Austin Food Journey: Austin Dining Guide

Showing posts with label Austin Dining Guide. Show all posts

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Writer's Block Awareness Week

When I started this blog I vowed to never begin any post with the phrase, "I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while..." So, I won't say that. Besides, nine days isn't really that long, right? Hello? Where did everybody go?

Rather than make excuses, I've decided to dedicate this past week to Writer's Block awareness. Coincidentally, one of the best cures for writer's block is perusing the Official Calendar of Awareness Days. Okay, it doesn't really cure the block, but it adds another diversion to my online adventures, while giving me a full week of content to lure you back into my Google Analytics lair.

I have compiled an Austin dining guide to help you observe these important days of national awareness:

February 20 - Clam Chowder Day!
Austin is pretty far away from New England, Boston and Manhattan making it a challenge to find clam chowder. There are a few options, though.

San Francisco Bakery & Cafe - 2900 W. Anderson Lane Voted Austin's best New England chowder.
Manny Hattans - Gateway Shopping Center Serves clam chowder on Fridays and Sundays which is kind of a problem since Feb. 20 is a Saturday. You'll have to figure this out on your own. Altering time is not within the scope of my blogging responsibilities.
Quality Seafood - 5621 Airport Blvd. Serving clam chowder as the soup of day. Call and remind them that it's Clam Chowder day and they will probably make up a special batch.

February 22 - Single Tasking Day!
This is open to interpretation, but why not honor this day by hitting up Austin's one-hit-wonder restaurants. I've listed some of my favs, but if you need more ideas, check out the dish roulette feature at Dishola.com.

Etouffee at Shoal Creek Saloon 909 North Lamar
Pork Belly East Side Showroom 1100 E. 6th St.
Tenderloin Sliders Cover 3 2700 W. Anderson Ln.

February 23 - Curling Is Cool Day!
Watch the extensive Olympic coverage of the women's competition at one of these fine establishments.

Cool River Cafe - 4001 W. Parmer Ln. Cocktails, curling and cougars at Cool River. Too bad it's not Alliteration Day.
That's all I got.

February 24 - Inconvenience Yourself Day!
The three biggies when it comes to inconvenience - crowds, driving distance and expense can be met with these Austin spots.

Jack Allen's Kitchen - 7720 Hwy 71 W. Located at the Y in Oak Hill, it's a bit of a drive from Northwest Austin, but judging by the crowded bar and the hour long wait, it must be worth the inconvenience.
Justine's Brasserie - 4710 E. 5th. Drive to far east Austin, wait two hours for a table in a crowded bar and you will have paid tribute to this auspicious day. Expense-wise, it's not too bad. Unfortunately, that applies to the food, too.

February 25 - National Chili Day!
When I think chili, I think chili dogs.

Frank - 407 Colorado Choose a chili cheese dog or chili cheese waffle fries. Don't forget the cold beer.
Man Bites Dog - 1311 S. First St. Chili Cheese Dog
Texas Chili Parlor - 1409 Lavaca Pick your poison; Mild, Spicy or XXX chili. No dog.

February 26 - National Personal Chef's Day
What a great excuse to try a different type of dining experience. Austin has lots of personal chef and meal delivery services. Try one of these.

Chef Veggie - Happy and healthy eating by Cristina Carolan
Bella Food - Catering, personal chef service, and meal planning.
Urban Gourmet - Personalized menu plan and chef service

February 27 - Open That Bottle Night
Plenty of options for this one. Take your pick.

Apothecary Wine Bar - 4800 Burnet Road. A great addition to SoBur. Coffee and wine bar with wi-fi, live music and sandwiches.
Simplicity Wine & Eats - 4801 Burnet Road. Right across the street, serving wine and excellent tapas.
House Wine - 408 Josephine St. Great wine and cheese plates.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

It's Baaaack! Austin Restaurant Week Starts February 28, 2010

Woo hoo! You can have your Mardi Gras, my favorite time of year in Austin is Restaurant Week. This is the time when Austin's best restaurants offer fixed price tasting menus ranging from $15 to $35, so regular folks like me can afford fine dining at establishments that are normally out of reach.

Unlike Mardi Gras, however, restaurant week happens twice a year in Austin for a full eight days each Fall and Spring. Hosted by Rare Media, the Spring 2010 event is scheduled to start February 28, and will run from February 28 to March 3rd and March 7 to March 10th.

There are more restaurants than ever participating in Restaurant Week this time, offering more variety and affordability with plenty of lunch and dinner options. Rather than list all the participating restaurants, I'll give you a brief overview of some of my top choices.

