tripsec, tequila.” Order the labels online, with four- to six-day delivery, at www.corzo.com/labels. Rush orders available at 972-422-9420. Corzo is available locally at Spec’s and Twin Liquors and carries a suggested price from $48 to $57.
(Quivira photo by Mike Sutter; tequila photo courtesy of Corzo)
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AAA names Four Diamond winners in Texas
For the second year in a row, the same six Austin restaurants have won Four Diamond Awards from the travel services company AAA.
The Driskill Grill, the Hill Country Dining Room at Barton Creek Resort, Jeffrey’s, Restaurant Jezebel, III Forks and Trio at the Four Seasons Hotel took the honor for 2010, repeating last year’s rating, which is based on creativity and complexity of the menu, waitstaff, wine service and ambiance.
In Texas, 37 restaurants won the award, including Abacus and Bolla in Dallas, Christopher’s World Grille in Bryan, the Republic in College Station, Quattro and the Remington in Houston and Las Canarias in San Antonio.
Only one Texas restaurant won a a Five Diamond rating, the French Room in Dallas.
For the national list, follow this AAA link.
AUSTIN
• Hill Country Dining Room
• III Forks
• Jeffrey’s
• Restaurant Jezebel
• The Driskill Grill
• Trio
BRYAN
• Christopher’s World Grille
COLLEGE STATION
• The Republic
CORPUS CHRISTI
• Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
DALLAS
• Abacus
• Aurora Maison de Cuisine
• Bolla at the Stoneleigh Hotel & Spa
• Dragonfly
• Fearing’s
• Hotel St. Germain
• Nana
• Pyramid Restaurant & Bar
• Rosewood Mansion On Turtle Creek Restaurant
• The Landmark Restaurant
• The Old Warsaw
GALVESTON
• Shearn’s Restaurant
• The Steakhouse
HOUSTON
• Noe Restaurant & Bar
• Quattro
• The Remington Restaurant
• Tony’s
IRVING
• Cafe on the Green
MONTGOMERY
• Chez Roux
SAN ANTONIO
• Antlers Lodge
• Bohanan’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
• Citrus
• Fig Tree Restaurant
• Francesca’s at Sunset
• Las Canarias Restaurant
• Le Reve
• The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills
WASHINGTON
• The Inn at Dos Brisas
(American-Statesman photos of Trio, Jeffrey’s and the Hill Country Dining Room)
Thanksgiving restaurants, with extra Luby’s
One pathetic Thursday in my dorm room at the University of Texas, my Thanksgiving dinner consisted of pork-and-beans and half a loaf of white bread.
Everything within walking distance was closed, and there was no Internet to guide me beyond the Forty Acres. Let me save you from that dismal fate.
Here’s a list of restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner, some by reservation, some first-come, first-served. If you’ve waited this long, your chances for reservations might be slim. Here are two last-minute options, no reservations required.
LUBY’S
From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (4 p.m. at the mall locations), the cafeteria chain will serve a dinner of sliced turkey or ham, cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, two sides, a roll, and dessert for $11.99 (see the photo above).
Austin
• 1616 E. Oltorf St. 442-3785.
• 13817 U.S. 183 N. 335-6646.
• 8176 N. MoPac Blvd. (Loop 1). 346-6040.
• 5200 Brodie Lane. 892-0297.
• 1410 E. Anderson Lane. 835-9454.
San Marcos
• 200 Interstate 35 N. 512-392-7100.
Round Rock
• 2000 Interstate 35 S. 512-388-4068.
THREADGILL’S
From 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., the semi-official chuckwagon of Austin weirdness will serve Thanksgiving standards plus many of Threadgill’s chicken-fried favorites and creative vegetable sides. Turkey with cornbread dressing and two vegetables is $12.95. Two locations:
• 6416 N. Lamar Blvd, 451-5440.
• 301 W. Riverside Drive, 472-9304.
ALSO:
• The Bakehouse Restaurant (5404 Manchaca Road, 443-5167, www.austinbakehouse.com): An all-you-can-eat dinner with table service. Turkey, ham, squash casserole, yams, fresh breads, pumpkin pie and more. $14.95. 10:30 a.m. to midnight.
• Cannoli Joe’s (4715 W. U.S. 290. 892-4444, www.cannolijoes.com): Buffet includes turkey, pumpkin gnocchi, turkey cacciatore, candied yams, pumpkin cheesecake and its regular Italian dishes. $17.99, $5.99 for children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Carillon (AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave., 404-3689, www.meetattexas.com): Buffet features charcuterie, cheeses, smoked fish, roasted turkey, sourdough dressing, smoked duck pozole and more. $36.95, $16.95 for children 12 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cool River Cafe (4001 W. Parmer Lane, 835-0010, www.coolrivercafe.com): Four-course dinner with soup salad, turkey with traditional sides and pumpkin or pecan pie. $34.95, $14.95 for children younger than 12. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Cru: A Wine Bar (238 W. Second St. 472-9463; 11410 Century Oaks Terrace at the Domain. 339-9463; www.cruawinebar.com): Three-course dinner. Appetizer choices include sweet-potato tortelloni and lamb tamales. Among the main courses are turkey, beef tenderloin, lamb, or salmon. Dessert options include pumpkin pie and chocolate lava cake. $32, half-price for children younger than 12. Noon to 9 p.m.
• European Bistro (111 E. Main St., Pflugerville, 512-835-1919, www.european-bistro.com): Choices on a five-course menu include smoked salmon, cream of asparagus soup, stuffed turkey, lamb, jagerschnitzel, wienerschnitzel, and lamb plus a European torte for dessert. $40. A la carte menu also available. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Available through Sunday.
• Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant (834 Kramer Lane. 490-1426, www.fortuneaustin.com): Full dim sum cart service. Prices vary. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 685-8300, www.fourseasons.com): Buffet options include salads, pastas, pastries, pates, crab claws, sushi, roasted turkey, prime rib, wild-mushroom dressing and desserts. $75 at Trio, $68 in the ballroom, $20 children 6-11, free for children 5 and younger. 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Hoover’s Cooking (above)(2002 Manor Road, 479-5006; 13376 Reasearch Blvd., No. 400, 335-0300, www.hooverscooking.com): Holiday dinner includes one of six entrees — roasted turkey, Cajun pork roast, ham, jerk chicken, smoked sirloin, vegetarian — plus traditional sides. $15.99. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hudson’s on the Bend (3509 RM 620 N., 266-1369, www.hudsonsonthebend.com): Special Thanksgiving menu of Hudson’s standards plus ancho-cured pecan-smoked turkey and pumpkin cake with caramel frosting. A la carte pricing. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Bastrop. 512-308-4860): Buffet including turkey, ham, oysters, omelets and a dessert bar. $47, $23.50 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Hyde Park Bar & Grill (4260 Duval St., 458-3168; 4521 Westgate Blvd., 899-2700; www.hydeparkbarandgrill.com): A thanksgiving dinner special includes turkey, herbed cornbread dressing, green beans, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, soup or salad and a soft drink. $16.95, $10.95 children 10 and younger. Vegetarian $12.95. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• La Madeleine (701 S. Capital of Texas Highway S, Suite G, 306-1998; 5493 Brodie Lane, 287-4081; 9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 650, 502-2474; 4401 N. Interstate 35, #2005, 512-863-0889; www.lamadeleine.com ): A menu of French-inspired options, plus turkey dishes, including a $9.99 sampler plate. A la carte pricing. Morning opening times vary from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and they’re open until 2 p.m. that day.
• McCormick & Schmick’s (11600 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 100 in the Domain, 836-0500; 401 Congress Ave., 236-9600, www.mccormickandschmicks.com): Three-course turkey dinner with traditional sides and dessert. $22.95. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Domain, noon to 9 p.m. downtown.
• Omni Austin Hotel (700 San Jacinto Blvd., 476-3700, www.omnihotels.com): Brunch buffet with breakfast dishes, shrimp, smoked salmon, crab claws, prime rib, roasted turkey with Thanksgiving sides and a dessert buffet. $36, $25 seniors, $18 children 5-12, free for 4 and younger. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Renaissance Austin Hotel (9721 Arboretum Blvd., 343-2626, www.renaissancehotels.com/aussh): Brunch buffet. $47, $18 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Shoreline Grill (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 477-3300, www.shorelinegrill.com): A special menu with seafood specialties as well as butternut squash and roasted turkey dishes. A la carte pricing. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• SWB (208 Barton Springs Road in the Hyatt Regency Austin hotel, 480-2035, www.austin.hyatt.com): Buffet with complimentary champagne. Choices include pates, cheeses, crab legs, shrimp, sushi, breakfast favorites, sea bass, prime rib, turkey and desserts. $52, $27 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• T.G.I. Friday’s (111 E. Cesar Chavez St., 478-2991, www.tgifridays.com): The Lady Bird Lake location of the chain is offering a brunch buffet with turkey, beef, ham, pastas, omelets, desserts and more. $24.95, $10.95 for children younger than 12. 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• III Forks (111 Lavaca St. 474-1776, www.iiiforks.com): Options for the four-course meal include tomato-basil soup, III Forks salad, roasted turkey, Chateaubriand, pumpkin pie cake and bourbon pecan pie. $42.95, $14.95 for children younger than 12. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ALSO ALSO:
• Kerbey Lane Cafe South (all day, regular menu).
• Lakeway Resort and Spa brunch and dinner. Brunch menu here.
• The Cedar Door will be open at 6 p.m. with a limited menu.
(American-Statesman photo)
Firefighters’ Thanksgiving: German Chocolate Cake
From Denise Gamino’s story in Monday’s Food & Life section on how the firefighters of Austin Fire Station 18 celebrate Thanksgiving, here’s the full recipe for Melissa Eads’ German Chocolate Cake, including the Pecan Praline filling. Enjoy.
German Chocolate Cake From Cakeism’s Melissa Eads, wife of firefighter Tyler Eads.
Cake:
4 large eggs (divided)
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup boiling water
4 oz. German’s sweet baking chocolate (finely chopped)
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 9-inch-by-2-inch round pans.
Separate eggs; set aside. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda; set aside.
Combine boiling water and chocolate, stir until chocolate is melted; set aside.
Combine sour cream and vanilla; set aside.
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beat on high speed until lightened in color and texture. Beat in egg yolks one at a time.
Add melted chocolate mixture and beat just until incorporated.
Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with sour cream mixture in 2 parts (beginning and ending with flour mixture). In separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until the peaks are stiff but not dry.
Carefully fold egg whites into batter.
Divide batter among pans and bake until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean (25 to 30 minutes).
Pecan Praline Filling:
1 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
3 large egg yolks
8 Tbsp. (one stick) unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
1 1/2 cups flaked, sweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Combine sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks and butter in saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until thick and bubbling. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 more minutes.
Remove from heat and add coconut and pecans. Let cool until spreadable.
Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
12 oz. semisweet chocolate (chopped)
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
Place chocolate in metal or ovenproof glass bowl; set aside.
Heat cream in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until it just starts to boil. Remove cream immediately from heat and pour it over the chocolate.
Let mixture stand for 2 to 3 minutes.
Gently stir the mixture with a wire whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and there are no noticeable traces of cream. Allow ganache to sit at room temp to cool and thicken.
Once it has cooled you may refrigerate it for a short time if needed in order to thicken it to spreading/frosting consistency.
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Five wines for Thanksgiving
Here are five Thanksgiving medal contenders from Vino Vino (4119 Guadalupe St., 465-9282, www.vinovinotx.com), with commentary from Jeff Courington, who owns the shop along with Kelly Bell.
For even more options, drop by Vino Vino on Saturday (Nov. 21) from 1 to 3 p.m. for a free in-store tasting of 30 Thanksgiving wines.
• Can Feixes Spanish white ($24): “Elegant forward fruit with great acidity.”
• Kuentz-Bas Alsace white from France ($22): A blend of pinot gris, pinot blanc gewurztraminer grapes. “An all-in-one wine, with moderate alcohol, bright acidity and minerality.”