The Carillon
$35 dinner
Located at the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center, Executive Chef Josh Watkins brings culinary artistry to American cuisine with dishes such as coral sea prawn confit and duck breast with huckleberry demiglace.

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
$15 lunch and $35 dinner
Perry’s is famous for a mouth-watering pork chop, dried, cured and roasted, then caramelized and topped with their signature herb-garlic butter sauce. There is nothing like this pork chop, which will leave you with enough leftover to feed a family of four. Perry's is offering both a lunch and a dinner tasting menu this time. The $15 lunch menu features a chopped salad, signature pork chop, and a dessert trio. The $35 dinner menu offers more choices, but I would still urge you to try the pork chop. It's one-of-a-kind.

Green Pastures
$25 dinner
An Austin institution for 60 years, Green Pasture's offers French-inspired gourmet cuisine, fresh regional specialties, and a decadent selection of our own desserts make dining a green pastures a true occasion. At just $25, the Green Pasture's tasting menu is the best value by far. Check out this review at Boots in the Oven.

Aquarelle
$35 dinner
Located in a romantic turn of the century cottage in the heart of downtown Austin Texas, Aquarelle is one of Austin's premier gourmet restaurants. Though the menu is French-inspired, Aquarelle's chefs strive to feature as many local products as are available.

Parkside
$35 dinner
Located in the heart of downtown on Austin's famous Sixth Street, Parkside's talented Head Chef, Shawn Cirkiel uses only the freshest ingredient to produce complex and unexpected flavors.

Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar
$25 and $35 dinner
A swanky, modern restaurant located in trendy SOCO, Perla’s features fish and oysters flown in daily from both coasts with an emphasis on the freshest catch from the Gulf of Mexico and simple, clean preparations. Perla's was featured as one of the Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine. If the tasting menu offers Coriander Grilled Ahi Tuna with Celery Root Puree, don't hesitate, just order it. You'll be glad you did.

How to Participate?

It's easy to participate in Austin Restaurant Week. Simply peruse the extensive list of participating restuarants on the website and look over the sample menus. After narrowing down your choices, finalize your plans by making an online reservation. Then start dreaming about the spectacular meal you'll be enjoying soon. With 5% of Restaurant Week sales benefiting the Sustainable Food Center of Austin, you can feel good about eating great.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Sweetheart Specials for Valentine's 2010

~Climb Aboard the Love Train~

Austin is a great place to be on Valentine's Day. The weather is mild, your choices are varied and with V-day falling on a Sunday this year you can enjoy an entire weekend of romance. In typical Austin fashion, the city's best restaurants are offering great specials to make your Valentine's celebration extra sweet. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Wining & Dining

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - February 14, 2010 Offering a prix-fixe menu which will include 3 courses for $54.95 for reservations 5:30pm & earlier & $69.95 for reservations after 5:30pm. 114 W 7th St. (512) 474-6300

Trio - February 14, 2010 This swanky restaurant/lounge located in the Four Seasons Hotel on Lady Bird Lake is offering a 4-course prix-fixe Valentine's menu. ($95/person) 98 San Jacinto Boulevard 512-478-4500

Driskill Hotel

February 12 & 13 Cupid's Menu. Austin's historic Driskill Hotel Grill is offering a special Cupid's menu the 2 nights leading up to Valentine's Day. The dinner includes a romantic 5 course Cupid's menu. Many courses tickle the pallet with "aphrodisiacs".

February 14, 2010 take your sweetheart to the Driskill for the His and Her 5 course dinner. The Driskill will provide roses, champagne, and truffles for each table. Each course leads you down a romantic road of flavorful combinations and subtle "aphrodisiacs". Reservations Limited: 391-7162

Finn & Porter - All weekend
Enjoy a 4-course prix-fixe menu ($65/person). Expect a variety of champagne offerings by the glass & complementary parking. 500 E. 4th St. 493-4900

Hudson's On the Bend - February 14, 2010 Enjoy inspired hill country cuisine in a romantic setting with an extravagant 6-course romantic dinner with selections to choose from. Seating is limited. $200/couple 3509 Ranch Rd 620 N 512-266-1369

Andiamo Ristorante - February 14, 2010 Have an Italian Love Affair. Valentine's fixed priced menu featuring entree choices with such romantic descriptions as...Dal Porofondo Del Cuore (From Deep in the Heart) Cupid's arrow piercing through roasted large prawns stuffed with crab meat a wrapped with potatoes intertwined in a hypnotic potion of tarragon lemonsauce...2521 Rutland Dr. 512-719-3377