• Chateau de Trinquevedel Tavel rose from France ($30): Mourvedre and grenache grapes. “Dry, with strawberry fruit.”
• Givry Les Bois Chevaux Domaine Thenard Bourgogne, a red from France ($36): “Pinot noir from France is very lean. Wild raspberry with a lot of terroir.”
• Chateau Famaey Cahors Malbec, a red from France ($24): “Intensely dark, rich and rounded. Very well-balanced.”
(American-Statesman photo by Jay Janner)
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Bad service stories: ‘Ma’am’ and other four-letter words
In today’s review of Justine’s, the justifiably smoking-hot French brasserie on East Fifth Street, I found so much to like. And then I got called out for using what we in Texas call ‘manners.’ Others disagree. Read this excerpt and tell me what you think:
But there were service issues on the patio. The outdoor table still carried a day’s worth of grit and dirt when we sat down. Then the waitress scolded me for saying, ‘Yes, ma’am.’
How colossally inconsiderate of me. We laughed about it, awkwardly. But nobody was kidding, not really.
‘For anybody under 30, that’s really insulting,’ she said. ‘Really insulting’? Unless I’m calling you names we can’t print in the paper, ma’am, consider keeping your twenty-something indignation to yourself.
I’ve called people ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’ my whole life. It’s a term of respect, of courtesy. It’s how you address just about any stranger old enough to wear long pants. And it fits in nicely with my mantra: ‘Never, ever be ugly to the people who handle your food.’
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
Thanksgiving restaurants: more updates
In addition to Forklore’s earlier lists of Thanksgiving Day restaurant options, here are seven more. I’ve also reprinted the others below. Many of these are taking reservations, so call ahead for a table.
• Cool River Cafe (4001 W. Parmer Lane, 835-0010, www.coolrivercafe.com): Four-course dinner with soup salad, turkey with traditional sides and pumpkin or pecan pie. $34.95, $14.95 for children younger than 12. 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Hoover’s Cooking (above)(2002 Manor Road, 479-5006; 13376 Reasearch Blvd., No. 400, 335-0300, www.hooverscooking.com): Holiday dinner includes one of six entrees — roasted turkey, Cajun pork roast, ham, jerk chicken, smoked sirloin, vegetarian — plus traditional sides. $15.99. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• La Madeleine (701 S. Capital of Texas Highway S, Suite G, 306-1998; 5493 Brodie Lane, 287-4081; 9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 650, 502-2474; 4401 N. Interstate 35, #2005, 512-863-0889; www.lamadeleine.com ): A menu of French-inspired options, plus turkey dishes, including a $9.99 sampler plate. A la carte pricing. Morning opening times vary from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and they’re open until 2 p.m. that day.
• McCormick & Schmick’s (11600 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 100 in the Domain, 836-0500; 401 Congress Ave., 236-9600, www.mccormickandschmicks.com): Three-course turkey dinner with traditional sides and dessert. $22.95. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Domain, noon to 9 p.m. downtown.
• Renaissance Austin Hotel (9721 Arboretum Blvd., 343-2626, www.renaissancehotels.com/aussh): Brunch buffet. $47, $18 children 5-12, free for children 4 and younger. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Shoreline Grill (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 477-3300, www.shorelinegrill.com): A special menu with seafood specialties as well as butternut squash and roasted turkey dishes. A la carte pricing. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• T.G.I. Friday’s (111 E. Cesar Chavez St., 478-2991, www.tgifridays.com): The Lady Bird Lake location of the chain is offering a brunch buffet with turkey, beef, ham, pastas, omelets, desserts and more. $24.95, $10.95 for children younger than 12. 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ALSO:
• The Bakehouse Restaurant (5404 Manchaca Road, 443-5167, www.austinbakehouse.com): An all-you-can-eat dinner with table service. Turkey, ham, squash casserole, yams, fresh breads, pumpkin pie and more. $14.95. 10:30 a.m. to midnight.
• Cannoli Joe’s (4715 W. U.S. 290. 892-4444, www.cannolijoes.com): Buffet includes turkey, pumpkin gnocchi, turkey cacciatore, candied yams, pumpkin cheesecake and its regular Italian dishes. $17.99, $5.99 for children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Carillon (AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave., 404-3689, www.meetattexas.com): Buffet features charcuterie, cheeses, smoked fish, roasted turkey, sourdough dressing, smoked duck pozole and more. $36.95, $16.95 for children 12 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cru: A Wine Bar (238 W. Second St. 472-9463; 11410 Century Oaks Terrace at the Domain. 339-9463; www.cruawinebar.com): Three-course dinner. Appetizer choices include sweet-potato tortelloni and lamb tamales. Among the main courses are turkey, beef tenderloin, lamb, or salmon. Dessert options include pumpkin pie and chocolate lava cake. $32, half-price for children younger than 12. Noon to 9 p.m.
• European Bistro (111 E. Main St., Pflugerville, 512-835-1919, www.european-bistro.com): Choices on a five-course menu include smoked salmon, cream of asparagus soup, stuffed turkey, lamb, jagerschnitzel, wienerschnitzel, and lamb plus a European torte for dessert. $40. A la carte menu also available. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Available through Sunday.
• Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant (834 Kramer Lane. 490-1426, www.fortuneaustin.com): Full dim sum cart service. Prices vary. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 685-8300, www.fourseasons.com): Buffet options include salads, pastas, pastries, pates, crab claws, sushi, roasted turkey, prime rib, wild-mushroom dressing and desserts. $75 at Trio, $68 in the ballroom, $20 children 6-11, free for children 5 and younger. 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Hudson’s on the Bend (3509 RM 620 N., 266-1369, www.hudsonsonthebend.com): Special Thanksgiving menu of Hudson’s standards plus ancho-cured pecan-smoked turkey and pumpkin cake with caramel frosting. A la carte pricing. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Bastrop. 512-308-4860): Buffet including turkey, ham, oysters, omelets and a dessert bar. $47, $23.50 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Hyde Park Bar & Grill (4260 Duval St., 458-3168; 4521 Westgate Blvd., 899-2700; www.hydeparkbarandgrill.com): A thanksgiving dinner special includes turkey, herbed cornbread dressing, green beans, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, soup or salad and a soft drink. $16.95, $10.95 children 10 and younger. Vegetarian $12.95. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Omni Austin Hotel (700 San Jacinto Blvd., 476-3700, www.omnihotels.com): Brunch buffet with breakfast dishes, shrimp, smoked salmon, crab claws, prime rib, roasted turkey with Thanksgiving sides and a dessert buffet. $36, $25 seniors, $18 children 5-12, free for 4 and younger. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• SWB (208 Barton Springs Road in the Hyatt Regency Austin hotel, 480-2035, www.austin.hyatt.com): Buffet with complimentary champagne. Choices include pates, cheeses, crab legs, shrimp, sushi, breakfast favorites, sea bass, prime rib, turkey and desserts. $52, $27 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Threadgill’s (6416 N. Lamar Blvd, 451-5440; 301 W. Riverside Drive, 472-9304, www.threadgills.com): Thanksgiving standards plus many of Threadgrill’s chicken-fried favorites and innovative vegetable sides. A la carte pricing. 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• III Forks (left) (111 Lavaca St. 474-1776, www.iiiforks.com): Options for the four-course meal include tomato-basil soup, III Forks salad, roasted turkey, Chateaubriand, pumpkin pie cake and bourbon pecan pie. $42.95, $14.95 for children younger than 12. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ALSO ALSO:
• Bodhi Eco Cafe (12801 Shops Parkway, Suite 200, Bee Cave, 402-0033): They’re not open Thanksgiving Day, but the shop is taking orders for organic, vegetarian Thanksgiving standards to be picked up the Wednesday before: stuffed pumpkin, apple-pecan stuffing, vegan pumpkin pie and more.
(American-Statesman photo by Ralph Barrera)
Check the halls: Restaurants at Christmas
Let’s embrace the early onset of Holiday Disease and ask who’s open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
If your restaurant is open either day, please send me an e-mail with the days, the hours, special menu options and prices. Include your address, phone number, and Web site, and I’ll start posting these early and often online and in print.
Click here to see the Thanksgiving list.
One Dish Wonders: Mr. Natural
Lunch special ($7.25) and a small agua fresca ($1.25)
From the outside, Mr. Natural looks like little more than a small vegetarian cafe next to a yoga studio, with painted windows that welcome you to try its juice bar and soy ice cream. Inside, though, you realize everything — the cafe, the health foods store and yoga studio — are connected, making Mr. Natural a destination for both physical and mental health.
The restaurant side is cafeteria style, just like the school days. Even the seasonal decor might remind you of your elementary school cafeteria, with bright orange pumpkins lining the back wall and Thanksgiving-themed decals adorning the windows.
But instead of chicken nuggets and rectangular slices of pizza, Mr. Natural offers completely vegetarian breakfasts, pastries and Mexican dishes. The menu is expansive, ranging from wheat waffle breakfasts to chile rellenos to cherry pies and pumpkin empanadas for dessert.
Walking down the line, you’ll notice the colorful row of aguas frescas with enticing fruit flavors like cantaloupe and watermelon and the more unusual barley-horchata and pineapple-spinach.
And before you get to the register, the strategically placed bake case begs you to pick a gingerbread cookie or chocolate chip muffin for dessert.
One of the best deals is the daily lunch special, which includes a main dish, a salad and two sides. For a main dish, the cheese enchiladas and vegetable enchiladas are a good standby, but if you’re looking for something more unusual, try the vegetarian Milanesa. This wheat-protein version of the thin steak common to Mexican, Italian and German cooking, is breaded and fried like the real deal.
The options for sides include basics like Mexican rice taken to another level with peas, carrots and lima beans. Another side, a black bean and tofu gordita in a palm-sized blue cornmeal mash, is filling but tasteless, needing a little cheese or sauce to add flavor. Slightly tart nopalitos (strips of cactus) are served in a mildly spicy sauce and taste similar to green beans.
Mr. Natural offers the usual spinach salad, but its carrot salad is one of the best options. The shaved carrots and coconut are sweetened even more with raisins and tiny chunks of pineapple, like a delicious and healthy dessert. Or you can try the pineapple-spinach agua fresca. If the dark green color doesn’t weird you out, the drink is refreshing and sweet.
On the other side of the restaurant is a fairly typical health-food store, its aisles filled with vitamins and herbal elixirs plus organic groceries and foods for people with special dietary needs.
Mr. Natural also sells packages of its own granola, cinnamon and pecan cookies, as well as puffed amaranth — a gluten-free seed full of protein that can be eaten as cereal or used in recipes. Mr. Natural also offers meditation and hatha yoga classes for beginners and seniors three times a week in its meditation room. And after class, you can reward yourself with a vegan Bavarian cream cone.
1901 E. Cesar Chavez St. 477-5228. Also at 2414 S. Lamar Blvd. 916-9223, www.mrnatural-austin.com. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
(American-Statesman photos by Amira Jensen)
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‘Yes We’re Open’ Report #6
• Open: Man Bites Dog, a hot dog stand the South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery at 1311 S. First St. www.manbitesdogaustin.com.
• Open: Aunt Julie’s Steakhouse and Country Kitchen, open daily with hand-cut steaks, chicken-fried steaks, baby-back ribs and weekend breakfasts from the same people who own Little Red Wagon Hamburgers and Tio Dan Puffy Tacos. 1208 N. Interstate 35, Suite 2, Round Rock. 246-1144.
• On the way: Twin Liquors Marketplace has scheduled grand opening events Friday and Saturday at its new store in the Hill Country Galleria, 3925 Market St., Bee Cave. 402.0060, www.twinliquors.com.
• Moved: Sushi A-Go-Go, a sushi trailer, to 4001 Medical Parkway. 560-1655, www.sushi-a-go-go-austin.com.
• Moved: Moo Moo’s Mini Burgers, a burger trailer, to 1210 Barton Springs Road.