Melting Pot Northwest

February 13, 2010 Dancing and Dinner with Arthur Murray Dance Studi One hour dance lesson followed by 4 course dinner. 12 pm dance lessons 1pm lunch - $110 per couple4 pm dance with 5pm dinner - $120 per couple (Dinner will be a group event in the party rooms with your new dancing friends.)
Sunday, February 14th - Noon - 11pm Noon - 4pm - Choose from any of our Four-Course Big Night Out Menus (start at $82 per couple) 4pm- 11pm - SET MENU: Cupids Combination - Choice of Cheese Fondue, Salad,Surf & Turf Entree Fondue (Lobster Tail, Filet Mignon, Marinated Shrimp, Chicken, Ravioli and Vegetables with your choice of cooking style) and choice of chocolate fondue. $130 per couple plus tax and gratuity. 13343 Research Blvd. Austin - Northwest, TX 78750 (512) 401-2424.

Austin Steam Train

February 13, Sweetheart Special Dinner Train
February 14 - Sweetheart Special Lunch Train 2/14

Celebrate Valentine's Day with dinner on board the Sweetheart Special and you'll have a date to remember! Lounge passengers enjoy a full service meal, while excursion passengers enjoy our fun buffet. Complimentary beer, wine, entertainment and a special gift for each passenger are all included in the ticket price. Price range $50-$75 (512) 477-8468.

Fall Creek Vineyard

February 13, 2010 Wine Lovers Pique Nique Luncheon with 11:30 and 1:30 seatings. French menu with Fall Creek wine pairings. $30 per person.
February 14, 2010- Wine Chocolate Pairing class with Miss Jane. 1:00 and 3:00 pm $18 per person. 1820 County Rd. 222 Tow, Texas 78672 (512) 476-4477

Central Market Cooking School - February 12, 2010 6:30 pm. $60 Sensuous Valentine Dinner with Chef Gina Burchenal. Couples prepare a romantic dinner. Menu includes:

Oysters in Champagne
Lush & Creamy Asparagus Soup
Fig, Prosciutto & Arugula Salad with Parmesan Shavings
Swiss Chard, Date & Pine Nut Stuffed Quail with Red Wine Demi-Glace & Fregula Risotto
Sumptuous Chocolate Banana Tart with Toasted Almond

Treats!

Amy's Ice Creams - Choco-Berries Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Fresh strawberries hand-dipped in dark, Belgian Callebaut chocolate, then drizzled in white chocolate. Packaged in whimsical pink cartons. $16/dozen. Pre-order or take purchase in Amy's store locations Feb. 12, 13th & 14th.

Austin Cake Ball - Valentine's gift boxes. See online ordering page for pricing.

Viva Chocolato - Chocolate Truffles & gourmet wine pairing gift such as the Malbec and European Dark Truffle collection for $80.95.

Okay, that's all I can take of that. Truth is, I can't stand Valentine's Day. But, hey, all you romantic types, enjoy!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

New Year's Eve Dining Event Guide

So you don't have a significant other to kiss when the ball drops on New Year's Eve. You're a lightweight who passes out after two glasses of champagne. You don't have $500 to spend on a night out. You might as well just stay home on New Year's Eve, right? Wrong! Romance, drunkenness and debauchery aren't the only ways to celebrate New Year's Eve. This is the night when Austin's best chefs show off their talents by offering their most inspired tasting menus at fixed prices that are surprisingly within reach. Let the amateurs have their New Year's Eve crunk fest. You're about to have better plans.

Highball

Event: Party like it's 1961!

5 course meal with cocktails, live jazz, dancing and champagne toast at midnight.

Price: $120 per person includes 15% gratuity

Parkside

Event: 4 course dinner with optional wine pairing

Menu Features: braised lamb shanks with dried cherry couscous; gala apple diver scallops; sheep's milk ravioli

Price: $60 per person + $35 optional wine pairing

Restaurant Jezebel

Event: 5 course dinner; 2 Seatings 5:30 and 9:30

Menu Features: Maine lobster bisque with nutmeg oil & Johnny Walker black crème frâiche, Challah French toast with wild flower honey – lavender goat cheese, homemade cinnamon ice cream & Vermont maple syrup

Price: 5:30 seating: $89 per person; 9:30 seating $125 per person. Optional wine pairing $49

Bess Bistro

Event: 6 course menu

Menu Features: grilled Lockhart quail over butter pecan cornbread, "green eggs and ham" manchego over tenderloin, crispy prosciutto sunny side up quail egg and salsa verde