• Moved: Holy Cacao, a dessert trailer specializing in cake balls, to the South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery at 1311 S. First St. 323-6671, www.theholycacao.com.
• Closed for the season: Bananarchy, a frozen dessert trailer at 1210 Barton Springs Road.
• Closed: Hangtown Grill at 5800 Burnet Road.
• Closed: The Texas French Bread location at 3213 Red River St. A note at www.texasfrenchbread.com says, ‘We decided to really get serious and focus on our nighttime bistro business’ at the 2900 Rio Grande St. location.
• Closed: Burger House at 4211 Spicewood Springs Road.
• Closed: T.G.I. Friday’s at the Arboretum, 1000 Research Blvd.
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
Thanksgiving restaurants, updated
A host of Austin restaurants and hotels will be there to do the cooking (and cleaning) for you on Thanksgiving Day. Many of these are taking reservations, so call ahead. Or, as more than one reader has suggested, just head to a Luby’s cafeteria. And look for more updates here on Forklore.
• The Bakehouse Restaurant (5404 Manchaca Road, 443-5167, www.austinbakehouse.com): An all-you-can-eat dinner with table service. Turkey, ham, squash casserole, yams, fresh breads, pumpkin pie and more. $14.95. 10:30 a.m. to midnight.
• Cannoli Joe’s (above) (4715 W. U.S. 290. 892-4444, www.cannolijoes.com): Buffet includes turkey, pumpkin gnocchi, turkey cacciatore, candied yams, pumpkin cheesecake and its regular Italian dishes. $17.99, $5.99 for children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Carillon (AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave., 404-3689, www.meetattexas.com): Buffet features charcuterie, cheeses, smoked fish, roasted turkey, sourdough dressing, smoked duck pozole and more. $36.95, $16.95 for children 12 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cru: A Wine Bar (238 W. Second St. 472-9463; 11410 Century Oaks Terrace at the Domain. 339-9463; www.cruawinebar.com): Three-course dinner. Appetizer choices include sweet-potato tortelloni and lamb tamales. Among the main courses are turkey, beef tenderloin, lamb, or salmon. Dessert options include pumpkin pie and chocolate lava cake. $32, half-price for children younger than 12. Noon to 9 p.m.
• European Bistro (111 E. Main St., Pflugerville, 512-835-1919, www.european-bistro.com): Choices on a five-course menu include smoked salmon, cream of asparagus soup, stuffed turkey, lamb, jagerschnitzel, wienerschnitzel, and lamb plus a European torte for dessert. $40. A la carte menu also available. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Available through Sunday.
• Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant (834 Kramer Lane. 490-1426, www.fortuneaustin.com): Full dim sum cart service. Prices vary. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 685-8300, www.fourseasons.com): Buffet options include salads, pastas, pastries, pates, crab claws, sushi, roasted turkey, prime rib, wild-mushroom dressing and desserts. $75 at Trio, $68 in the ballroom, $20 children 6-11, free for children 5 and younger. 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Hudson’s on the Bend (3509 RM 620 N., 266-1369, www.hudsonsonthebend.com): Special Thanksgiving menu of Hudson’s standards plus ancho-cured pecan-smoked turkey and pumpkin cake with caramel frosting. A la carte pricing. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Bastrop. 512-308-4860): Buffet including turkey, ham, oysters, omelets and a dessert bar. $47, $23.50 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Hyde Park Bar & Grill (4260 Duval St., 458-3168; 4521 Westgate Blvd., 899-2700; www.hydeparkbarandgrill.com): A thanksgiving dinner special includes turkey, herbed cornbread dressing, green beans, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes, soup or salad and a soft drink. $16.95, $10.95 children 10 and younger. Vegetarian $12.95. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Omni Austin Hotel (700 San Jacinto Blvd., 476-3700, www.omnihotels.com): Brunch buffet with breakfast dishes, shrimp, smoked salmon, crab claws, prime rib, roasted turkey with Thanksgiving sides and a dessert buffet. $36, $25 seniors, $18 children 5-12, free for 4 and younger. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• SWB (208 Barton Springs Road in the Hyatt Regency Austin hotel, 480-2035, www.austin.hyatt.com): Buffet with complimentary champagne. Choices include pates, cheeses, crab legs, shrimp, sushi, breakfast favorites, sea bass, prime rib, turkey and desserts. $52, $27 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Threadgill’s (6416 N. Lamar Blvd, 451-5440; 301 W. Riverside Drive, 472-9304, www.threadgills.com): Thanksgiving standards plus many of Threadgrill’s chicken-fried favorites and innovative vegetable sides. A la carte pricing. 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• III Forks (left) (111 Lavaca St. 474-1776, www.iiiforks.com): Options for the four-course meal include tomato-basil soup, III Forks salad, roasted turkey, Chateaubriand, pumpkin pie cake and bourbon pecan pie. $42.95, $14.95 for children younger than 12. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(American-Statesman photos)
One Dish Wonders: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Enchiladas de Espinaca ($11.50), the Rio Marg ($6.50)
By the time you find parking around the buzzing San Jacinto Boulevard district to get to Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, chances are your hunger will have grown exponentially.
You’ll be thankful for the chips and salsa immediately brought to your table, and you won’t mind that the guitar player covering U2 makes it challenging to hear the person beside you, because after all, your mouth is too full to respond.
Rio Grande’s decor is lively and full of character, with little pineapple-shaped lamps hanging from the exposed-pipe ceiling to illuminate the bar and cozy booths. The walls are decorated with beautiful Mexican tiles in shades of brown, orange and blue, and above is a large tree branch wrapped with white Christmas lights.
Despite the ornate restaurant, the menu itself is simple. It relies on the quality of the Tex-Mex trifecta: fajitas, enchiladas and tacos.
The Enchiladas de Espinaca exemplifies how tasty simplicity can be. The blue corn tortillas are stuffed with spinach, red onion and yellow squash and covered in a creamy tomatillo sauce that adds a tang to each bite. Like most enchiladas, these are cheesy and rich, but the sides of rice and black beans help balance the meal out.
The proportion is a little awkward: too little to take leftovers home, but too big for one meal, especially if you opt to have one the restaurant’s margaritas. The Rio Marg, served in a goblet-like glass, is strong. Delicious and strong. After having one, you might think that the limit of three is surprisingly generous.
301 San Jacinto Blvd. 476-8300, www.rioaustin.com.
(American-Statesman photos by Amira Jensen)
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WingZone, Benihana and Applebee’s honor veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, active-duty military and veterans can eat for free Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. at WingZone, 907 W. 24th Street, and from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Austin and San Antonio Benihana restaurants owned by Austinite Brad Meltzer (9070 Research Blvd. in Austin and 8342 Interstate 10 West in San Antonio).
Applebee’s is also offering a free entree to active-duty military and veterans.
Trailer Treasure: Lulu B’s
Trailers come and go, but Lulu B’s has staked a hardier claim than most to its patch of ground next to a tire shop on South Lamar Boulevard.
You’ve passed this spot before and probably missed it, the one thing catching your eye being a red square with elegant lowercase script. In small type underneath that Lulu B’s logo block are the words ‘Vietnamese sandwiches,’ and that’s where the adventure starts.
At $4.50, a banh mi sandwich here starts with a robust, chewy baguette and a shower of crunch and color: carrot, daikon, cucumber, green pepper, cilantro. It ends with grilled, barbecued or lemongrass-style pork or chicken, with avocado and tofu vegetarian options.
Chinese barbecued pork is slightly sweet with a crisp char. Lemongrass chicken is tender white meat with a subtle herb flavor. Both are filling and satisfying in a way no $5 footlong can match, especially under shade trees on a dappled fall afternoon.
Along with sandwiches, the menu at Lulu B’s includes vermicelli bowls ($6), summer rolls ($3.50 for two), smoothies ($4) and Vietnamese coffee ($2.50), hot or cold with dark-roast coffee and the silky richness of sweetened condensed milk, a kick-start for the rest of the day.
The vermicelli bowls feature herbs, raw cucumber and the same protein choices as the sandwiches, layered generously over soft, cold vermicelli noodles, with a side of tangy-sweet fish sauce. Arranged like a salad in a square plastic box, the ‘bowls’ work best tossed together to get the same layered effect you’d get in a restaurant. My guests ordered well-seared grilled pork but declined the crushed peanuts on top. I’d suggest keeping them in place for a deeper flavor profile.
Service at Lulu B’s is limited to your time at the window: ordering and picking up. The wait between those two transactions can feel like a stretch, but there’s a convivial, al fresco joy to the journey, if you have the time, a book or like several of our fellow trailer travelers that day, a dog.
2113 S. Lamar Blvd. 921-4828, www.myspace.com/lulubssandwiches. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
(American-Statesman photos by Mike Sutter)
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‘Yes We’re Open’ Report #5
• Open: Snack Bar, a diner-by-day, lounge-by-night that specializes in local and organic breakfasts, burgers, tacos and salads at 1224 S. Congress Ave. 445-2626, www.snackbaraustin.com.
• Open: Two Hot Mamas Grill, a fast-casual Latin restaurant behind the Compass Bank in Lakeway. Owner Genevieve Thompson says she’s taking inspiration from her Spanish and Mexican roots in her menu. “So it’s not your typical Mexican food,” she says. 2418 S. RM 620. 547-2249.
• Closed: WeFuse, a bento-style Japanese cafe at 120 E. Fourth St.
• Closed: Ms. B’s, a New Orleans-style cafe at 8105 Mesa Drive.
• Closed: La Madeleine, an outlet of the French fast-service cafe at 3418 N. Lamar Blvd.
(American-Statesman photo by Addie Broyles)
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Thanksgiving at Austin restaurants
The November issue of Bon Appetit magazine dedicated its “Hot Ten” list to restaurant Thanksgiving spots, and Austin’s Driskill Grill (604 Brazos St. 391-7162, www.driskillgrill.com) made the cut:
“At this beloved farm-to-table treasure, free-range hot smoked turkey wows with quince puree and sourdough sage stuffing. There is lobster on the menu for those who don’t need the usual turkey.”
Here are a few more Austin restaurant options for Thanksgiving Day, which is Nov. 26. I’ll add to this list as more places roll in.
• Cannoli Joe’s (4715 U.S. 290 W., 892-4444, www.cannolijoes.com): Buffet includes turkey, pumpkin gnocchi, turkey cacciatore, candied yams, pumpkin cheesecake and its regular Italian dishes. $17.99, $5.99 for children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Carillon (AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave., 404-3689, www.meetattexas.com): Buffet features charcuterie, cheeses, smoked fish, roasted turkey, sourdough dressing, smoked duck pozole and more. $36.95, $16.95 for children 12 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cru: A Wine Bar (238 W. Second St., 472-9463; 11410 Century Oaks Terrace at the Domain, 339-9463; www.cruawinebar.com): Three-course dinner. Appetizer choices include sweet-potato tortelloni and lamb tamales. Among the main courses are turkey, beef tenderloin, lamb, or salmon. Dessert options include pumpkin pie and chocolate lava cake. $32, half-price for children younger than 12. Noon to 9 p.m.
• Fortune Chinese Seafood Restaurant (834 Kramer Lane, 490-1426, www.fortuneaustin.com): Full dim sum cart service. Prices vary. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Four Seasons Hotel Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd., 685-8300, www.fourseasons.com): Buffet options include salads, pastas, pastries, pates, crab claws, sushi, roasted turkey, prime rib, wild-mushroom dressing and desserts. $75 at Trio, $68 in the ballroom, $20 children 6-11, free for children 5 and younger. 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines (575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road, Lost Pines, 512-308-4860): Buffet including turkey, ham, oysters, omelets and a dessert bar. $47, $23.50 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• SWB (208 Barton Springs Road in the Hyatt Regency Austin hotel, 480-2035, www.austin.hyatt.com): Buffet with complimentary champagne. Choices include pates, cheeses, crab legs, shrimp, sushi, breakfast favorites, sushi, sea bass, prime rib, turkey and desserts. $52, $27 children 4-12, free for 3 and younger. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• III Forks (111 Lavaca St., 474-1776, www.iiiforks.com): Options for the four-course meal include tomato-basil soup, III Forks salad, roasted turkey, Chateaubriand, pumpkin pie cake and bourbon pecan pie. $42.95, $14.95 for children younger than 12. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
25 Great Dishes: Coffee-rubbed New York Strip at the Carillon
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the paper today (Nov. 6). Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
READ THE 4-STAR REVIEW OF THE CARILLON HERE.