Price: $60 per person

Flemings

Event: 3 Night Event

Menu Features: Wagyu filet mignon and cold water lobster tail; Maine lobster and seafood

Price: $69.95 or $75.95

Shoreline Grill

Event: Prix fixe menu

Menu Features: Tuna tartare, seared scallops, pumpkin flan. Free glass of bubbly

Price: $50 per person

Primizie Osteria

Event: Prix fixe 2 seatings, 7:00 & 8:30

Menu Features: Gnocchi w/roasted butternut squash & sage brown butter. Chianti espresso braised beef. Tuscan yogurt cake w/meyer lemon marmalade, pomegranate & toasted almond gelato

Price: $45 per person

Olivia

Event: Special NYE menu

Menu Features: nebbiolo risotto, perigord winter black truffles, cippolini onion “gravy”, arugula (tba) “reef & beef”, tomato braised octopus, fresh herbs, veal marrow butter, pasta al ceppo, garlic-fried breadcrumbs; half duck a l’orange, herbed mashed potatoes, grand marnier gastrique

Price: A la carte

Hudsons on the Bend

Event: 5 course tasting menu

Menu Features: Lobster risotto and venison Wellington

Price: $125 per person

Trio at the Four Seasons

Event: Prix fixe menu 6-11pm with party in lobby to follow

Menu Features: Grilled quail, stuffed malpeque oysters, roasted suckling pig and roasted lobster.

Price: $95 per person

Paggi House

Event: Prix fixe tasting menu
Menu Features: Lobster cake, pork belly and foie gras terrine. Entrees beef tenderloin, coffee brined duck breast, short ribs with lobster crepes and lots of desserts.
Price: $75 per person

Lambert's

Event: Riverboat Casino Party 9pm-2am Open bar, buffet, casino

Menu Features: Buffet
Price: $135 per person

Stephen F's

Event: Live Music, Hors d’oeuvres, Mini Desserts and a Champagne Toast at Midnight

Menu Features: Assorted Hot and Cold Hors d’ oeuvres, An Extravagant Selection of Chef's Petit Desserts

Price: $50 per person

Alamo Ritz

Event: NYE Bash, The Apartment! 5 course menu

Menu Features: Lobster Rickshaw Boy, Garlic and valpolicella braised lamb shank atop spaghetti in a fresh tomato sauce with gremolada

Price: TBD

Phara's Fine Mediterranean Cuisine

Event: Prix fixe menu, live music, belly dancing, fire dancers and Phara herself.

Menu Features: Roasted lamb & mediterranean chicken BYOB
Price: $50 per person

Green Pastures

Event: Prix fixe tasting menu

Menu Features: Seared Duck Breast and Black Pepper-African Prawns with Apple-Brandy Jus Truffled Potatoes and Red Chili Cabbage, Winter Lamb Duet* Grilled Rack of Lamb, Candied Lemons, Guajillo Chutney and Peppermint Pesto Braised Lamb Shoulder Cassoulet with Edamame, Blackeye Peas, Garbanzo, White Beans, Rosemary, Roasted Garlic & Shiraz

Price: $50 per person

Asti Trattoria

Event: 3 course or 5 course tasting menu

Menu Features: Gnocchi Alla Romana, Braised Lamb Sugo & Vin Cotto Grilled Rack of Lamb Fregola, Escarole & Tomato Calabrese Currant & Pine Nut Salsa, Chiffon Mascarpone Cheesecake Red Wine Roasted Grapes & Sugared Rosemary

Price: 3 course: $55/person 5 course: $80/person

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Austin Dining Tour Guide: Best Bets For All Types of Guests

Most of us, regardless of where we live, feel a sense of ownership and pride in our city, especially when entertaining out-of-town guests. We want to show our visitors the best that our city has to offer. But that can mean different things to different people.

I discovered this recently when my son-in-law and his friend came to town for a brief one night stay. I wanted to impress them by taking them out for a great dinner, but I couldn't think of the perfect place. As I drove aimlessly down Lamar, they were getting weak and cranky from hunger, suggesting I stop anywhere that looked remotely like a restaurant, including Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. I ended up choosing Shoal Creek Saloon, and it couldn't have been a more perfect choice. Sipping beer on the patio and eating good ol' chicken fried steak gave them the quintessential Austin experience I was after.

I decided to do a little forward thinking, so the next time I'm required to entertain some out-of-towners, I'll know exactly where to take them. I've created a personalized dining tour guide geared toward several different fictional characters. I included possibilities for eating out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Maybe you'll recognize someone you know among these fake people. If so, you'll have some ideas on where to take them so they will leave Austin feeling satiated.