There are almost too many players in this dish from Josh Watkins, chef of the Colosseum-sized University of Texas hotel restaurant: roasted parsnips, candied garlic, mesquite syrup made in-house, caramelized lemon and thick, perfectly mid-rare slices of steak with a subtle roasty bitterness from the coffee.
But instead of tearing the dish apart, that roster of superstar ingredients makes a solid team, with the gossamer garlic as a cheerleader.
AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center at UT, 1900 University Ave. 404-3689, www.meetattexas.com.
(American-Statesman photo by Ricardo B. Brazziell)
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On the radio at KGSR
What a great Thursday morning with KGSR’s Bryan Beck, KVUE meteorologist Mark Murray and Tasty Touring blogger Jodi Bart.
We talked about the Austin360 Dining Guide, food trailers (Hat Creek, Izzoz Tacos, El Primo, Sweetie Pies), eating snails and octopus, a drink that tastes like Pine-Sol smells, restaurant service and why it’s important to stay anonymous.
If you’re curious at all to hear the segment or to see my latest disguise, see the Tasty Touring report here.
Thanks, Jodi, Bryan and Mark. Can’t wait to do it again.
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25 Great Dishes: Costillas de Puerco at La Condesa
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the Web and the paper on Friday, Nov. 6. Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
If this whole upscale Mexican street food thing doesn’t work out, La Condesa chef Rene Ortiz could always find work as a barbecue pitmaster.
Seriously, his guava-glazed Costillas de Puerco are some of the best barbecued pork ribs in a city full of pedigreed pork ribs: three generous sections with a sweet, smoky glaze and meat that falls right off the bone, plated with dense, sweet plantains and a little bit of fresh white cheese.
400-A W. Second St. 499-0300, www.lacondesaaustin.com.
(American-Statesman photo by Deborah Cannon)
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Dining Guide glitch: Too many stars
UPDATE: The stars are back in alignment. The five-star glitch has been fixed.
The good news is that the Austin360 Dining Guide is up on austin360.com. The bad news is that a coding error has awarded five stars to almost every star-rated restaurant in the “25 Great Dishes” and “100 Places” categories.
And while I’d love to have a job covering that many five-star places, I haven’t awarded a perfect five to anybody just yet. Our Web people are working to get that fixed. I’ll keep you updated.
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25 Great Dishes: Counter Burger at the Counter Cafe
The sweet, buttery bun at this retro breakfast-and-luncheonette is so big it forms a toasty halo around the beef, like a toddler trying on Granddad’s porkpie hat.
Draped with melted Cheddar, the Rubenesque hand-formed patty works in juicy accord with Bibb lettuce, red onion and ripe tomato for a burger that can stand with the best in town. Try it with sweet-potato fries.
626 N. Lamar Blvd. 708-8800, www.thecountercafe.com.
(American-Statesman photos by Mike Sutter)
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25 Great Dishes: Raw oysters at Parkside
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the Web and the paper on Friday, Nov. 6. Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
Raw oysters? Big deal. What does a restaurant — especially a minimalist wonder-bar and bistro like this — have to do to sell raw oysters?
You mean besides tracking down a dozen or more varieties of North American oysters daily, doing it in months with and without the letter ‘r,’ getting them shipped, cleaning the shells, shucking them and putting them on ice with horseradish and lemon?
How about making them (and champagne) half-price on Wednesdays? Done.
301 E. Sixth St. 474-9898, www.parkside-austin.com.
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
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25 Great Dishes: Nynavae’s Tacos at Somnio’s Cafe
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the Web and the paper on Friday, Nov. 6. Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
Two things come together well at the small and South Austin-funky Somnio’s: farmers’ market produce and rocking flavor.
Salads carry the names and personality tics of ‘Urban Cowboy’ characters. The waitress will open and pour the wine you bring from home. Carnivores and vegetarians get equal respect with custom stir-fry bowls.
But my kids and I fought the hardest over Nynavae’s Tacos, fresh corn tortillas folded around fried croquettes of chopped mushrooms, topped with crunchy cabbage and served with chips and fresh tomato salsa.
1807 S. First St. 442-2500, www.somnioscafe.com.
(Photo for the American-Statesman by Bret Gerbe)
Forklore on KGSR this Thursday
Thursday morning (Nov. 5) at 8:15, I’ll be on KGSR (107.1 FM) talking with host Bryan Beck and Tasty Touring blogger Jodi Bart about the Austin360 Dining Guide, proving to both of them that I have a face for radio and a personality for print.
We’ll talk about Austin’s restaurant Newcomer of the Year, some of the 25 Great Dishes I’ve enjoyed this year, a few notable comeback stories and whatever else pops up about dining out in Austin. I may or may not wear a mask.
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Free fennel feast at Sagra
The menu includes a mixed-greens salad with orange and fennel, a fennel gratinati with cheese and potatoes a seafood stew called brodetto.
First-come, first-served. Dessert is $5, and drinks will be available for sale.
1610 San Antonio St. 535-5988, www.sagraaustin.com.
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Thanksgiving out: Restaurant dinners?
Is your restaurant planning a special dinner for Thanksgiving? Please e-mail it to me so I can get the word out to people who’d rather let someone else do the cooking. msutter@statesman.com.
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25 Great Dishes: Pastrami sandwich at Walton’s Fancy and Staple
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the Web and the paper on Friday, Nov. 6. Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
A lot has been made of how actress and Austin regular Sandra Bullock is the money person behind this century-old stagecoach depot, restored and repurposed as a bakery, florist, coffeehouse and deli.
But you can’t slice fame and make a sandwich. You can, however, slice a big handful of lean pastrami and put it on some of the thickest, softest, crustiest rye bread in the city and wash it down with an artful cappuccino.
609 W. Sixth St. 542-3380, www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com.
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
Small bites: Rachael Ray, champagne, beer and charity
• Travis Poling will sign copies of his new book, “Beer Across Texas,” at the Draught House (4112 Medical Parkway) from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 7) as the Draught House celebrates its 41st anniversary.
• Music and wine personality Kermit Lynch will discuss wine and his new CD “Man’s Temptation” at Vino Vino (4119 Guadalupe St.) at 5 p.m. Monday (Nov. 9). $20. 465-9282.
• Roy’s of Austin, the Hawaiian-influenced seafood restaurant at 340 E. Second St., is hosting a five-course dinner with Moet & Chandon champagnes from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. $75. 391-1500, www.roysrestaurant.com.
• Elevation Burger, the Arboretum restaurant specializing in grass-fed beef and fries cooked in olive oil, will donate 10 percent of its proceeds through Sunday to the Junior League of Austin Fit program to supplement meals for schoolchildren. 9828 Great Hills Trail. 608-4054, www.elevationburger.com.
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Wine nights: Max’s and the Driskill
• Max’s Wine Dive at 207 San Jacinto Blvd. will host two events this weekend to raise funds for the Capital Area Food Bank.
On Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., a wine dinner will pair multiple courses of food — including a lobster crepe, foie gras, scallop, rabbit cassoulet, short ribs and poached pears — with wine for $80.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, two tasting sessions (2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.) will include chances to sample more than 100 wines for $40 per session.
A combination ticket for the dinner and one tasting session is $110. Tickets at 904-0111 or www.austincellarclassic.com.
• A Night to Remember, a fundraiser for the Texas Wine and Food Foundation, will feature a four-course dinner plus hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings from chef Jonathan Gelman, winemaker Adam Lee and wine expert Ross Outon at the Driskill Hotel at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. $100. Reservations at 249-6300.
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
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25 Great Dishes: Combination Noodle Soup at Chen’s Noodle House
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the Web and the paper on Friday, Nov. 6. Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
Zhao Chen makes noodles by carving them from a living loaf of dough into boiling water, and no two are alike. The combination soup brings together pork, tofu, egg, black mushrooms, carrot, spinach, potato and cilantro in an aromatic beef broth in a big bowl with a low price.
8650 Spicewood Springs Road. 336-8888.
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
‘Yes We’re Open’ Report #4
• Open: Geaux Burger, a hamburger shop that until last week was Austin’s only Mooyah Burgers franchise. Owner Kyle McNabb said he ended his Mooyah affiliation to add what he calls a ‘sports package,’ with TVs and beer. The menu has grown to include grilled chicken sandwiches and different sauces, including honey-mustard and buffalo. In addition to using fresh beef, Geaux Burger has contracted with Sweetish Hill for custom-baked buns, McNabb said. 9070 Research Blvd., No. 303. 380-0990.
• Open: Garlic Breath Pizza Company, a take-out and delivery pizza shop with free delivery in Round Rock and more than 40 toppings, including such unusual options as Spam, sauerkraut and Doritos. 1711 N. Mays Street, Round Rock. 255-5500.
• Open: Apothecary, a coffee shop at 4800 Burnet Road, Suite 450. 371-1600, www.apothecaryaustin.com.
• Open: Spec’s, another outlet of the beer, wine, spirits and specialty food store at 13015 Shops Parkway in the Shops at the Galleria. 263-9981. www.specsonline.com.
• Open: Sprouts Farmers’ Market, a grocery store at 2805 Bee Caves Road. 439-5782, sprouts.com.
• Closed: Cookie Lounge, a bakery at 2222 Rio Grande St.
• Closed: Baby Greens, all three locations of the locally owned salad shop. On her blog, owner Sharon Mays said, “I haven’t given up on Baby Greens. This is only the end of this chapter. One never knows what the future may bring.”
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
25 Great Dishes: Blue Pizza from House Pizzeria
It’s a toss-up between the Margherita Extra and the Blue for the most alluring pie here.
Both have a crackling-crisp thin crust with just a little bit of chew and a firm edge.
If the margherita’s fresh basil, buffalo mozzarella and sweet tomato sauce were a pizza parlor Dream Team, then the Blue’s nutty twang of Stilton and sweet-and-sour notes of the port wine sauce would be the upstart Lithuanian squad.
And I love an underdog.
5111 Airport Blvd. 600-4999, www.housepizzeria.com.
(American-Statesman photo by Mike Sutter)
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25 Great Dishes: Veggie burger from P. Terry’s
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the Web and the paper on Friday, Nov. 6. Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
Veggie burger from P. Terry’s
Finally, a veggie burger with big flavor and robust texture.
The patties are made locally from real foods, including brown rice, black beans, mushrooms, oats, bulgur wheat, cheese, eggs and spices.
The mushroom flavor comes through, but the wheat bun (worth the extra charge), lettuce, tomato, pickle and American cheese make it taste like a meal.
404 S. Lamar Blvd., 473-2217. Also at 3303 N. Lamar Blvd., 371-9975; and 4228 W. William Cannon Drive, 358-0380. www.pterrys.com.
25 Great Dishes: Hanger steak Benedict from Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
The Austin360 Dining Guide will hit the Web and the paper on Friday, Nov. 6. Here’s a preview from the 25 Great Dishes section of the guide, gleaned from more than 175 places I’ve visited in my first year as the American-Statesman’s restaurant critic.
Hanger steak Benedict from Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
What would a list like this be without a dish you can get only three hours a week?
The tightly packed and slightly unwieldy Sunday brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. is a grand tour of Lamberts’ Southern accents: deviled eggs topped with caviar, Cheddar-poblano grits, maple and coriander-crusted barbecued ribs and brown-sugar brisket.
The hanger steak Benedict is made to order, a perfect square of tender, smoky grilled beef on an English muffin, topped with a quivering poached egg ready to burst, crowned with creamy-hot Tabasco hollandaise. Save room. Stop and savor.
401 W. Second St. 494-1500, www.lambertsaustin.com.
